What is a HEPA Filter in a Vacuum (and Do You Really Need One?)

2025-05-12

DEBBOT robot vacuum cleaning the edge of the wall

If you suffer from allergies, asthma, or respiratory conditions, or you simply want to create a cleaner, healthier home, you may have come across vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters. But do you really need one? While HEPA filters excel at trapping tiny allergens, many vacuum cleaners, including robot vacuums with advanced filtration systems, already provide excellent dust, pollen, pet dander and mold control.

What is a HEPA Filter in a Vacuum Cleaner?

In Australia, the AS 4260-1997 standard states that a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter in a vacuum cleaner is a dense, specialised filter that captures at least 99.97% of airborne particles, including fine dust, allergens and bacteria, as small as 0.3 microns. They’re commonly used in hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical and even nuclear facilities.

So, how does it work in vacuum cleaners? HEPA filters trap tiny particles as air passes through the vacuum’s filtration system, then lock them in a container without recirculating them back into the air. As a result, they enhance the efficiency of vacuuming with fewer airborne particles remain.

Today, filtration systems vary across vacuum cleaner models. The EN1822 standard defines EPA, HEPA, and ULPA filters, while the EN 779 standard focuses on medium and fine filters.

While HEPA filters are the gold standard, many vacuums with medium to EPA filters can still highly effective in reducing allergens and fine dust for most homes. Some advanced vacuums further come with antibacterial filters for killing germs and dust filters for capturing pet hair and odour control. Here’s a quick comparison:

Group	Filter Class	Efficiency (EN 779 / EN1822; ISO 16890)
G: Coarse Filters	G1	<10% (0.4 µm); ePM10 <50%
	G2	10%–20% (0.4 µm); ePM10 <50%
	G3	20%–30% (0.4 µm); ePM10 50%–60%
	G4	30%–40% (0.4 µm); ePM10 60%–70%
M: Medium Filters	M5	40%–60% (0.4 µm); ePM10 50%–65%
M: Medium Filters	M6	60%–80% (0.4 µm); ePM10 65%–80%
F: Fine Filters	F7	>80% (0.4 µm); ePM1 50%–65%
	F8	>90% (0.4 µm); ePM1 65%–80%
	F9	>95% (0.4 µm); ePM1 80%–90%
E: EPA Filters (Efficient Particulate Air filter)	E10	≥ 85% (0.3 µm); ePM1 ~85%
	E11	≥ 95% (0.3 µm); ePM1 ~95%
	E12	≥ 99.5% (0.3 µm); ePM1 ~99.5%
H: HEPA Filters (High Efficiency Particulate Air filter)	H13	≥ 99.95% (0.3 µm); ePM1 ~99.95%
H: HEPA Filters (High Efficiency Particulate Air filter)	H14	≥ 99.995% (0.3 µm); ePM1 ~99.995%
U: ULPA Filters (Ultra Low Penetration Air filter)	U15	≥99.9995% (0.3 µm); ePM1 ~99.9995%.
	U16	≥99.99995% (0.3 µm); ePM1 ~99.99995%
	U17	≥99.999995% (0.3 µm); ePM1 ~99.999995%

Benefits of HEPA Filters in Vacuum Cleaners

Vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters improve respiratory health by trapping tiny allergens, dust mites, and bacteria. They are great for homes with pets, reducing odours and airborne particles, and they improve overall air quality, creating a healthier, safer environment for allergy sufferers, asthmatics, and families with young children.
deebot robot vacuum vacuuming in bathroom

Better Respiratory Health

HEPA filters benefits those suffering with respiratory conditions by removing particles that can trigger asthma attacks, allergic reactions, or respiratory irritation. For sensitive individuals, this means less sneezing, coughing, and fewer flare-ups.

Household dust usually comes from a mix of outdoor dirt brought in on shoes and clothes, dead skin cells, textile fibres, and even pollen that drifts in through windows. Regular vacuuming can keep the environment free of these airborne particles and help contributes to the family’s well-being.

Allergen Reduction

Featuring layers of dense filters, vacuum with HEPA filter is designed to remove and capture common micron particles that trigger allergy reactions. They ensure these allergens are trapped and not circulated back into the air, therefore reducing exposure and minimising allergy symptoms.

With regular and thorough use, these vacuum cleaners help maintain a cleaner and allergen-free surrounding.

Captures Fine Particles

Tiny particles such as dust mites and bacteria can slip past regular filters. HEPA filters, on the other hand, captures microscopic threats and even some viruses. Vacuum cleaners with these antibacterial filters can truly provide an extra layer of protection, which is beneficial for elderly family members, children, shedding pets or anyone with compromised immunity.

Improved Indoor Air Quality

By filtering airborne particles, these vacuums with HEPA filter reduce the presence of allergens and irritants, and also prevent the recirculation of captured particles, ensuring they are trapped and not released back into the air. By doing so, it improves the indoor air quality and contributes to a cleaner and healthier living environment.

Effective With Pets

Pet owners can consider vacuums with HEPA filters a good addition to home cleaning. If you have pets with long hair like collies, golden retrievers and shepherd, these powerful vacuums not only capture visible pet hair but also remove microscopic pet dander, saliva particles, and associated allergens. They are the main reasons for cat allergies.

When paired with antibacterial and smell-controlled filters, they even help neutralise pet smells and maintain a fresher home, making your home more inviting.

Do You Need a Vacuum with HEPA Filter?

You don’t always need a vacuum with a HEPA filter, but make sure your device has a strong filtration system to capture fine dust and allergens effectively. HEPA filters become essential if you or your family suffer from severe allergies, asthma, or sensitivities. For most homes, advanced multi-layer filtration does the job well.

For instance, many DEEBOT robot vacuum models use multi-layer systems with F9 and E11 filters, capturing 95–99% of particles like pet hair, dust, and bacteria. Plus, they often include activated carbon to neutralise odours or antibacterial agents to kill germs. With consistent maintenance and timely replacement, vacuums with these antibacterial and dust filters are excellent options for improving living environment without the added cost of HEPA ones.

Best DEEBOT Models with Advanced Filtration Systems

DEEBOT X8 PRO OMNI

For pet owners dealing with fine dust and hair, DEEBOT X8 PRO OMNI features a multi-layer filtration system with antibacterial protection and a high-performance, washable M6 filter net. Powered by an Ultra-High-Speed Fan Motor, its 18,000 Pa suction¹is enhanced by ZeroTangle 2.0 Anti-Tangle Technology, which uses a 45-degree V-shaped spiral brush and V-shaped comb teeth to save you from pulling hair out of the roller.

As a robot vacuum and mop combo, the OZMO ROLLER Instant Self-Washing Mopping System sets it apart and scrub at 200 RPM to eliminate fine dust and stains, while delivering fresh water through 16 spray nozzles to keep the mop head clean and hygienic.

Shop DEEBOT X8 PRO OMNI Now

DEEBOT T50 MAX PRO OMNI

DEEBOT T50 MAX PRO OMNI comes with an antibacterial multi-layer filtration with a washable F9 fine filter net. Featuring BLAST (Boosted Large-Airflow Suction Technology), a revolutionary system that optimises airflow and suction using a 100W high-torque motor and low-resistance design, its airflow rate reaches 16.3 liters per second. Combining 18,500Pa suction power², it achieves 100% pickup of large particles³ and improves carpet dust removal efficiency by 80%⁴.

Have a big family with pets and kids? Its AIVI 3D 3.0 Omni-Approach system saves you from having to pre-clean the room before running the auto vacuum. Powered by a Vision-Language Model, it intelligently detects obstacles and cleans tightly along their edges for comprehensive coverage.

Shop DEEBOT T50 MAX PRO OMNI Now

DEEBOT T50 PRO OMNI

Designed for tight spaces and busy lifestyle, DEEBOT T50 PRO OMNI has a sleek profile at just 3.19-inch in height, making it perfect for cleaning hard-to-reach areas like under the couch. It includes a washable, antibacterial F9-level fine filter that efficiently captures household dust and airborne allergens. This model further complete the hands-free experience with an upgraded OMNI Station, which handles automated emptying, 158°F hot water mop-washing, detergent refills, and 113°F hot air drying. Paired with a fully embedded dToF LiDAR and 3D structured light cameras, this pet-friendly robot can thoroughly clean even in dim conditions without any manual intervention.

Shop DEEBOT T50 PRO OMNI Now

Considerations When Choosing a Vacuum with HEPA Filters

Looking to invest in a vacuum that can improve air quality? Make sure to check the filtration system, maintenance requirements and noise level. Of course, remember to take budget into consideration.

Filtration System

When buying a vacuum with advanced filters, start by evaluating the filtration system. Different filter grades represent how many airborne particles they can effectively capture; depending on your needs, if you have long hair or are susceptible to allergies, you may want to pick vacuums equipped with higher-grade filters.

On top of that, some vacuum cleaners offer multiple filtration layers or anti-odour features, which help keep your home fresh and clean.

Maintenance and Filter Replacement

Regular cleaning and maintenance are recommended to keep your vacuum working at its best. At least once a month, remove the filters to wash them (if they’re washable) or replace them with new ones. The more polluted the surrounding, the more frequently you’ll need to deep clean. Besides, you should empty the dustbins, untangle the brush rolls, and wipe down the exterior to prolong the device’s lifespan.

Too busy to keep track? Smart vacuums can monitor internal parts and send alerts when replacements or maintenance are required, and you can even order parts directly from the app.

Noise

In general, filters work more effectively when paired with vacuum cleaners that have strong suction power, as sufficient airflow helps maximise filtration performance. However, powerful suction can sometimes mean louder noise, which raises concerns with babies or light sleepers.

The good news is that many modern models now provide quiet modes. For example, DEEBOT X8 PRO OMNI operates at just 63 dBA, roughly the level of a casual conversation. Alternatively, you can schedule cleaning when you’re away or set no-go zones to avoid disturbing baby rooms during naps.

Budget

Vacuums with HEPA filters are typically more expensive than regular models due to the specialised materials and the need for more frequent filter replacements. To balance cost and performance, vacuum cleaners equipped with fine filters can be just as effective for many households.

FAQ

What is the difference between a vacuum and a HEPA vacuum?

A vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter can capture at least 99.97% of tiny particles, such as dust and allergens, whereas regular vacuums may only trap larger debris and allow smaller pollutants to pass through.

What happens if my vacuum does not have a HEPA filter?

Without a HEPA filter, your vacuum may release fine dust and allergens back into the air, reducing its effectiveness in improving indoor air quality, especially for allergy sufferers.

Do I need a HEPA vacuum if I have an air purifier?

While air purifiers clean airborne pollutants, they don’t handle dust and allergens that settle on floors and furniture. A vacuum cleaner with an advanced filter complements an air purifier by removing settled particles.

What’s the difference between dust filters and HEPA filters in vacuum cleaners?

Dust filters capture larger debris like hair and coarse dust, while HEPA filters trap much finer particles such as pollen, bacteria, and microscopic allergens, providing superior air purification.

Can you add a HEPA filter in any vacuum?

Not all vacuums are designed to accommodate HEPA filters. Always check your vacuum’s compatibility and manufacturer’s recommendations before attempting to upgrade or replace filters.

Disclaimer(s):

18,000Pa: This data comes from ECOVACS laboratory. The suction power of DEEBOT X8 PRO OMNI can reach 18,000Pa.
18,500Pa: This data comes from ECOVACS laboratory. The suction power of DEEBOT T50 MAX PRO OMNI can reach 18,500Pa.
100% large particles pick up rate: This data comes from ECOVACS laboratory.
Cleaning efficiency of fine dust in carpet enhances by 80%: This data comes from ECOVACS laboratory.

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