What is the difference between a filter and a purifier?

Purifiers remove viruses in addition to bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and turbidity (silt, sand, and cloudiness), and filters remove the above contaminants except for viruses.

The absolute pore size of LifeStraw membrane microfilters is 0.2 micron, whereas our purifiers have an absolute pore size of 0.02 micron (ten times smaller). Because of their smaller pore size, purifiers can remove viruses, but they also tend to require more pressure or have a slower flow rate.

Filtration and purification are the same difference between microfiltration (filtration) and ultrafiltration (purification). Microfiltration removes bacteria and parasites, and ultrafiltration also eliminates viruses.

LifeStraw purifiers/ultrafilters include LifeStraw Community, LifeStraw Family, and LifeStraw Mission.