What Is HEPA 14?
HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air. HEPA filters use a dense mat of randomly arranged fibers to trap particles through three mechanisms:- Interception — Particles following an airstream come within one radius of a fiber and adhere to it
- Impaction — Larger particles cannot follow the airstream around fibers and collide directly
- Diffusion — The smallest particles move erratically (Brownian motion) and eventually contact a fiber
HEPA Grade Comparison
HEPA 14 vs. Standard HEPA
The difference between HEPA 13 (standard HEPA) and HEPA 14 is significant:
In practical terms, HEPA 14 lets through 10 times fewer particles than standard HEPA at the most penetrating particle size.
Why “HEPA-Type” Is Not HEPA
Many budget air purifiers advertise “HEPA-type” or “HEPA-style” filters. These are not true HEPA filters and are not tested to any recognized standard. A HEPA-type filter may capture only 85-95% of particles at 0.3 microns, compared to HEPA 14’s 99.995%. This means a HEPA-type filter lets through 100 to 1,000 times more particles than a HEPA 14 filter. When evaluating an air purifier, look for a specific HEPA grade (H11 through H14) and a reference to the EN 1822 or equivalent testing standard. Note that “True HEPA” is a marketing term that usually means HEPA 13, not HEPA 14 — see HEPA 14 vs. True HEPA for the full breakdown.The AirPro’s HEPA 14 Filter
The AirPro’s HEPA 14 filter includes two additional features beyond standard HEPA 14 media:- Antibacterial Coating — Prevents bacteria and mold from growing on the filter surface over time. Without this coating, captured biological particles can multiply on the filter and eventually release back into the air.
- Antimicrobial Layer — An additional protective layer that provides a second line of defense against microbial growth within the filter assembly.
What HEPA 14 Captures
Related: HEPA 14 vs. True HEPA · Best HEPA 14 Air Purifier · How It Works · UV-C Sterilization · Filter Replacement Guide

