Ryco N99 MicroShield: Medical-Grade protection for your interior

Ryco Cabin Filters have taken another step forward with the release of the N99 MicroShield, a medical-grade unit that prevents 99.7% of contaminants down to 0.3 microns from entering your vehicle cabin. While we spend thousands of dollars ensuring our engines breathe clean air through snorkels and high-end filters, this “people-first” design finally shifts the focus to the lungs of the passengers.

What are the Ryco N99 MicroShield Cabin Air Filters?

Ryco engineers the N99 MicroShield filters to capture more than just the usual dust and pollen. These Ryco Cabin Filters utilise medical-grade media technology to catch H1N1 and H3N2 influenza A viruses, bacteria, and noxious exhaust gases before they circulate through your air conditioning vents.

We have spent years looking at filtration systems designed to save turbo-diesel engines from a dusty death, but we often overlook the air quality inside the cabin during a long outback haul. Ryco wants to remind us that being Ryco Ready for summer means preparing for smoke hazards and airborne contaminants that can penetrate deep into the respiratory system.

Why cabin filtration is critical for Australian touring

Air quality inside a vehicle can become dire in certain Australian scenarios. According to a study by the Royal Society of Chemistry, pollution levels inside a car stuck in heavy traffic can reach levels 40% higher than when the vehicle is moving. When you add Australian dust or bushfire smoke into that mix, the air becomes detrimental to everyone inside.

Our sister publication Unsealed 4X4 have discussed the dangers of dust ingress before, and while dust-proofing a ute remains a challenge, a high-spec filter in your HVAC system serves as your first line of defense. Ryco Cabin Filters provide this essential barrier against fine particulate matter that standard filters often miss.

The RYCO cabin filter showdown: Pollen vs Activated Carbon vs N99 MicroShield

Not all Ryco Cabin Filters offer the same level of protection. While a standard pollen filter captures basic dirt and fungus spores, it cannot stop things like viruses or fine bushfire smoke. The following table shows how the three main types stack up based on Ryco technical specifications:

Medical-grade protection and flame retardant technology

The inclusion of flame-retardant media technology makes these Ryco Cabin Filters particularly Aussie-ready. Ryco impregnates the N99 units with a non-toxic resin that allows the filter to self-extinguish if exposed to embers, sparks, or open flames. This media blackens but will not sustain ignition, providing added peace of mind in bushfire zones.

Ryco tests these filters in the only dedicated filtration laboratory in Australia to ensure they meet the demands of our climate without compromising on air flow. Additionally, the activated charcoal layer stops chemical pollutants that often cause headaches, fatigue, or nausea during long stints behind the wheel of your touring rig.

Final thoughts

We often talk about the importance of servicing our rigs before a big trip, but the HVAC system remains one of the most neglected parts of the maintenance schedule. Upgrading to the N99 series of Ryco Cabin Filters seems like a logical move for anyone heading into dusty environments or traveling with passengers who suffer from seasonal allergies.

Not all Ryco cabin filters feature flame retardant media, so check the technical specifications on the Ryco website to verify the protection level for your vehicle. Stay safe and breathe easy this summer.

You can search for the right filter for your vehicle at the Ryco website.

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