Clean Breezes (UPDATED)
Written: Jan 09 '03 (Updated Jun 17 '09)
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Pros: Silent, great design, very effective and lower cost in the long run.
Cons: expensive (initially), may (or may not) create unhealthful levels of ozone in your home.
The Bottom Line: Buy this...DON'T even consider another unit (unless it's the GP model. Cheaper and more cost-effective in the long run.
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| criteeker's Full Review: Sharper Image Ionic Breeze Quadra SI637 Air Purifi... |
PLEASE NOTE: I have changed my mind about this product and the GP model. Yes, it has worked well for me. I see the "gunk" collected on the collection grid and love the fact that it's not in my lungs. BUT, recently, I have read articles about the unhealthful ozone it creates and that it's a danger to me (and my dogs) while sleeping. While I am not certain it can harm me, I have decided to be safe and return it. Sharper Image was very nice and refunded my money without hesitation.
The following is the original review I wrote 2 years ago. I still stand by the fact that it works well, but the fact that it may create an unhealthful sleeping area concerns me.
I have three German Shepherd dogs, so you can imagine the amount of dust, dirt & hair they add to my already dirty atmosphere. Since I purchased the Ionic Breeze Quadra, I sleep MUCH better and use my nasal spray far less.
Having said that, the design of this product is straight out of the hi-tech future. Unlike the large and noisy air filters on the market, this is sculptured elegance. It comes in gray or black to suit any decor.
I must confess, I used to use a larger and noisy air filter... I miss the constant noise (that drowned-out big city noise) that lulled me to sleep. But the solution was to buy one of those "nature's sounds" machines (also available at Sharper Image).
Dimensions: The Ionic breeze is available in two sizes - a less-expensive desktop model and the floor standing model pictured here. It stands 28-1/2" tall, 6" wide and 9" deep. So it can be positioned virtually anywhere in your bedroom.
Yes, the Quadra is bit expensive at first, but if you consider that you do NOT need to buy any filters (that can cost hundreds to thousands over the life of the product) and that it uses so much less electricity, you are really saving money in the long run.
Please note: If you get a family member or friend to purchase an Ionic Breeze at the same time, instead of paying $349 each, you pay $261.75 each. All the people who traded up to the Ionic Breeze GP model have turned in their Quadras. Sharper Image, eBay and other online stores sell the "refurbished" units for less than that. They give you a five year warranty on it, so you can't lose that way either.
The Ionic Breeze zaps particles in the air with a positive charge. The particles are drawn (like a magnet) into the collection grid because the grid is negatively charged. The particles stick to the grid and the air that comes out of the product is clean and fresh. They call this "Xenion Technology." So much so, that one of my dogs, sleeps in front of it LOL.
When the collection grid gets dirty, the unit will make a slight humming sound, which is telling you to clean the grid. Every 2-3 weeks (or so) you need to remove the collection grid (by pulling it straight up and out of the tower) and wipe the dust and "stuff" off of it with a damp sponge or rag. It's so simple. It even has a light to remind you when it needs cleaning. Just make sure that the grid is dry before you put it back into the tower.
Recently I tried something... I suffer from cat allergies. So I took the very lightweight Quadra to a friend's house and spent the night. This was something I had never done, because two cats made it impossible to be in that house for more than 20 minutes. I actually got to sleep that night and wasn't bothered by the pet dander. I woke up in the morning without the stuffy nose. I was amazed and happy! That (alone) was a HUGE factor in loving this machine.
This unit eliminates smoke, odors, pet dander, household chemical smells, and POLLEN!!!!! So allergy and hay fever sufferers need this unit in a big way. AS do pet owners and folks with babies.
After you see all of the "gunk" that you're NOT breathing every night, you'll feel so much better that you have this product.
Saving money: If you buy two units, the second one is half-price. So get a friend or family member to buy one (at the same time) and save some money. For every unit sold, S.I. will include a smaller wall version - perfect for any bathroom ($69 dollar value). Sharper Image even offers a 60 (SIXTY) day "love it or return it" policy. They'll even ship it/them to you for FREE if you pay with a credit card.
Update: Although they do not advertise this, The Sharper Image will now take trade-ins. Anyone who purchased an Ionic Breeze Quadra is eligible to trade up to the Ionic Breeze GP model. This is the unit that offers the same great advantages of the regular Quadra but adds Germicidal Protection. I have the option of using it with or without the GP feature.
Since I have traded up to the Ionic Breeze GP model, I love it even more. THANKS Sharper Image! Please read my review for that model. You can click on the link below
http://www.epinions.com/content_109382700676
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 349
Battery Life: N/A
Noise Level: More quiet than most
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