Air Purifier with Permanent Washable Filter: The 5 Best HEPA

In a world where indoor air quality matters more than ever, finding the perfect air purifier becomes a priority. Introducing the ultimate solution: air purifier with washable filter. These innovative marvels not only capture harmful particles but also offer the convenience of reusable filters, saving you time and money in the long run.

Plenty of us has heard about the benefits of having an air purifier. However, unless you’ve researched them, you may not know why having a quality air purifier is important for protecting your respiratory health. Of course, all air purifiers aren’t created equal. In this comprehensive consumer guide, I’ll be discussing  HEPA air purifiers with permanent filters, which are, in my opinion, the gold standard for air purification.

The Top 5 HEPA Air Purifiers With Permanent Washable Filters – Reviews

There’s much to consider when buying a HEPA air purifier with a permanent, washable filter. I compiled this list of the top five based on researching and testing several models from the best brands.

I looked at numerous factors with the aim of providing you with a diverse selection of the best choices available, so you can make an informed decision and pick the right air purifier that fits your lifestyle choices.

My Top Pick is –  Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier

The Winix 5500-2 is my top pick for the best HEPA air purifier with a permanent, washable filter. From the moment I unboxed this air purifier, I fell in love (yes, you can fall in love with an air purifier!). As well as its aesthetically pleasing, sleek good looks, its performance didn’t disappoint.  

It has some great features, including odor control and sleep mode functionality.

However, it is designed for small to medium-sized rooms, so if you have a large room, you might want to consider one of the other models I’ve reviewed.

5 Best HEPA Air Purifiers with Permanent Washable Filters

Below you’ll find a chart that lists my top five with some basic information; if you have the time, I suggest reading my full reviews. However, if you are in a rush, each of these HEPA air purifiers with permanent washable filters will serve you well.

1) Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier

As I previously mentioned, this is my number one pick. This sleek, all-black air purifier will blend into just about any decor, and it has several high-tech features. This model is an especially good choice if you’re concerned about pet or cooking odors, as it’s optimized for odor control, too.

I’ve got a pet dog and got used to the smell around the house, but friends who have visited since I’ve been using the Winix 5500-2 have described the air quality as much less doggy!

The Winix 5500-2 is advertised as a True HEPA filter. While it may sound like this means it’s an enhanced version of a HEPA filter, “True HEPA” is a marketing term–it simply means that the machine meets the HEPA standard of filtering out 99.97% of 0.3-micron particles. I was pleased to find its washable filter is made of carbon, making it both lightweight and exceptionally strong.

This machine also uses PlasmaWave technology to break down odors and allergens. By working in conjunction with HEPA filtering technology, this feature really did a good job of keeping my home’s air clean and odor-free.

I also appreciated that you could manually switch between four fan speeds. And if you typically turn down an air filter before bed, you won’t need to do so with this machine–its optional sleep mode responds to the ambient lighting in a room and will turn to a near-silent speed. I’m a reasonably light sleeper, but running this air purifier in my room didn’t affect my sleep patterns.

It also has a filter indicator, which lets you know when it’s nearing time to change the filter. Something I would be sure to forget without this feature.

Key Features

My Final Verdict

I found plenty to like about the Winix 5500-2, from its sleek look that allows it to blend in with any decor to its high-tech features, such as the Plasmawave Technology that got rid of my dog Buster’s distinctive odor! 

And running it at night without messing with my sleep was another plus. Really, I can’t recommend this air purifier enough.

My Rating: 5/5

2) Coway Airmega 300 Air Purifier

If you want to keep the air clean in a larger room, this air purifier with washable filter would be my top choice–it’s rated for rooms up to 1,256 square feet. 

It also has a somewhat unique feature of two separate filters. One filter is a true HEPA filter but includes a pre-filter. This pre-filter catches larger dust particles, so your HEPA filter likely won’t need to be cleaned as often. Anything to save time or extra work is good for me, and I am pretty sure most of you agree. 

Like many modern HEPA air purifiers, this filter also includes activated carbon. In addition to the HEPA standard for particle removal, this filter also works to neutralize organic compounds and fumes.

This filter is also good for real-time monitoring of your home’s air quality. It features an LED ring that will use color to indicate air quality. It has four potential air quality readings: good, moderate, unhealthy, and very unhealthy. I have an app on my phone that is supposed to do something similar, but this built-in feature is much more convenient.

It gave me the choice of controlling the fan speed manually and using Smart Mode. This mode senses air quality and adjusts the fan speed accordingly.

Because it’s designed for larger rooms, this filter also has an impressive efficiency feature. Rather than pulling in air from one side of the unit, this one draws in air from both sides and pushes the filtered air through the top of the unit. 

And like many HEPA air purifiers, it has an indicator that lets you know when each filter needs to be removed and cleaned.

Key Features

My Final Verdict

This is another terrific air purifier, especially if you need it for a large room. Coway has done a great job making it extremely efficient by designing it to pull in the air from both sides of the device.

Being able to read the air quality from the built-in LED color, I thought, was a useful addition.

From my testing, I would rate this model one of the best large room purifiers on the market, so it gets the thumbs up from me. 

My Rating: 4.8/5

3) Blue Pure 211+ Air Purifier

Blueair, a giant in the HEPA filter industry, makes this air purifier. It has a modern two-tone appearance, and it’s rated for rooms up to 540 square feet. Independent tests have shown that this purifier can filter the air in a medium to large room up to five times per hour.

While I haven’t got any room in my house that is over 500 square feet (I wish), I found it performed exceptionally in the largest room in my house with ease. 

For such a large model, I was impressed with the quiet-running filter, and as it is Energy Star certified, I know that I won’t get any unwanted surprises when the bills arrive.

It filters large volumes of air per hour by taking in air from all sides, which is somewhat of a rarity in air purifiers.

If you want your air purifier to match your decor, this is also a great choice. You can purchase pre-filters in several different colors. These pre-filters are visible on the unit’s exterior, and they let you give your purifier a personalized touch. While I thought this was a bit gimmicky at first, I’ve actually come around to the idea; it’s fun and quirky.

One potential downside to this air purifier is that you can’t switch off the light indicator when it’s running. I didn’t run this Blue Pure model in my bedroom, but I guess you’d have to cover the indicator up with a strip of cloth if you are sensitive to light.  

Key Features

My Final Verdict

Blueair is a big name in the air purifier market, so I expected a quality device, and that’s exactly what I got. While it doesn’t appeal as much as the first two models on my list, it comes in at a respectable third place, so well worth adding to your shortlist.

My Rating: 4.5/5

4) Honeywell AirGenius 6 Air Purifier

This high-tech, column-style filter is more affordable than many on my list, and its compact size makes it a great option for smaller living spaces. It’s rated for rooms up to 260 square feet, and it can filter the air in a room of this size up to five times per hour.

One of the most attractive features I found with this air purifier is its ability to be customized. It can be controlled with an app that connects to the purifier via Bluetooth. I’m not the most technical guy, but I found it a breeze to use.

The app let me manually set cleaning levels, but I could allow the device to adjust automatically based on air quality. 

The app also lets you pre-program air cleaning schedules. For instance, I set it to clean at a high fan speed while at work and then set it to a quieter level when I came home.

The app also sent regular alerts and updates on my air quality, even if pollen and other allergens are high in the outdoor areas near where I live.

It’s worth mentioning that while the HEPA filter doesn’t need to be replaced, the odor-neutralizing pre-filter is not washable. However, it only needs to be replaced every three months, making maintenance fairly easy to keep up with.

Key Features

My Final Verdict

A compact air purifier at an affordable price with a simple-to-use Bluetooth app, what’s not to like? If you have a small apartment and are on a budget, the Honeywell AirGenius 6 would be my recommendation. 

My Rating: 4.5/5

5) Hamilton Beach TrueAir Air Purifier

A dependable and economical alternative for enhancing the air quality in your home or office is the Hamilton Beach TrueAir Air Purifier. This air purifier delivers effective air cleansing, simple maintenance, and a small footprint that fits into any room thanks to its permanent HEPA-grade filter and adaptable design.

Equipped with a permanent HEPA-grade filter, the Hamilton Beach TrueAir effectively captures 99% of pet dander, pollen, and airborne particles as small as 3 microns. This high-performance filter ensures that the air you breathe is free from allergens and contaminants, creating a healthier and more comfortable environment.

The TrueAir Air Purifier’s permanent filter, which does not require regular replacement, is one of its distinguishing advantages. Instead, you may quickly clean the filter with a vacuum, which will ultimately save you time and money. The TrueAir is a hassle-free option for people looking for an affordable air purifying solution thanks to its low-maintenance design.

Not to forget its ultra-quite operation, in which you can ensure a peaceful undistracted environment. So, it is the choice when a silent setting is required (in your work place or if you want to sleep with no noises around you.)

It is advised to use the Hamilton Beach TrueAir Air Purifier in spaces up to 160 square feet. This air purifier effectively cleans the air in areas that range in size from a tiny bedroom to a large living room.

Key Features

My Final Verdict

Overall, if you are looking for an affordable air purifier with efficient air cleaning capabilities, easy maintenance, and quiet operation, the Hamilton Beach TrueAir Air Purifier can be a suitable choice. However, if you have specific air quality requirements or need advanced features, you may want to explore other options on the market. Consider your needs, room size, and budget before making a final decision.

My Rating: 4.5/5

What is a HEPA Air Purifier?

HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. The “particulate” in the name refers to their ability to filter out particles in the air that measure 0.3 microns. To be designated as a HEPA filter, a given air filter has to be able to trap 99.97 percent of all 0.3-micron particles.

See Also:

• The Most Energy Efficient Air Purifiers – Buying Guide and Reviews
• The Best Air Purifier for COPD – Buying Guide and Reviews
• The Best Air Purifiers for Mold Spores – Unbiased Reviews
• The Best Air Purifier for Construction Dust
• The Best Air Purifier for Formaldehyde

But why is the 0.3-micron measurement so important? At this size, the particles we breathe in can be absorbed into the bloodstream, making them especially dangerous. Here are some of the 0.3-micron materials that a HEPA air filter may be able to help remove from your air:

• Bacteria
• Dust mite allergens
• Suspended dust
• Tobacco smoke
• Soot from fireplaces
• Smog

HEPA filters are also capable of removing larger particles from the air. They can also filter out mold and pollen, which are larger than 0.3 microns.

How Do HEPA Air Purifier With Washable Filter Work?

HEPA filters were originally designed to remove radioactive particles from the air, so they were designed to be much more effective than the average air filter. On a basic level, a HEPA filter uses a series of dense filters, many of which are made out of tiny glass fibers. The air purifier draws in the air (somewhat like a vacuum) and forces it through these filters.

The filters inside of a HEPA air purifier capture particles in three different ways:

• Impact — This is when particles are absorbed into the filter simply by crashing into it.
• Interception is when a filter fiber catches a particle as it floats freely within the filter.
• Diffusion happens when dust and other particles crash, and some are pushed into the filter.

If you want your HEPA filter to be as effective as it can be, you’ll need to make sure that you’re using one rated for use in a room close to the size of the room where you intend to use it. Choosing a HEPA air purifier that is rated for a larger room in a smaller room is okay. However, it’s unlikely to be very effective if you use a purifier rated for a smaller room in a larger room.

What Are Some of the Benefits of Using One?

You might think of dust as fairly benign, but a good HEPA air purifier removes more than just dust. Here are some benefits of using one of these filters (or a few) in your home.

• It removes dust mites and related allergens
  Dust mites have been shown to cause allergic and asthmatic symptoms. And because they are very difficult to see with the naked eye, they are also difficult to remove from your home. A HEPA filter works to remove dust mites and their droppings from the air, which lessens your risk of respiratory complications.
• It removes mold spores, which can cause serious illness
  Mold thrives in damp, warm places in your home. And while a serious mold issue will also require professional remediation, a HEPA filter will remove the mold particles that float through your home on a daily basis.
• It removes more pet allergens than vacuuming alone
  If you have pets in your home, you already know that hair and dander can build up quickly. And while vacuuming can remove a lot of hair and dander, a HEPA filter can remove much more than vacuuming alone. This is especially important if you have animal allergies or live with someone who does.
• They have been tested for quality and effectiveness
  HEPA isn’t just a marketing term; these filters must undergo rigorous testing to earn the designation. Any genuine HEPA air purifier can filter at least 99.97% of 0.3-micron particles. Of course, some filters have advantages over others, so you’ll want to compare specifications carefully before choosing a particular HEPA filter.

Why Are Reusable Filters the Better Option?

Many HEPA air purifiers come with replaceable filters. However, these filters become somewhat costly to replace over time–they can’t be cleaned and reused.

If you want to save money and be environmentally responsible with a reusable filter, it’s important to note that there are two types of reusable filters: washable and permanent. A washable filter needs to be scrubbed with soap and water and then dried before it can be used again. Once it’s dry, it can simply be placed back into the HEPA air purifier.

A permanent filter is a little simpler. This filter can just be vacuumed before being replaced. However, in order to reduce the risk of adding some of the trapped particles back into air circulation, it may be wise to vacuum the filter outside.

Many HEPA air purifiers, especially larger ones, have two filters. The HEPA filter is a secondary filter and primarily focuses on capturing smaller particles. The other filter, sometimes called a “pre-filter, ” is designed to capture larger dust particles. This has the advantage of prolonging the life of your HEPA filter–you’ll need to clean it less often since the pre-filter will have captured most of the larger, visible dust.

However, this potential downside is that you will have two filters to clean. In some models, the pre-filter is not washable and will still need to be replaced. Be sure to read the specifications carefully since each air purifier has its recommended cleaning and/or replacement schedule.

What Should You Look for When Buying a HEPA Air Purifier with Washable Filter?

A good-quality HEPA filter is an investment in your health and well-being. Thus, knowing a little about the key features you may want to look for before you begin your search is wise.

• Square Footage Rating and Air Changes Per Hour
  One of the most important things to look for is the square footage rating of a given unit. This will tell you the size of the room it can treat. A related factor is the number of air changes per hour (ACH) a given unit can produce. This reading will tell you how many times it can completely filter the air in a given space.
• Placement
  Some HEPA air purifiers, especially those designed for large rooms, can take up much space. Before buying one, make sure you have a space where it can run optimally. HEPA filters use a fan to pull in air, so you’ll want to place it at least a few feet from a wall. When you aren’t home, you may want to pull the filter to the center of the room, letting it operate more efficiently.
• Quiet Operation
  Running a HEPA filter at full blast can sometimes be a little loud. Look for filters that have several speed options. Many have a near-silent option for when you’re home and trying to sleep.
• Filter Life Indicators
  In a HEPA air purifier with a reusable filter, it’s easy to forget to clean it on time. If you’re busy or forgetful, you might prefer to purchase a filter with a filter life indicator. This light will usually come on when a filter needs to be washed or vacuumed.
• Control Options
  Plenty of HEPA air purifiers are controlled with a knob mounted onto the unit. However, many newer technologies allow you to control a filter from anywhere(remote, wifi).
• Air-Quality Indicators
• Mobility Features

In Conclusion

Above all, I’ve been using a HEPA air purifier with permanent filter for a while now, and I feel it has made a big difference in my life. I don’t have to vacuum and dust as often, and I’m not exposed to as many pathogens and respiratory irritants. Moreover, the air purifier with washable filter means I save money and contribute less waste to landfill. Hence, If you’re looking for a healthier life, I recommend trying a HEPA air purifier with a permanent filter.