Smoke particles from a natural source are 0.01 – 0.1 microns in size. To filter out 99.9% of these, you need a higher-than-standard level of HEPA. All HEPA are not all the same.
Wildfire smoke contains many dangerous particulates.
My advice is to create a clean room (any room you hang out in) by using plastic and tape.
Just run your purifier on high for an hour or so, then lower it.
Then just wait it out. The air smells clean and pure. Works for us.
My post on the 3 best air purifiers review is here.
Which HEPA level?
For smoke, even with hospital grade (H14), you will not get it all, but you will get most of it. The unit you see here has that and more.
With H13, you are still getting the great majority, and you can find that in my main review post linked above.
With H12 and H11, you are going to be smelling the smoke somewhat, but it’s far better.
Read the review I wrote on the 3 best air purifiers today. Pricey, but worth it.
The best air purifiers on the market are what is called “true HEPA.” This means they filter 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 micron in size in the first time the air passes through the filter.
Say goodbye to:
- dust and pollen
- mold, mildew, and fungal spores
- pet dander and dust mite poop (what makes you react)
- wildfire smoke, soot
- engine exhaust and tobacco, and other smoke
- most bacteria and viruses