Differences Between Air and Surface Disinfection Units

With the growing need for safety and hygiene, the market for devices that provide fast and effective room disinfection is expanding. On this page, we explain the different technologies of currently available air and surface disinfection devices and help you determine which device is best suited for each area.

UV-C Disinfection

Air & Surface Disinfection Using UV-C Radiation

UV-C radiation refers to the shortest wavelength of UV light, ranging from 100 to 280 nanometres. UV-C light is particularly high-energy and triggers photochemical reactions. Due to its short wavelength, UV-C light can penetrate the cell walls of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, where it is absorbed, and the energy supplied breaks various chemical bonds, such as DNA base pairs.

As a result, the DNA/RNA is damaged and the microorganisms are inactivated. Bacteria, viruses, yeasts, and fungi can no longer reproduce and therefore cannot cause harm.

Since UV-C radiation is extremely harmful not only to microorganisms but also to humans, it must never be used when people or animals are present in the same room. For this reason, UV-C lamps for combined air and surface disinfection are supplied with remote controls and usually feature motion sensors that automatically switch the device off if someone enters the defined area during operation.

Pure UV-C disinfection units operate with a fan that sucks in the ambient air, leads it past the UV-C lamp and releases it back into the room. This air purifier type can also be used in occupied rooms as it does not emit any UV-C radiation into the environment. Its circulation process gradually disinfects the entire ambient air. Often, the units are equipped with additional filters that remove pollutants from the air. Depending on their size, they may even be able to remove germs.

Air and Surface Disinfection Using Hydroxyl Radicals

Hydroxyl radicals (OH radicals) are highly reactive compounds that also occur naturally in the Earth’s troposphere, where they play an important role in breaking down air pollutants. They are often referred to as the “detergent of the atmosphere.” These radicals belong to the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and are also produced by phagocytes as part of the body’s natural defence against infection. OH radicals attack cell membranes, cellular components, and even the DNA of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, destroying them quickly and effectively. Additionally, they neutralise pollutants, remove unpleasant odours, and improve overall indoor air quality. The disinfection effect extends not only to the air but also to all surfaces within the device’s reach.

Because OH radicals occur naturally and are harmless to humans, air and surface disinfection devices using hydroxyl radicals can be safely operated in occupied rooms. Many of these devices use cartridges that can be easily replaced by the user.

Air and Surface Disinfection Using Dry Fogging of Disinfectants

Devices for dry fogging of disinfectants allow simultaneous disinfection of the entire room air and all surfaces within reach using a highly effective disinfectant. This method is particularly suitable for rooms where hard-to-reach objects and areas make conventional surface disinfection time-consuming and labour-intensive.

Dry fogging offers several advantages over traditional surface disinfection:

Disinfection of hard-to-reach areas, such as gaps, curtains, and open cavities
No corrosion of treated surfaces
No moisture – medical equipment can remain in the room
Fully automatic operation – reduces staff workload
The room is quickly ready for reuse
More environmentally friendly than using formaldehyde gas

Air Disinfection Using Filters

With this type of device, air is drawn in from the surrounding environment, passed through a usually multi-stage filter system, and then returned to the room. Particles of all kinds can thus be removed quickly and effectively. The filtering performance and the types of substances that can be captured depend on the class of filter used.

Most Commonly Used Filters:

Pre-filter: Captures large particles such as hair, fibres, or dust.
Activated Carbon Filter: Removes a large proportion of chemicals, odours, and organic compounds.
HEPA Filter: HEPA particulate filters are classified according to EN 1822-1:2009 and can remove over 99.9% of particles from the air that are larger than 0.1–0.3 micrometres. The higher the filter class (e.g., HEPA H14), the better the filtration performance.
Photocatalytic UV-LED Filter: In this technology, a photocatalyst destroys the particles captured by the filter, eliminating the risk of re-emission. These specialised filters are extremely durable and do not need to be replaced.

Air and Surface Disinfection Devices with Praxisdienst

Whether for the medical surgery, the office or for nursing homes – with Praxisdienst you will find air purifiers with different technologies, reaches and equipment for all areas. To help you find the perfect device for your requirements, we have put together a table with all of our available air and surface disinfection units.

Overview of our Air and Surface Disinfection Units

	UV-C STERILON FLOW	AiroDoctor	Wellisair	WOLF AirPurifier
What is disinfected?	Room air and surfaces (the covers are removed when disinfecting surfaces)	Room air	Room air and surfaces	Room air
Which technology is used?	UV-C technology	4-part filter system (prefilter, carbon filter, HEPA filter, photokatalytic LED filter)	Hydroxyl radicals	2-part filter system (ePM1 65% carbon filter, HEPA filter H14)
Can it be used in occupied rooms?	Only for air disinfection! Surface disinfection can only be done in unoccupied rooms!	Yes	Yes	Yes
Which consumables are needed?	The UV-C lamp must be replaced every 9000 hours of operation	The filters must be replaced regularly	The cartridge must be replaced every three months	The filters mist be replaced regularly
Is the device equipped with an additional filter?	It can be equipped with an additional EPA filter	The device has a 4-part filter system: Prefilter Carbon filter HEPA filter Photocalytic LED filter	No	The device has a 2-part filter system: ePM1 65% carbon prefilter HEPA filter H14
Which germs are eliminated?	Bacteria Viruses Fungi	Bacteria Viruses Fungi	Bacteria Viruses Fungi	Bacteria Viruses Spores
For which room sizes can the device be used?	Variant 72W: for rooms up to 50 m³ Variant 144W: for rooms up to 75 m³	For rooms up to 200 m²	For rooms between 50 and 60 m²	For rooms up to 120 m² (ceiling height of max. 2,50 m)
Where can the device be used?	Surgeries Hospitals Healthcare facilities of all kinds Offices Educational institutions Public facilities Commercial premises Hair and cosmetic studios	Surgeries Hospitals Healthcare facilities of all kinds Educational institutions Offices Hair and cosmetic studios	Surgeries Hospitals Healthcare facilities of all kinds Offices Hair and cosmetic studios Public transport	Surgeries Fitness studios Nurseries Schools Restaurants Offices Conference rooms

AiroDoctor Air Purifier

CHF 3,104.99 net

Your PLUS customer savings CHF 155.25 net

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Wellisair Air Disinfection Purifier

CHF 679.99 net

Your PLUS customer savings CHF 34.00 net

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Packaging unit: 1 PC

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MA-E85R-E air purifier from Mitsubishi for quick and easy cleaning of room air

Air Purifier MA-E85R-E

CHF 494.99 net

Your PLUS customer savings CHF 24.75 net

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