PollenRelief.com Blog 3/24/2010
Posted on 3/24/2010 by Dan Lanpher
Commonly Asked Questions
Each spring I field many questions about the Safeguard Window Filter. I would like to take the opportunity to address some of them here, as I'm sure many of you have these same questions. Today I will tackle 2 very common questions. "Can I wash the Safeguard Window Filter?" and, "what particulate size can it filter out?"
Washing the Safeguard Window Filter:
In short the answer is No, don't do it, especially if you suffer from allergies. The filter media has the potential to shrink when it dries, which can create gaps around the edges of the filter. What can you do to help extend the life of your window filter? The only thing we recommend (besides a replacement filter cartridge) is to vacuum the unit. This will help remove some of the larger particulate matter from the outside of the window filter and help increase airflow. As you use the filter the pores will start to fill up, progressively increasing the filters efficiency (meaning the filter is blocking more particles). This is because less and less air is able to get through.
One note of warning: If you are highly allergic, you may want to vacuum the unit outside and at least wear a dust mask. Remember, what you are vacuuming off, is what was filtered out!
Particulate Size?
I get asked this question a lot. The reason I believe is because HEPA filters are rated by particulate size and people want a comparison between HEPA filters and ours. Unfortunately we have not tested our filter based on the HEPA standards. However our filter is tested for the most common type of allergen - Giant Ragweed Pollen (an industry standard test). In regards to particulate size, Giant Ragweed Pollen falls between 14 and 18 microns. At that level, our filter (as of the last test) was rated at 98.8% efficient for removing Giant Ragweed Particles. Now, will the Safeguard Window Filter be effective with particulate size under the 14 microns? Logically, yes it will, however it has not been tested and therefore we cannot make any claims about it. Another question we get in relation to particulate size is: Why didn't you use a HEPA filter? Our answer is because HEPA filters are so fine they require a forced airflow to function. The Safeguard Window Filter uses a passive air exchange and if we were to use HEPA rated materials no air would pass through. There is a trade off between airflow and filtration and we feel our current solution is the perfect combination.