eHEPA vs. Standard Filters: Which is Better for Hygiene and Air Purification
In today’s hygiene-conscious world, the demand for safer, cleaner restroom environments is at an all-time high. Facility managers, architects, and specifiers are turning to advanced air filtration technologies in search of solutions that support both sanitation and sustainability. Among these, Excel Dryer’s Electrostatic HEPA (eHEPA®) filtration system stands out as a breakthrough innovation designed to elevate air purification in restrooms far beyond traditional methods.
But what sets eHEPA apart from standard filters—and why should facilities choose it for their air cleaning hand dryers? Let’s dive into the technology behind a HEPA hand dryer and the many benefits it offers for restroom hygiene technology.
See all of our Electrostatic HEPA hand dryer FAQs on our website.
Understanding the Role of Air Filtration in Hand Dryers
High-speed hand dryers with HEPA filters have gained popularity due to their ability to remove airborne particles, offering users a hygienic drying experience while helping reduce the spread of contaminants. In public and high-traffic environments, these filters serve as a barrier against airborne microbes that could otherwise circulate during use.
Standard HEPA hand dryer filters, typically made with borosilicate fiberglass media, have long been used in commercial devices. However, while effective, this HEPA filtration system is often fragile and prone to tearing, compromising long-term performance and durability.
As health and safety standards continue to rise, so too must the HEPA hand dryer filtration technologies we rely on in our restrooms in our air cleaning hand dryers.
What Is an eHEPA Filter?
Unlike conventional models, Excel Dryer’s eHEPA filtration systems are engineered using electrostatic microfiber technology. Constructed from polypropylene, a strong thermoplastic material, the eHEPA filter is both more durable and more effective than standard HEPA hand dryer options.
But it’s not just the construction that sets eHEPA apart, it’s the results. This advanced filter removes 99.999% of viruses and 99.97% of bacteria from the air passing through our XLERATOR® hand dryer models, making them an industry-leading choice in hygiene-focused environments that require a HEPA filter hand dryer.
Ideal for healthcare, education, government, and commercial facilities, these filters are integrated into all Excel Dryer models that include a HEPA filtration system, including the ThinAir® Hand Dryer, a surface-mounted solution that is ADA compliant and suitable for walkways with strict space requirements.
Key Differences Between eHEPA and Standard Air Filters
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eHEPA vs. HEPA |
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|
Feature |
Excel Dryer’s eHEPA Filter |
Standard HEPA Filter |
|
Filtration Material |
Electrically charged polypropylene |
Borosilicate fiberglass |
|
Filtration Efficiency |
99.999% of viruses, 99.97% of bacteria |
Up to 99.97% particles |
|
Durability |
Strong, impact-resistant thermoplastic |
Fragile, prone to tearing |
|
Filter Life |
Extended lifespan with prefilter |
Standard lifespan |
|
Air Cleaning |
Electrostatic attraction increases efficiency |
Passive filtration |
While both filter types serve a role in air purification for a hand dryer with a HEPA filter, eHEPA vs HEPA is not a close match when it comes to durability and efficiency. Excel’s eHEPA filtration systems offer a more robust, long-lasting option with lower maintenance demands compared to a standard HEPA hand dryer, essential qualities in today’s fast-paced facility environments.
Additionally, the integration of a prefilter helps prolong the life of the main eHEPA unit, further reducing service frequency and cost over time while providing your facility with the best air purification in restrooms.
Learn more about the benefits that eHEPA Filtration can provide your restroom in our Electrostatic HEPA video.
Excel Dryer’s Commitment to Clean Air and Hygiene
At Excel Dryer, we believe that hygiene and sustainability should go hand in hand which is why we want you to know the right hand dryer with a HEPA filter to install. Our restroom hygiene technology innovations are designed not only to keep users safe, but also to support long-term health goals, including green building certifications.
That’s why our hand dryers with eHEPA filtration systems are:
- Work With WELL Certified compliant, making them ideal for architects and designers looking to meet wellness design standards
- LEED credit contributing, helping facility managers reach energy and environmental goals
- Made in the USA, with filters sourced from Columbus Industries, a trusted U.S.-based manufacturer
Our air cleaning hand dryers are also backed by transparent data. Independent LMS testing confirms that the XLERATOR Hand Dryer with eHEPA filtration exceeds traditional hygiene standards, offering unmatched protection in the modern restroom.
The Final Word on eHEPA vs HEPA: Go Beyond Standard Air Filters
When it comes to air purification in restrooms, the differences between standard HEPA hand dryer filters and Excel Dryer’s eHEPA filtration systems are clear. From superior filtration performance to enhanced durability and compliance with wellness certifications, eHEPA represents a powerful step forward in hygiene-first design.
Whether you’re specifying for a school, hospital, stadium, or government building, upgrading to an Excel Dryer hand dryer with an eHEPA filter is a smart investment in public health and peace of mind.