Selecting an Air Purifier for use in Aged Care Facilities

Air filtration has become a key line of defence in providing airborne control of SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare.

Many aged care facilities and hospitals across Australia have invested in air purifiers to reduce the airborne spread of the virus.

The science is clear when it comes to purifying the air. A German study at Goethe University in Frankfurt found in a room with all the doors and windows closed, air purifiers reduced the number of aerosol particles present by 90% in less than 30 minutes.

Speaking with Nicholas Kraus, the Managing Director of InovaAir Australia, an Australian air purifier manufacturer on the Central Coast of NSW, we asked what’s important when selecting an air purifier in healthcare facilities?

What type of air purifiers should be used?

When selecting an air purifier in commercial environments including resident and staff areas, it’s important to get a system that includes an H13 medical-grade HEPA filter, is designed to run 24/7, and is engineered for commercial environments.

This is where the filter is made from paper with airtight seals. HEPA paper is used in medical applications because it guarantees the same high efficiency for the life of the filter which is typically up to 3 years.

Synthetic filters commonly found in the majority of consumer brand home air purifiers only last around 6 months before the efficiency of the filter starts to reduce. These types of air purifiers are better suited to dust & allergen removal rather than filtering viruses.

Where should air purifiers be operated?

Resident rooms, common areas and staff rooms. They are designed to operate 24/7 and portability is key to allow for systems to be quickly mobilised to where they are needed most, eg, where an outbreak is located.

Are air purifiers suited to daily surface disinfection?

Important consideration should be given to the construction materials of an air purifier. Not only should the air purifier be compatible with ethanol-based alcohol disinfectants, but the exterior casing should also avoid crevices around the air intakes and discharge vents that could harbour viruses and bacteria, making the system difficult to disinfect.

Why choose InovaAir?

InovaAir® purifiers only use medical-grade HEPA filters, providing up to 3 years between changes and guaranteed efficiency for the life of the filter. Unlike some of the cheaper plastic alternatives, InovaAir uses powder-coated aluminium construction making them well suited to commercial environments where disinfection is regularly required.

InovaAir is proudly Australian-made and owned on the Central Coast of NSW for over 19 years.

For further information visit www.airclean.com.au or call 1300 137 244.