OVERVIEW
Should you get an ionic air purifier? In this air breeze ionic purifier review we’ll explain the downfall of the Sharper Image Ionic Breeze Air Purifier. While it is no longer sold (in it’s original version) there are many other ionic air purifiers that have taken it’s place. The original was pulled off TV by the FTC several years ago for ozone dangers. While the infomercial made the terms “Ionic Breeze” and “Breeze ionic” synonymous with “purifier” ionic is really just one of the 10 types of air purification.
Sharper Image went bankrupt because the sales of the Ionic Breeze by infomercial was the only thing supporting the Sharper Image stores. Searching for “Air Breeze Ionic Purifier Review” and you’ll find a site selling several different models under the Ionic Breeze name. But these are not the original mold sold on infomercial.
If you don’t know the 10 technologies, of which ionic is one, consider watching the video on the Home Page which explains the other 9. You might also enjoy the “Top 10 Air Purifier” videos via the menu on the left.
Deceptive Claims
As with any ionic purifier (and also Oreck says this) the Ionic Breeze infomercial said “Never have to change filters”, “It’s Silent” and “Runs on pennies a day”. However:
1. The washable ionic plates (charged plates) are very ineffective for gathering dust and pollen.
2. Silent? Because it has no fan motor the ionic breeze depended on natural air flow in the room. Without moving very much air it doesn’t clean very much air. However the negative ions and ozone would go out and kill odor.
3. It did run on pennies a day because there was no motor.
Stages of Cleaning
There is really only one stage of purification:
Ionic Plates (also called truman cells, or electrostatic). – The washable ionic plates attract + and – particles in the air like a magnet. At least those molecules that also have a charge like soot and pollution. However dust and pollen have very little charge and hence the ineffectiveness of ionic for allergies.
Pros and Cons
Pros
1 – No replacement filter
2 – Kills odors and smoke.
4 – Easy to use.
5 – If you forget to clean the plates, a red light shines
6 – Plates are sturdy
7- Portable, and uses little power – Energy efficient
Cons
1 – No HEPA. Needs HEPA to help pollen and dust.
2 – Generates ozone (harmful to lungs)
3 – No help for germs, bacteria, or viruses
4 – With no fan it moves very little air
5 – Some complain that the red light is too bright for sleep
6 – Plates need cleaning every 4 to 5 days
9 – It can create a black wall effect if left too long in one place.
10 – Sparking and cracking noises may develop when plates are dirty
Conclusion
I don’t recommend ionic machines like the Ionic Breeze or the Oreck. They are overpriced in my opinion and don’t clean the air very well.
Watch the reviews and the comparison chart on this website for better suggestions.