SmartAir Sqair Replacement HEPA Filter

The replacement H12 HEPA filter for the SmartAir Sqair air purifier — a wear part designed to be swapped approximately every 6 months under normal household use. Sqair air purifier compatibility only.

Who it's for

Existing Sqair owners replacing a saturated filter. Air purifier filters are consumable wear parts: as the filter loads up with particulate, airflow drops, the unit works harder, and effective CADR drops. Replacing the filter on schedule keeps the Sqair operating at its rated specification.

Key features and specifications

• Filter grade: EN 1822 H12 (also referred to as E12 under post-2009 EN 1822 reclassification) — captures ≥99.5% of airborne particles at MPPS (the most penetrating particle size, around 0.1-0.3 microns)
• Filter media: polypropylene (PP) + polyester (PET)
• Surface area: 1.55 m² (equivalent to ~22 sheets of A4 paper)
• Lifespan: approximately 1,400 hours, or about 6 months at 8 hrs/day under typical household conditions
• Approximate dimensions: 5 × 27 × 27 cm
• Compatible with: SmartAir Sqair air purifier (not compatible with QT3, SA-600, Blast, or Blast Mini)

Why H12 (not H13)

The Sqair uses H12 by deliberate Smart Air engineering choice. Tests across multiple HEPA grades found H12 produces more total clean air than H13 in this fan/filter geometry, because H12 has lower air resistance — the fan can move more air through the filter at lower noise. H12 captures ≥99.5% at MPPS; H13 captures ≥99.95%. For a small-room overnight purifier, the H12 design produces more total clean air than the same unit with H13 would.

How it works

The filter captures fine particles by three mechanisms simultaneously:

• Inertial impaction — large particles (>1 micron) hit fibres directly and stick
• Interception — medium particles follow airflow but contact fibres on curves
• Brownian-motion diffusion — very fine particles (<0.3 microns) bounce randomly and contact fibres regardless of airflow path

The diffusion mechanism is what allows HEPA filters to capture particles smaller than 0.3 microns — including respiratory aerosols carrying viruses or bacteria. CDC and academic research on HEPA filtration of fine particulates and bioaerosols is publicly available.

What it doesn't do

This is an air purifier filter, not a medical device. We don't make claims about treating any health condition.

FAQs

Can I wash the filter to extend its life? No — Smart Air explicitly recommends against washing. Their own testing showed that water wash actually reduces filter performance rather than extending it. The HEPA fibre media isn't designed to be wetted; replace rather than wash.

How do I know when to replace? Smart Air's general guidance is approximately 1,400 hours of runtime (about 6 months at 8 hours of daily use). Heavier use compresses the interval; cleaner local air may extend it. Visual signs include reduced airflow, noticeable noise increase at the same fan speed, or the filter material appearing visibly grey/discoloured.

How is it different from H11 or H13 filters? H11 captures ≥95% at MPPS; H12 (this filter) captures ≥99.5%; H13 captures ≥99.95%. The grade is set by EN 1822 — Europe's standard for HEPA filter testing. H12 is the standard fitted to the Sqair; you can't substitute H11 (lower grade, wouldn't fit the housing properly) or H13 (different airflow characteristics, may impact CADR). For a True HEPA H13 filtration option, look at the SA-600, Blast Mini, or Blast purifier ranges.

What's the difference between H12 and E12? None — they're the same filter. EN 1822 was revised in 2009; what was previously called H12 is now technically classified E12 ("EPA" rather than "HEPA," with HEPA classification starting at H13 under the revised standard). Smart Air uses both terms across their global sites; your filter is the same product either way.

Does it remove odours, smoke, or VOCs? No — HEPA filters capture particles. For odours, smoke, and VOCs you need an activated carbon filter. The Sqair's optional carbon filter (sold separately) sits ahead of the HEPA in the unit and adsorbs gas-phase pollutants.

Does it filter viruses? HEPA filters in this class capture virus-laden respiratory aerosols by the same diffusion mechanism that captures other fine particles. We don't make specific clinical claims about disease transmission — the underlying mechanism is well-documented in CDC and academic research, but the magnitude of effect in any specific space depends on room size, air-change rate, occupancy, and other factors.

Will it fit other Smart Air models? No — this filter is sized specifically for the Sqair housing. The QT3 (smaller), SA-600 (different geometry), Blast Mini, and Blast all use different filters. Check our filter range for the model you own.

How do I install it? Open the Sqair from the bottom (the legs unscrew), lift out the old filter, place the new filter in the same orientation (arrow markings on the filter side indicate airflow direction — these should point away from the fan inlet), and reassemble. Total time about 30 seconds.

Care notes

Don't wash. Replace approximately every 6 months at 8 hrs/day, or sooner if airflow noticeably reduces. Dispose of used filter in general waste — there are no hazardous components.