You already own an Austin Air purifier and wonder which replacement filter you need, how often to change it, or how to maintain it? This guide answers every question about filters: how to identify the right one for your model, how long it lasts, how to clean the pre-filter, and how you can even upgrade your purifier simply by changing the filter type.
The golden rule: filters swap by size
The most important thing to know is that Austin Air filters are interchangeable within the same size. This gives you great freedom: you can not only replace the filter, but also change its type to adapt the machine to your needs.
Standard models (HM400)
HealthMate, HealthMate Plus, Bedroom Machine, Immunity Machine. All Standard filters fit all Standard machines.
Junior models (HM200)
HealthMate Junior, HealthMate Plus Junior. They use dedicated Junior filters, interchangeable with each other.
Austin “it” model
The compact model has its own dedicated filters, not compatible with Standard and Junior.
How to identify the right filter for your model
To find the size you need, check the label on your purifier: Standard models start with HM4 (like HM400), Junior models with HM2 (like HM200), while the “it” model is the smallest and most compact. Once you know the size, choose the filter type you prefer.
Austin Air filters are among the longest-lasting on the market: they last up to 5 years in normal home use, running continuously. In highly polluted environments, with pets or heavy dust and smoke, the life can be shorter.
The signs it is time to replace it are a drop in airflow, the return of odors that were previously removed, or simply the time elapsed since the last change. When in doubt, Austin Air recommends preventive replacement every 5 years. Every replacement filter already includes the integrated pre-filter, so you do not need to buy it separately.
Exception: the VOC Carbon Wrap for the Austin “it” is a carbon wrap that is used up before the HEPA filter. Austin Air states a life of about 3 months under normal conditions, so it should be replaced regularly (more often in environments with many odors or chemicals).
Maintenance: the pre-filter is cleaned, not washed
Between replacements, maintenance is simple. The external pre-filter is cleaned periodically, without removing it, by gently vacuuming from the outside with a soft brush attachment. The recommended frequency is monthly, more often with pets or heavy dust.
Important: Austin Air filters are not washable. Washing them would compromise the HEPA fibers and the activated carbon, cancelling the filtering capacity. Correct maintenance is only the external cleaning of the pre-filter and full replacement at end of life.
Upgrade your purifier by changing the filter
Here is the most interesting benefit of interchangeability: if you own a Standard model, you can transform it by fitting a more advanced filter, without replacing the machine. For example, from a HealthMate you can move up to a HealthMate Plus filter (for more capacity on formaldehyde and chemicals), Bedroom Machine (5 stages with HEGA cloth) or even Immunity Machine (8 phases, maximum protection). It is an affordable way to increase protection against smoke, chemicals and gases.
Do you have an old air purifier SAFA, iCleen HEPA or Allermed?
If you own a air purifier from a brand no longer in production, such as SAFA (FP line), iCleen HEPA or Allermed, you can often keep using it with genuine Austin Air filters. These brands share the same filtration platform as Austin Air.
Compatibility depends on two simple measurements: the diameter and the height of the cylindrical filter. If they match those of an Austin Air filter, the filter is compatible. You will find all the details, brand-by-brand cases and how to measure, in the dedicated article: what to do if your purifier is no longer in production. When in doubt, contact us: we will help you check your unit's compatibility.
Note on color: the replacement filter follows the color of your purifier. Choose the white filter for White and Sandstone units, the black filter for Black and Midnight Blue units.
Do not have a purifier yet, or still deciding which model to choose? Take a look at our Austin Air purifier buying guide. For any question we are here to help, with no obligation.
