SaansसाँसTools

Buying by spec

Red flags when shopping

Marketing claims to ignore, and the signs of a fake mask or an underpowered purifier.

Purifiers

Claim Why to be careful
“Covers up to 800 sq ft” with no CADR given Coverage is calculated in different ways, sometimes assuming as little as one air change an hour. Ask for the particle CADR in m³/h or CFM.
“HEPA-type”, “HEPA-like”, “99% HEPA” Not true HEPA. Look for H13 (EN 1822 / ISO 29463) or US-standard “True HEPA”.
“Removes 99.97% of particles” That’s the filter material in a lab. What matters is how much air the whole machine pushes through it: the CADR.
“Ioniser / plasma / anion / ozone / activated oxygen” Can create ozone or by-products, adds little. Must be switch-off-able, or avoid it.
“Kills 99.9% of viruses with UV” Irrelevant for PM2.5.
“Carbon filter removes all gases” A thin carbon layer saturates fast. Look for the carbon weight if gases matter to you.
No local service or genuine filter supply You’ll be stuck when the filter needs replacing in December.

Masks

Sign Why
Ear loops on an “N95” Genuine NIOSH N95s have head straps. Ear-loop “N95s” are a classic counterfeit sign.
No approval number printed on the mask N95: a TC-84A-xxxx number you can look up. FFP2: EN 149 plus a CE mark with a four-digit notified-body number. BIS: IS 9473 and the ISI mark with a CM/L licence number (check it in the BIS Care app).
Spelling errors, “NIOSH” misspelled, decorative patterns Common on fakes.
“Reusable, washable N95” Disposable respirators are not washable. Washing damages the filter.
“NIOSH-approved for children” NIOSH does not approve any respirator for children.
“Anti-pollution” mask with no standard named Unverified. Treat as a cloth mask.

Monitors

General