🎥 Cabin Air Filter Test!

[Cbowe]

This week I tested a little known F150 “secret” cabin air filter a Ford insider told me about, against the stock FP92, the K&N washable and the Pure Flow HEPA filter. I measured real airflow from the vents and broke down the benefits and pitfalls of each. Check it out and let me know which filter you’d go with

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[Cbowe]

Someone on YouTube asked what the baseline airflow would be with no air filter and for reference I checked and it was 6mph at fan setting 2 which is where I did the testing.

 

[21st Century Truck]

This week I tested a little known F150 “secret” cabin air filter a Ford insider told me about, against the stock FP92, the K&N washable and the Pure Flow HEPA filter. I measured real airflow from the vents and broke down the benefits and pitfalls of each. Check it out and let me know which filter you’d go with

I had gone with the PureFlow last year.

Nice test. Had I known about it then, I might have chosen the Ford "secret" filter.

On occasion, I have had rear passengers ask for more airflow.

 

[Cbowe]

I had gone with the PureFlow last year.

Nice test. Had I known about it then, I might have chosen the Ford "secret" filter.

On occasion, I have had rear passengers ask for more airflow.

Yeah something to consider for the next time you have to change it. I think it’s a good middle ground where it’s better than the stock filter without killing the airflow or causing you to have to crank the fan speed way up. Thanks for checking out the video!

 

[flyin525]

Someone on YouTube asked what the baseline airflow would be with no air filter and for reference I checked and it was 6mph at fan setting 2 which is where I did the testing.

Thanks - That was me

 

[Cbowe]

Thanks - That was me

Awesome great question then I kicked myself for not including it to begin with lol

 

[mathgru]

Nice video. Well done and very helpful.

 

[Cornholio49]

For those that don't have the time or desire to watch videos, here is an AI summary:

### Summary of Air Filter Comparison for Ford F-150 Lightning and Similar Models

This video provides a detailed, scientific comparison of common cabin air filters compatible with Ford F-150s (2015 and later), Superduties, Expeditions, and Navigators. The presenter evaluates airflow performance, filtration benefits, and usability to guide viewers in selecting the best air filter for their needs during allergy season.

---

### Key Vehicle and Filter Compatibility

- **Models Covered:** Ford F-150 (2015+), Superduty 250/350, Expedition, Navigator
- **Filter Compatibility:** All tested filters fit in the passenger-side cabin air intake compartment.

---

### Filters Tested

| Filter Name | Features | Origin | Price Range ($) | Special Attributes |
|-------------------------|---------------------------------------------|------------------|----------------|-----------------------------------------|
| OEM Stock Filter | Standard filtration | USA | ~25 | Baseline for comparison |
| Pure Flow HEPA Filter | 4-stage filtration, HEPA, charcoal, baking soda | China | 35-40 | Premium filtration, reduced airflow |
| KN&N Washable Filter | Washable, reusable, electrostatically charged | USA | 30-40 | Lifetime use, no directional install |
| Motorcraft FPPP92 Filter | Active carbon, finer filtration, Ford insider secret | Mexico | ~30 | Slightly better filtration than OEM |

---

### Airflow Testing Setup and Methodology

- **Fan speed:** Set at 2 (medium-low) for consistency and noise control.
- **Settings:** No air conditioning or heating; airflow directed to all vents; no driver-focused mode.
- **Measurement tool:** An airflow meter measuring miles per hour (mph) at front center vent, front right vent, and rear vents.
- **Airflow measured at two zones:** Front cabin (driver/passenger) and rear cabin (important for passengers like children).

---

### Airflow Test Results

| Filter Type | Front Center (mph) | Front Right (mph) | Rear Average (mph) | Notes on Airflow Impact |
|------------------------|--------------------|-------------------|--------------------|--------------------------------------|
| OEM Stock | 5.1 | 4.5 | 3.0 | Baseline airflow |
| Pure Flow HEPA | ~2.9 (rounded to 3) | 2.0 | 1.5 | Significant airflow reduction (~50%) due to heavy filtration |
| KN&N Washable | 5.4 | 4.5 | 3.0 | Similar or slightly better airflow than OEM; washable/reusable |
| Motorcraft FPPP92 | 4.9 | 3.6 - 4.0 | 2.8 | Slight airflow reduction compared to OEM, balanced filtration |

---

### Key Insights and Considerations

- **Airflow vs. Filtration Trade-off:**
- The **Pure Flow HEPA filter** offers the highest level of air purification (HEPA + charcoal + baking soda) but reduces airflow significantly (~50% less at rear vents). This may affect climate control efficiency and energy consumption, especially in extreme weather (cold winters or hot summers).
- The **KN&N washable filter** maintains airflow equal to or slightly better than OEM, with the benefit of being reusable and washable, making it cost-effective over time.
- The **Motorcraft FPPP92 filter**, a lesser-known Ford insider option, provides enhanced filtration with minor airflow reduction, representing a balanced choice between performance and airflow.
- **Installation Notes:**
- All filters fit easily into the same compartment behind the glove box.
- The OEM, HEPA, and Motorcraft filters have directional arrows indicating the proper installation orientation; the KN&N filter does not require directional installation, which may appeal to users preferring simplicity.
- **Environmental and Usage Advice:**
- Users in allergy-prone seasons might prefer HEPA filtration despite airflow loss.
- In milder seasons or climates, switching to filters with higher airflow like the KN&N or Motorcraft might optimize comfort and energy efficiency.
- Consider swapping filters seasonally to balance filtration needs and airflow performance.

---

### Installation Process Overview

- Open glove box and push in clips on left and right to drop down the filter compartment.
- Remove old filter by releasing left clip first, then right clip.
- Note the airflow direction arrow on the filter for proper placement.
- Insert new filter, ensuring clips snap securely into place.
- Replace glove box panel.

---

### Additional Notes

- The presenter encourages engagement (likes, comments, subscriptions) to support content creation and shares that links to all tested filters will be provided.
- The airflow differences between left and right rear vents were observed but may vary by vehicle; viewers are invited to share their experience.
- The airflow meter used can also measure wind speed and is offered as a recommended tool for further testing.

---

### Conclusion

**Choosing the right cabin air filter involves balancing filtration quality and airflow efficiency.** For users with severe allergies or air quality concerns, the Pure Flow HEPA filter provides superior filtration but at a cost to airflow and potentially climate control efficiency. The KN&N washable filter offers excellent airflow retention and cost savings through reusability. The Motorcraft FPPP92 filter is a smart middle ground with improved filtration and minimal airflow loss, often overlooked by typical consumers.

The video encourages viewers to consider their personal needs and climates when selecting a filter and highlights the ease of filter replacement in compatible Ford models.

 

[3rdgenfan]

Dang, I've been using the Bosch 6081C HEPA filter the past few years but wondering if I should try to swap it out for the Motorcraft assuming the Bosch speeds are similar to the PureFlow.

 

[Cbowe]

It’s something to consider if you don’t need the full HEPA level of filtration and are noticing that airflow reduction so many others have that’s common with HEPA. That’s the trade off unfortunately.

 

[Cbowe]

For those that don't have the time or desire to watch videos, here is an AI summary:

### Summary of Air Filter Comparison for Ford F-150 Lightning and Similar Models

This video provides a detailed, scientific comparison of common cabin air filters compatible with Ford F-150s (2015 and later), Superduties, Expeditions, and Navigators. The presenter evaluates airflow performance, filtration benefits, and usability to guide viewers in selecting the best air filter for their needs during allergy season.

---

### Key Vehicle and Filter Compatibility

- **Models Covered:** Ford F-150 (2015+), Superduty 250/350, Expedition, Navigator
- **Filter Compatibility:** All tested filters fit in the passenger-side cabin air intake compartment.

---

### Filters Tested

| Filter Name | Features | Origin | Price Range ($) | Special Attributes |
|-------------------------|---------------------------------------------|------------------|----------------|-----------------------------------------|
| OEM Stock Filter | Standard filtration | USA | ~25 | Baseline for comparison |
| Pure Flow HEPA Filter | 4-stage filtration, HEPA, charcoal, baking soda | China | 35-40 | Premium filtration, reduced airflow |
| KN&N Washable Filter | Washable, reusable, electrostatically charged | USA | 30-40 | Lifetime use, no directional install |
| Motorcraft FPPP92 Filter | Active carbon, finer filtration, Ford insider secret | Mexico | ~30 | Slightly better filtration than OEM |

---

### Airflow Testing Setup and Methodology

- **Fan speed:** Set at 2 (medium-low) for consistency and noise control.
- **Settings:** No air conditioning or heating; airflow directed to all vents; no driver-focused mode.
- **Measurement tool:** An airflow meter measuring miles per hour (mph) at front center vent, front right vent, and rear vents.
- **Airflow measured at two zones:** Front cabin (driver/passenger) and rear cabin (important for passengers like children).

---

### Airflow Test Results

| Filter Type | Front Center (mph) | Front Right (mph) | Rear Average (mph) | Notes on Airflow Impact |
|------------------------|--------------------|-------------------|--------------------|--------------------------------------|
| OEM Stock | 5.1 | 4.5 | 3.0 | Baseline airflow |
| Pure Flow HEPA | ~2.9 (rounded to 3) | 2.0 | 1.5 | Significant airflow reduction (~50%) due to heavy filtration |
| KN&N Washable | 5.4 | 4.5 | 3.0 | Similar or slightly better airflow than OEM; washable/reusable |
| Motorcraft FPPP92 | 4.9 | 3.6 - 4.0 | 2.8 | Slight airflow reduction compared to OEM, balanced filtration |

---

### Key Insights and Considerations

- **Airflow vs. Filtration Trade-off:**
- The **Pure Flow HEPA filter** offers the highest level of air purification (HEPA + charcoal + baking soda) but reduces airflow significantly (~50% less at rear vents). This may affect climate control efficiency and energy consumption, especially in extreme weather (cold winters or hot summers).
- The **KN&N washable filter** maintains airflow equal to or slightly better than OEM, with the benefit of being reusable and washable, making it cost-effective over time.
- The **Motorcraft FPPP92 filter**, a lesser-known Ford insider option, provides enhanced filtration with minor airflow reduction, representing a balanced choice between performance and airflow.
- **Installation Notes:**
- All filters fit easily into the same compartment behind the glove box.
- The OEM, HEPA, and Motorcraft filters have directional arrows indicating the proper installation orientation; the KN&N filter does not require directional installation, which may appeal to users preferring simplicity.
- **Environmental and Usage Advice:**
- Users in allergy-prone seasons might prefer HEPA filtration despite airflow loss.
- In milder seasons or climates, switching to filters with higher airflow like the KN&N or Motorcraft might optimize comfort and energy efficiency.
- Consider swapping filters seasonally to balance filtration needs and airflow performance.

---

### Installation Process Overview

- Open glove box and push in clips on left and right to drop down the filter compartment.
- Remove old filter by releasing left clip first, then right clip.
- Note the airflow direction arrow on the filter for proper placement.
- Insert new filter, ensuring clips snap securely into place.
- Replace glove box panel.

---

### Additional Notes

- The presenter encourages engagement (likes, comments, subscriptions) to support content creation and shares that links to all tested filters will be provided.
- The airflow differences between left and right rear vents were observed but may vary by vehicle; viewers are invited to share their experience.
- The airflow meter used can also measure wind speed and is offered as a recommended tool for further testing.

---

### Conclusion

**Choosing the right cabin air filter involves balancing filtration quality and airflow efficiency.** For users with severe allergies or air quality concerns, the Pure Flow HEPA filter provides superior filtration but at a cost to airflow and potentially climate control efficiency. The KN&N washable filter offers excellent airflow retention and cost savings through reusability. The Motorcraft FPPP92 filter is a smart middle ground with improved filtration and minimal airflow loss, often overlooked by typical consumers.

The video encourages viewers to consider their personal needs and climates when selecting a filter and highlights the ease of filter replacement in compatible Ford models.

 

[Cbowe]

That’s a pretty decent summary hopefully folks will enjoy the video as well

Here is the summary graphic that shows all the results if it helps

 

[Vulnox]

The result for the Pureflow is interesting.

I first got a Pureflow with my PowerBoost F-150 and it was fine in the winter, but when summer came the truck was suddenly not keeping the cabin cool when on Auto and set to like 68 or 69. I had the truck the previous summer before I swapped the air filter and didn't have an issue.

I took the PureFlow out and put the stock filter back in and the truck was back to cooling with no issue, even on hotter days where it wasn't keeping up before.

In our Mach-e though it doesn't seem to have the same issue. Not sure if it's overall cabin size so the lower flow doesn't matter as much or fewer vents so the overall pressure is a bit higher and overcomes the issue better.

I tried the PureFlow again in the Lightning and it hasn't been hot enough just yet to say for sure, but the couple hot days we have had I feel I am having to turn the climate temp lower than I would expect to get decent cooling.

I like the extra filtration, but about ready to give up on them. The rear vent is eye opening too, I noticed it barely feels like a dull breeze and the kids don't seem to get much cooling.

 

[Cbowe]

The result for the Pureflow is interesting.

I first got a Pureflow with my PowerBoost F-150 and it was fine in the winter, but when summer came the truck was suddenly not keeping the cabin cool when on Auto and set to like 68 or 69. I had the truck the previous summer before I swapped the air filter and didn't have an issue.

I took the PureFlow out and put the stock filter back in and the truck was back to cooling with no issue, even on hotter days where it wasn't keeping up before.

In our Mach-e though it doesn't seem to have the same issue. Not sure if it's overall cabin size so the lower flow doesn't matter as much or fewer vents so the overall pressure is a bit higher and overcomes the issue better.

I tried the PureFlow again in the Lightning and it hasn't been hot enough just yet to say for sure, but the couple hot days we have had I feel I am having to turn the climate temp lower than I would expect to get decent cooling.

I like the extra filtration, but about ready to give up on them. The rear vent is eye opening too, I noticed it barely feels like a dull breeze and the kids don't seem to get much cooling.

I had the same experience with it and with our two kids, even tried to add a couple of extensions under the seats to direct airflow towards them more. That “secret” Ford option may be worth a shot. It’s not as good as HEPA but. Step up from the others without the big airflow hit.

 

[Athrun88]

I got the PureFlow last summer and hated the huge reduction in flow. Went back to a stock filter and it's been better again. I will try out the 'secret' filter and see if that works out.

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