--- title: "Vacuum Wars: Backpacks Vs Uprights" description: Are you considering making an investment in new vacuum cleaning equipment for your cleaning operation? If so, one decision you will likely be pondering is what type of equipment to invest in. Backpacks vs Uprights? image: https://content.smoworks.com/hubfs/Vacuum%20Wars%20Backpacks%20vs%20Uprights-260145-edited.jpg --- [![](https://content.smoworks.com/hubfs/SMO_Works_Sep2018/Images/logo_smo-wht.png)](http://smoworks.com) [![Supreme Maintenance Organization](https://content.smoworks.com/hubfs/SMO_Works_Sep2018/Images/logo_smo.svg)](http://smoworks.com/) Keeping Facilities Clean & Healthy Since 1989 [Call Today! 800.717.4766](tel:18007174766) [Request More Information](http://smoworks.com/get-more-info) - [LOCATIONS](http://smoworks.com/locations) - [CAREERS](http://smoworks.com/careers) - [CONTACT](http://smoworks.com/contact) - [TEAM LOGIN](https://smo.teamehub.com/ehub/account/login?ReturnUrl=%2Fehub%2F) - [ICARE AWARD](https://content.smoworks.com/icare) - [HOME](http://smoworks.com/) - [OUR SERVICES](http://smoworks.com/our-services) - [Janitorial](http://smoworks.com/janitorial) - [Industrial](http://smoworks.com/industrial) - [Educational](http://smoworks.com/educational) - [Property Management](http://smoworks.com/property-management) - [Commercial & Corporate](http://smoworks.com/commercial-and-corporate) - [Healthcare](https://smoworks.com/healthcare-janitorial-services) - [Special Services](http://smoworks.com/special-services) - [Green Cleaning](http://smoworks.com/green-cleaning) - [Disinfecting Services](http://smoworks.com/disinfecting-services/) - [WHY CHOOSE SMO?](http://smoworks.com/why-choose-smo) - [Our Values](http://smoworks.com/our-values) - [Experienced Leadership](http://smoworks.com/experienced-leadership) - [SMO University](http://smoworks.com/smo-university) - [CIMS Certification](http://smoworks.com/cims-certification) - [ABOUT](http://smoworks.com/about) - [Professional Associations](http://smoworks.com/professional-associations) - [Our Team Members](http://smoworks.com/our-team-members) - [Managed Implementation](http://smoworks.com/managed-implementation) - [Community Participation](http://smoworks.com/community-participation) - [Innovation](http://smoworks.com/innovation) - [Quality Assurance Program](http://smoworks.com/quality-assurance-program) - [Corporate Sustainability](http://smoworks.com/corporate-sustainability) - [NEWS & INSIGHTS](https://content.smoworks.com/blog) - [Green Cleaning](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/green-cleaning) - [Janitorial Services](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/janitorial-services) - [Cleaning Industry Insights](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/cleaning-industry-insights) ## Vacuum Wars: Backpacks Vs Uprights - by [David Murphy](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/author/david-murphy) - May 29, 2018 - [0](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/vacuum-wars-backpacks-vs-uprights#comments-listing) ![Vacuum Wars Backpacks vs Uprights](https://content.smoworks.com/hubfs/Vacuum%20Wars%20Backpacks%20vs%20Uprights-260145-edited.jpg) ![Vacuum Wars Backpacks vs Uprights](https://content.smoworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Vacuum%20Wars%20Backpacks%20vs%20Uprights-260145-edited.jpg?width=800&name=Vacuum%20Wars%20Backpacks%20vs%20Uprights-260145-edited.jpg) Are you considering making an investment in new vacuum cleaning equipment for your cleaning operation? If so, one decision you will likely be pondering is what type of equipment to invest in. **Backpacks** vs Uprights? Which type of vacuum cleaning equipment would be the best solution for your own internal facility and/or for the facilities of your clients? Does one type of equipment have distinct advantages over the other? Here are a few factors for you to consider as you evaluate your options: ## Backpacks vs Uprights Some important considerations… Backpack vacuums have increased in popularity over the past decade. When compared to the traditional upright vacuum the backpack technology does offer some significant advantages. - **Increased Productivity:**  Backpack vacuums are more efficient than their upright counterparts. Estimates from the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) indicate that an operator using a backpack vacuum can cover up to three times the amount of area in the same amount of time as an operator using a traditional upright. Backpack vacuums have cordless options which further increase their advantages in overall productivity and efficiency. - **Improved Ergonomics:  **Several studies have shown that the use of backpack vacuums result in significantly less operator strain and fatigue as compared to uprights. The backpack configuration allows the operator to work in a more upright fashion, eliminating much of the stooping that comes from use of an upright. The backpack also reduces the amount of repetitive back and forth motion required by the operator. - **Improved Cleaning Access and Flexibility:  **The traditional upright vacuum is not effective at cleaning edges, corners, vents, blinds, etc. The backpack vacuum provides the operator with much greater cleaning access and flexibility. - **Better “Green” Cleaning:**  For “green” facilities, the backpack vacuum is the superior choice. Backpacks typically have better filtration mechanisms that, when combined with their direct suction, can minimize the amount of internal air pollutants generated during the vacuuming process. ## Cost Backpack vacuums are more expensive than uprights.  Depending on specific models a backpack can cost 3 times as much as an upright. However, over time, that additional cost can be offset by the backpack’s increased productivity, lower maintenance cost, and reduced operator strain. ## Still a Place for the Upright The traditional upright vacuum still has its place. They are less expensive than backpack vacuums and they still provide a low entry-cost option for many cleaning operations. Some operators still prefer uprights due to the fact that they leave visible markings on the carpet than can serve as “proof” that the carpet was vacuumed. Regardless of whether you choose backpack or upright, weighing the above considerations will allow you to make an informed decision regarding your upcoming investment in vacuum cleaning equipment. In the Vacuum Wars, backpacks vs uprights, the choice is yours!   Which type of vacuum equipment are you using? How is it working for your facility? Let us know in the section for comments below. And if you need a customized, cost-effective Service Solution for your business, let SMO help. [**Request a Customized Service Solution today.**](http://smoworks.com/get-more-info/)   [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4826756/e550c481-a79e-42d8-a0e5-716c8c477891.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4826756/e550c481-a79e-42d8-a0e5-716c8c477891)   [Green Cleaning](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/green-cleaning) [Janitorial Services](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/janitorial-services) [Cleaning Industry Insights](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/cleaning-industry-insights) Share this post - - - [Previous](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/smo-team-member-anniversaries-june-2018) [Next](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/the-advantages-of-team-cleaning) ##### Related Posts - [![Let the Light In: The Importance of Getting Your Windows Cleaned](https://content.smoworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Listing%20Image%20(13).jpg?width=220&height=135&name=Blog%20Listing%20Image%20(13).jpg)](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/getting-windows-cleaned) ### [Let the Light In: The Importance of Getting Your Windows Cleaned](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/getting-windows-cleaned) - [![The Importance of an Organized Janitor Closet](https://content.smoworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Listing%20Image%20(5)-1.jpg?width=220&height=135&name=Blog%20Listing%20Image%20(5)-1.jpg)](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/organized/janitor/closet) ### [The Importance of an Organized Janitor Closet](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/organized/janitor/closet) ### Search Article ### FOLLOW US - - - - ### Subscribe to our blog ## Topics - Select a Topic - [All](https://content.smoworks.com/blog) - [SMO Company News](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/smo-company-news) - [Employee Engagement](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/employee-engagement) - [Janitorial Services](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/janitorial-services) - [Cleaning Industry Insights](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/cleaning-industry-insights) - [Clean & Healthy Facilities](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/clean-healthy-facilities) - [Cleaning Innovation](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/cleaning-innovation) - [Green Cleaning](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/green-cleaning) [![Let SMO create a customized, cost-effective Service Solution for your business.](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4826756/03caab17-9bf3-4111-93b4-7a38b0288497.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4826756/03caab17-9bf3-4111-93b4-7a38b0288497) ### TOPICS - [SMO Company News (321)](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/smo-company-news) - [Cleaning Industry Insights (125)](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/cleaning-industry-insights) - [Janitorial Services (76)](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/janitorial-services) - [Clean & Healthy Facilities (68)](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/clean-healthy-facilities) - [Employee Engagement (48)](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/employee-engagement) - [Green Cleaning (28)](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/green-cleaning) - [Disinfecting (25)](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/disinfecting) - [Cleaning Safety (18)](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/cleaning-safety) - [Cleaning Innovation (7)](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/cleaning-innovation) - [Janitorial Quality Assurance (7)](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/janitorial-quality-assurance) ### LATEST POSTS [![SMO Team Member Birthdays December 2024](https://content.smoworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(25).png?width=180&height=138&name=Untitled%20design%20(25).png)](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/smo-team-member-birthday/december24) ## [SMO Team Member Birthdays December 2024](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/smo-team-member-birthday/december24) December 04, 2024 [![SMO Team Member Anniversaries December 2024](https://content.smoworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1-Apr-27-2022-03-02-43-71-PM.png?width=180&height=138&name=1-Apr-27-2022-03-02-43-71-PM.png)](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/smo/december/2024/anniversaries) ## [SMO Team Member Anniversaries December 2024](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/smo/december/2024/anniversaries) December 02, 2024 [![SMO iCare Award Winners October 2024](https://content.smoworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/iCare%20New%20image.png?width=180&height=138&name=iCare%20New%20image.png)](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/smo-team-member-icare/november24) ## [SMO iCare Award Winners October 2024](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/smo-team-member-icare/november24) November 19, 2024 - [HOME](http://smoworks.com/) - [SERVICES](https://smoworks.com/office-cleaning-services) - [WHY CHOOSE SMO](http://smoworks.com/why-choose-smo) - [ABOUT](http://smoworks.com/about) - [NEWS & INSIGHTS](https://content.smoworks.com/blog) - [ACQUISITIONS](https://smoworks.com/acquisitions) - [LOCATIONS](http://smoworks.com/locations) - [CAREERS](http://smoworks.com/careers) - [CONTACT](http://smoworks.com/contact) - [TEAM LOGIN](https://smo.teamehub.com/ehub/account/login?ReturnUrl=%2Fehub%2F) - [ICARE AWARD](https://content.smoworks.com/icare) ###  Where to Find Us - [108 Pomona Drive Greensboro, NC 27409](https://goo.gl/maps/8jzNkBFwtYU2) - [800.717.4766](tel:+18007174766) - [336.294.7665](tel:+13362947665) [![](https://content.smoworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SMO-iCare-logo.png?width=90&name=SMO-iCare-logo.png) NOMINATE TEAM MEMBER](https://content.smoworks.com/smo-icare-award-program) [Work Request](http://smo.vektr.com) Copyright | Supreme Maintenance Organization