Comparison: The RPS 600S vs. Portable HEPA Air Purifiers

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There are many portable air purifiers on the market, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Distinguishing good air purifiers from poor quality ones is difficult in the broad spectrum of the air cleaner market. To narrow down the field for comparison, we will compare the RPS 600S portable air purifier system to other medical-grade air purifiers.

What qualifies an air purifier to be medical-grade

A medical-grade air purifier is best described by its ability to capture AND purify the air. Most HEPA air purifiers you may see online are essentially only a fan with a filter; while this is better than nothing, it does not qualify the air purifier to be medical-grade.

The clean air delivery rate (CADR) is a phrase commonly used when speaking of the effectiveness of an air purifier. However, most companies that use this acronym never speak of the CADR after months of use and the drop-off of effectiveness.

Using the RPS 600S as the baseline; this multi-stage air purifier utilizes a pre-filter, electrostatic precipitator collection cell, volatile organic compound VOC or activated carbon filter, dual ultra-violet light (UV) in conjunction with a photocatalytic filter (which create a PCO reaction), and a negative ion generator (optional to use).

A combination of this nature allows the air purifier to effectively capture large and small particulates, and disinfects or destroys them (with UV PCO reaction). In the RPS 600S's case, up to 99.99% of particulates and/or viruses.

Why use an electronic air purifier (RPS 600S) vs HEPA

The biggest drawback of an electronic cell compared to a HEPA filter is that when the cell’s collection plates begin to fill up with airborne particles, its effectiveness begins to decay until the cell is cleaned. Is that a bad thing? No, regular maintenance is necessary for ALL air purification systems to maintain effectiveness. HEPA filters are no exception; the difference being however when HEPA filters become full with particulates it actually blocks up reducing airflow by a great deal.

Reducing airflow means the other stages of the air purifier will not be utilized as much. While a neglected electronic cell may not collect particulates because it hasn’t been regularly maintained, the air still flows and other stages (such as the activated carbon filter, and ultra-violet UV lights) continues to work.

Worse than that, some medical-grade brands of portable HEPA air purifiers do not have a pre-filter, and particulates go directly to the HEPA filter. Pre-filters are important for two reasons; 1. It extends usage and effectiveness of the main filter or cell, and 2. Pre-filters are typically reusable after vacuuming occasionally.

Electronic Cell of the RPS 600S

Generic HEPA Replacement Filter

Electronic air purifiers do not cost more to operate

Power costs of medical air purifiers are typically close in high-end air purifiers because they also power other aspects of the air purifier such as ultraviolet UV light. Long-term operating costs of the RPS 600S compared to HEPA air purifiers are actually less because individuals fail to factor in replacement costs of filters. High-quality true HEPA filters can be costly to replace, whereas an electronic cell is permanent and only needs to be washed.

Which air purifier is better for large rooms

Look to the CFM of the air purifier to determine which is better for indoor air pollution in large rooms of varying square feet. The Air Changes Per Hour (ACH) is a common measurement used in determining how many times the air will cycle through the air purifier in a given hour. You can visit our Air Changes Per Hour (ACH) Calculator by clicking here.

The RPS 600S features a high-speed CFM of 450 which is higher than leading models of a similar size and price. This ensures pollutants such as dust pollen, pet dander, viruses, germs, and more are drawn to the air purifier in small and large spaces alike. If you are looking to specifically purchase a HEPA air purifier, double-check its CFM speeds and recommended filter replacement to make sure the unit is able to satisfy your needs.

Which air purifier type is better

After understanding the pros and cons of both types of air purifiers, know that your air purifier is an investment for the long run. HEPA air purifiers may require less maintenance, but typically after a few months of use it’s the effectiveness is lowered before its due filter replacement. However, regardless of the choice, any medical-grade air purifier is recommended vs none!