MERV 11 is a mid-range efficiency rating on the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value scale developed by ASHRAE. A MERV 11 filter captures 85% or more in the 3–10 micron range and 65% or more of particles in the 1–3 micron range. This includes everything a MERV 8 captures such as the larger particles of dust, pollen, mold spores, lint, pet dander in the air, plus finer dust, auto emissions particulates, and some bacteria-sized particles.
MERV 11 is the rating used by a lot of deep-media whole-house air cleaner filters (4-inch and 5-inch formats) from brands like Aprilaire, Carrier, Honeywell, and Trion Air Bear, and there are SpiroPure compatible filter rating across those product lines. For standard (nominal) 1-inch and 2" filter slots, MERV 11 pleated filters are available and appropriate for most residential systems, but check your HVAC documentation before upgrading from MERV 8.