Abstract: An airflow system enhances airflow in a hand-drying apparatus which expels a stream of sterilised, hot air for drying of hands. Inside the apparatus, the airflow is decelerated by one or more filters. Therefore, the system is provided with an airflow-pathway that is progressively smaller along its pathway in respect of flowthrough cross-section. The airflow is enhanced by flowing initially through a larger part of the airflow-pathway, and subsequently through a smaller part of the airflow-pathway after which the airflow exits the apparatus. To enhance the airflow, a universal commutator motor is used to drive an appliance that provides air movement. The motor comprises magnetic field generating means, a rotating armature adapted for rotational motion in operative association with the magnetic field. A ratio of magnetic field strength at the armature to the magnetic field strength within the magnetic field is less than about 1 to 1.