Bissell vacuums that use HEPA filters to capture dust and pollen
When choosing a vacuum cleaner, suction power is the first thing most people look at. However, all that suction power may be for naught if your appliance blows half that dust and dander right back into the air. If you want to be sure this isn’t happening, look for a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter.
HEPA filters catch common airborne irritants that can slip through lesser-quality filters, such as pollen, bacteria and mold spores. This is especially important for people with allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions.
If you have your heart set on a Bissell vacuum, you’ll be happy to know that there are several models that feature HEPA filters, including both handheld and upright models.
What is a HEPA filter?
HEPA filters are a type of pleated mechanical filter that, according to the EPA, must capture at least 99.97% of airborne particulate matter 0.3 microns in size. They can also capture particles smaller than that and often do so even more effectively. The test is performed with particles of 0.3 microns because this is shown to be the most penetrating particle size. This makes capturing 99.97% of particles the worst-case scenario, and in real-world use, HEPA filters will often perform even better.
How do HEPA filters work?
HEPA filters have a multilayered construction of randomly aligned fibers that create an almost impenetrable path for particles to travel through. This design makes HEPA filters effective at capturing particles of nearly any size.
Large particles get captured as they pass through the first couple layers in a straining process. Some of the medium-sized particles may fit through the gaps in the fibers, but are heavy enough that many of them get stuck trying to work their way through the maze of layers.
The smallest of particles can actually fit through the holes in the fibers, but because they are so small and lightweight they get bounced around by gas molecules in the air and do not travel in a straight line. This zig-zagging pattern results in them hitting the fibers and getting stuck.
What are the benefits of a HEPA filter?
The problem with many vacuum cleaners is that they may suck up large debris, but if they’re not equipped with an effective filter, they can recirculate small particles of dust, allergens and bacteria into the air.
At this point, one of two things happens: Those particles either hang around in the hair until you wind up breathing them in, or they fall back onto the upholstery, rugs and floors you have just cleaned. Both of these things can be especially problematic if you have asthma or allergies.
Vacuums with HEPA filters catch those particles so they are not recirculated back into the air. If you want to take things a step further to ensure you have clean air in your home, you can also buy an air purifier with a HEPA filter, like the Germ Guardian AC5350B.
Bissell filtration systems
Depending on the model, Bissell vacuums use one of several filtration systems designed by the company. These include Multi-Level Filtration, the Multi-Level Sealed System, the SmartSeal Allergen System, the HEPA Sealed Allergen System and the HEPA Media Filter.
Of these, the sealed systems are best for capturing particles and preventing recirculation back into the air. Vacuums equipped with either the Multi-Level Sealed System or the SmartSeal Allergen System will be effective at capturing dust, allergens, bacteria and other particles, but not quite as effective as vacuums using the HEPA Sealed Allergen System.
Best Bissell vacuums with HEPA filters
Best of the best Bissell vacuum with a HEPA filter
Bissell MultiClean Allergen Lift-Off: available at Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond and Wayfair
Our take: A versatile machine, the MultiClean Allergen Lift-Off converts from an upright to a handheld canister vacuum for convenient use anywhere in the home.
What we like: It is equipped with a tangle-free brush roll for picking up pet hair and stubborn dirt in carpet. It also has powerful suction and a wide cleaning head while remaining easy to maneuver around furniture.
What we dislike: It’s a bit top-heavy and is prone to tipping when using the hose and attachments.
Best bang-for-your-buck Bissell vacuum with a HEPA filter
Bissell MultiClean Allergen: available at Amazon and Wayfair
Our take: The MultiClean Allergen was designed specifically with pet owners in mind. It comes with several pet tools that are stored on the vacuum, so they are always on hand when you need them, and it is powerful enough to suck up large pieces of kibble.
What we like: This appliance works well on a variety of surfaces, from hardwood to high-pile carpet, and it offers simple one-touch emptying of the bagless container that doesn’t require you to get your hands dirty,
What we dislike: It is difficult to use on stairs.
Honorable-mention Bissell vacuum with a HEPA filter
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser: available at Amazon and Bed Bath & Beyond
Our take: If you only need something to clean up small messes or tackle stairs, furniture upholstery and car interiors, the handheld Pet Hair Eraser fits the bill.
What we like: It’s equipped with a high-friction rubber tip that catches hair and its cyclonic suction action makes it more powerful than you would expect for its compact size.
What we dislike: The corded design can be inconvenient.
What about stick and robotic vacuums?
Bissell makes a number of high-quality stick and robotic vacuums. For example, the IconPet Cordless is a lightweight and powerful model that uses the company’s SmartSeal Filtration System and doesn’t require a lot of storage space. There is also the SpinWave, which is a two-in-one robotic vacuum and mop. However, neither of these, nor any other of the company’s stick or robotic vacuums currently use HEPA technology.
Brett Dvoretz is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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