The EnviroMax^® filter media is the same thickness as a 1" pleated filter media but due to the pleats being 4" deep it has much more surface area. This allows the filter to capture more particles between changes without interupting air flow. The EnviroMax^® filter material collects up to 98% of particles at 5 microns. A standard 1" filter captures only 20% of the particles. (see chart below)