Silverscreen vs HEPA: Which Filter Do You Need?
By Vornado Air | Experience. Perfect. Comfort. | Published: 2026-10-30
Category: Comparisons
Compare Silverscreen and HEPA filtration in Vornado air purifiers. Learn how they work together and which filter type suits your indoor air quality needs.
Quick answer
Choose HEPA if your main concern is capturing airborne allergens like pollen or dust mites. Choose Silverscreen if you need to destroy gases and odors that HEPA cannot capture. The PCO375DC combines both for comprehensive air cleaning.
What HEPA filtration does well
HEPA filtration is the industry standard for removing particulate matter. It captures up to 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, including pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mold spores. If your primary need is reducing allergens, a HEPA filter is a proven solution.
Where Silverscreen adds value
Silverscreen is Vornado's patented technology that uses TiO2 media to break down harmful gases and odors that HEPA cannot capture. It targets volatile organic compounds (VOCs), smoke, and cooking smells. This makes it ideal for homes with chemical sensitivities or persistent odors.
The trade-off: single-stage vs multi-stage
A standalone HEPA filter will not address gaseous pollutants. A Silverscreen-only system does not capture particles. The PCO375DC combines HEPA, Advanced Carbon, and Silverscreen in one unit, so you get both particle and gas removal without choosing one over the other.
How to decide between Silverscreen and HEPA
- Your main concern is airborne particles: If you need to reduce pollen, dust, pet dander, or mold spores, a HEPA filter is the right choice. It captures 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns.
- Your main concern is gases and odors: If you want to remove VOCs, smoke, or cooking smells, Silverscreen technology is necessary because HEPA cannot capture gases. Look for a unit with TiO2 media.
- You want both particle and gas removal: Choose a multi-stage purifier like the PCO375DC that includes HEPA, Advanced Carbon, and Silverscreen. This gives you complete coverage without compromise. Check the filter replacement schedule for each stage to maintain performance.
Product facts
- PCO375DC Energy Smart Air Purifier with Silverscreen® and HEPA Filtration: HEPA filtration removes up to 99.97% of airborne allergens as small as 0.3 microns. If you have allergies or asthma, this level of particle capture directly reduces triggers in your breathing air.
PCO375DC Energy Smart Air Purifier with Silverscreen® and HEPA Filtration - PCO375DC Energy Smart Air Purifier with Silverscreen® and HEPA Filtration: Patented TiO2 Media (Silverscreen) destroys what HEPA cannot capture, including common harmful gases found in the home. For households with new paint, cleaning fumes, or cooking odors, Silverscreen addresses pollutants that a HEPA-only filter leaves behind.
Which option fits your situation?
Best for
- Allergy sufferers who need particle removal only
- Households with chemical sensitivities or persistent odors
Not for
- Anyone who wants single-filter simplicity without multi-stage maintenance
