Are Air Purifiers Good for Preventing COVID-19?

Most, if not all, people have probably adjusted to the new normal after almost two years of dealing with COVID-19. Standard safety protocols include regular hand-washing, wearing masks, and practicing social distancing, as advised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). All have helped in minimizing the risks of COVID-19 spread through droplet transmission.

However, the World Health Organization (WHO) also noted that aside from droplet transmissions, it's possible to pass on the virus through airborne transmissions, allowing the particles to linger in the air for prolonged periods. This makes it possible for the virus to be spread greater distances for longer spans of time, which can defeat the purpose of social distancing, hand-washing, and self-isolating in the first place. 

So, aside from following minimum prescribed health standards, what else can we do to minimize the risk of airborne transmissions, especially in the comfort of our own homes? How can you protect yourself from COVID-19?

Can Air Purifiers Protect You from COVID-19?

Since the beginning of the pandemic, we’ve had to spend more time at home. We’re in confined spaces and perhaps in closer proximity to more people than normal. And with the new Omicron variant, we’ve had to backtrack a little. Numbers are on the rise once again, and in some ways, we’re slipping right back to where we were at the very beginning of the pandemic.

We should be safe in our homes. However, what many of us don’t realize is that our own homes actually have poor air quality, especially when the area isn't well-ventilated. One simple change in your house can make all the difference in the world. That change? Introducing an air purifying device.

But what exactly should you look for in this type of technology? And importantly, how can an air purifier protect you from COVID-19? Let’s get into the specifics a bit more.

What You Should Look for in an Air Purifier

Not all air purifiers are created equally and can prevent the spread of COVID-19, so it's vital to choose the right kind. For example, a medical-grade HEPA 13 filter is a must. The COVID-19 virus is 0.125 microns in size. And HEPA 13 filters — like the one Sans uses — remove 99.95% of particles as small as 0.1 microns in size. This means that an air purifier like Sans is capable of catching most of the particles that cause COVID-19.

Does having an air purifier in your home mean that you can abandon other health protocols? No. But in addition to regular hand-washing, social distancing, and cleaning your home frequently, it can be an incredibly strong ally, keeping you and your loved ones safer inside.

What Else Do You Need to Know About Air Purification?

A HEPA 13 filter is a good start, but we can do better. When it comes to the air purifier you go with, it pays to be picky. Added layers of protection are non-negotiable and can further protect you from COVID-19.

The Sans technology uses a three-stage filtration system. When the air in your home first goes through Sans, it hits the pre-filter. This captures larger pollutants such as hair and dust particles so that the successive layers can focus on doing their jobs better. In a nutshell, it gets the “big stuff” out of the way. After, the air hits the HEPA 13 filter, which does the lion’s share of the work and catches viruses, bacteria, and allergens.

Important note: Washable HEPA 13 filters are not the better option. There’s a greater risk of re-exposing yourself to all of the nasty stuff the filter removed in the first place. (Imagine handling a filter that has the COVID-19 virus particles lurking in it.) When it’s time to change it, throw it in the trash and opt for a replacement filter! This ensures that (a) the purifier continues functioning as expected, and (b) you don’t come into contact with any dangerous contaminants.

Next up is the activated carbon filter. This layer neutralizes volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde and lots of other nasty chemicals that come from everyday household items like cleaning products, personal care products, fabrics, and furniture. This step also removes any unwanted odors to give you nothing but clean, pure, and fresh air.

The last step is the UV-C light, which only affects the other layers inside the unit. By this point, Sans has already trapped mold, viruses, and bacteria, removing them from your breathing air. The UV-C light neutralizes these pathogens so that they won’t come back out of the air purifier. They also can’t grow back on the other filters and make you sick.

What Does it All Mean?

All of this is to say that the solution to cleaner air needs to be a holistic one. With Sans’ three layers of purification plus the pulses of UV-C light at the end of it all, you’re protected from all angles. Remove any one of these components, and the quality of the air you breathe is going to be significantly impacted.

We know that the last couple of years have triggered a lot of fear and uncertainty. But know that while we can’t control everything, there are things you can do to protect yourself and your family. Wear your mask when you go out, avoid people who may be infected, wash your hands religiously, avoid large gatherings, and equip your home to provide cleaner air.

Ready to take the next step in keeping COVID-19 out of your home? Shop with Sans today.