Panasonic introduces OptiFlow cleaning technology

Common wisdom dictates that we should change the dust bag on a vacuum cleaner when the bag is full. But common wisdom does not always present the best option. In this case, the engineering of many bagged vacuum cleaners can cause these vacuums to lose suction once the dust bag reaches a certain capacity, rendering the vacuum less efficient and effective.

For example, a leading floor care brand states the following in their owners’ manual: “Change the filter bag when dirt reaches the dotted line. If more dirt than this accumulates, your cleaner will not operate effectively.” This statement raises the question “Why?” and the answer is the reason Panasonic developed OptiFlow™ technology, which is now available on all three models in the new Panasonic OptiFlow upright line.

With a new bag, a vacuum cleaner operates at maximum efficiency. Strong air flow and suction provide deep cleaning as well as surface cleaning. However, as the dust bag begins to fill with dirt, the dirt presents a barrier to air flowing through the bag. As more dirt fills the bag, resistance to air flow increases. Air movement slows down as the air has to fight its way through and around layers of dirt. This restriction of air flow results in a gradual loss of suction, thus reducing the vacuum’s cleaning power and the ability of the unit to effectively deep clean. As the bag continues to fill, cleaning effectiveness is lost -- eventually, the vacuum will not even pick up surface litter. This is why the leading floor care brand mentioned above was telling its customers to: “change the filter bag when dirt reaches the dotted line. If more dirt than this accumulates, your cleaner will not operate effectively.”

Panasonic has solved this dilemma with OptiFlow technology, which greatly reduces the loss of vacuum suction that occurs when a vacuum bag fills with dirt. The OptiFlow unit is a bag chamber designed with two walls that have an air space between them. The outer wall is the actual body of the vacuum cleaner as with all bagged uprights. The inner wall is a removable basket that holds the dust bag. This basket has vents that allow restricted air to flow through the bag and basket and into the air space between the two walls. The air carries dirt into the bag -- as with a normal vacuum cleaner -- and then exits through the sides of the bag and the vented basket. The air does not have to filter through layers of dirt to get out. Air flows more easily and cleaning power is maintained.

Compared to other Panasonic uprights, OptiFlow allows up to 25 percent more air to flow through the bag chamber. OptiFlow picks up more dirt as the bag fills and maximizes deep cleaning performance. After all, good performance is why the customer bought the vacuum from you in the first place. Simple isn’t it?

OptiFlow technology is available now from your Panasonic Platinum Distributor.

Reprinted from Floor Care Professional, August 2008