You’ll be spoiled for options if you look at the different air purifiers you can buy on the market today.
There are so many models, designs, and brands that finding the best one for your needs can be challenging.
And while many air purifiers claim to be the best, there is one that has a title unlike any other.
This is the Airocide air purifier, the only NASA-approved air purifier in the world.
This unique air purifier doesn’t use HEPA or carbon filters like other top-tier air purifiers.
Instead, it uses Photo-Catalytic technology, which breaks down harmful particles upon impact.
This is an entirely new approach to air purification and could be a great way to cleanse the air in an indoor space.
But is this the right air purifier for you?
In this comprehensive review of the Airocide air purifier, I will dive into every detail of the unit so you can see it for what it is.
I’m also going to review a few other valuable pieces of information you need regarding this unit to help make your mind up.
What is the NASA-Approved Air Purifier?
Before we get into any details surrounding this model, let’s look at what people mean when they say “NASA-approved air purifier.”
When someone says the NASA-approved air purifier, they’re referring to the technology behind the air purifiers used on the International Space Station, Airocide.
These air purifiers work much differently from the models we typically have at home, such as air purifiers for allergies, pets, COPD, and others.
This particular NASA-approved air purifier doesn’t have any filters compared to traditional air purifiers that use several filters to deal with air pollution.
Rather than trapping the solid and gaseous particles the air purifier comes in contact with, it simply destroys them on impact.
It does this through the use of Photo-Catalytic Oxidation technology, which is also known as PCO.
And to give you a better idea of what this is and how it cleans the air, check out the next section.
Understanding Photo-Catalytic Technology (PCO)
PCO is commonly used for air purification and water treatment.
This breaks down harmful compounds into carbon dioxide, water, and detritus.
This technology combines UV-C light and titanium dioxide.
This produces highly reactive electrons, which react with harmful compounds in the air like VOCs.
When they react, the compounds break down into water or carbon dioxide, making them harmless.
The UV-C light also targets bacteria, fungus, and mold spores, making life easier for people with allergies or respiratory problems.
That said, some research shows that the PCO process could result in ozone, which is dangerous if you inhale large amounts.
This is why there is some controversy over Airocide air purifiers and why it’s essential to research before buying one yourself.
What Is This Air Purifier Used For?
Initially, the Airocide air purifiers were used in NASA operations.
This is one of the few air purifiers available on the market that can claim that they work in space (not that many people would need such a unit yet, anyway).
Astronauts used this air purifier to cleanse the air and maintain healthy air quality on the International Space Station.
This isn’t an air purifier made solely for space use.
This air purifier has also been used in people’s homes, hospitals, offices, and any indoor space that could benefit from cleaner air.
This air purifier is among the more expensive ones you can use.
It’s more expensive than some premium air purifiers with carbon-activated filters and HEPA filters on the market, which is why it’s caused some sort of buzz.
And while it costs significantly more, you’re also paying for a unique technology adept at cleansing the air.
So, if you’re looking for a safe air purifier for your home and aren’t keen on using a HEPA model or an ionizer, this could be the next best option.
A Close Look at the Airocide APS-300 Air Purifier
So, now that you know more about the Airocide APS-300 air purifier, you might be wondering what it is all about.
This air purifier has many features, but does it justify the price tag?
To get to the bottom of this question, we must look at the air purifier’s features and performance indicators.
So, keep reading to learn all the details of the Airocide air purifier.
But before we get into those, let’s first look at how it works.
How Does It Work?
As mentioned earlier, this air purifier doesn’t use HEPA, carbon filtration, or ionization to clean the air.
The main problem with filtration is that you will need to replace or clean the filters from time to time.
On the other hand, ionization causes particles to fall to the floor, which you then need to clean up.
Whichever type of air purifier you go for, you still need to either clean the air purifier or sweep the floor at home.
So, to avoid these time-consuming tasks, the Airocide air purifier uses an entirely different technology.
This air purifier uses PCO or photo-catalytic oxidation.
This process turns the harmful particles in the air into carbon dioxide or water, which are entirely harmless.
However, the one problem with the technology is that it can produce ozone.
This issue is because large amounts of ozone can be dangerous for humans, mainly indoor areas.
This air purifier isn’t the best option for people with underlying respiratory issues such as asthma, COPD, etc.
Design
When it comes to the design of this unit, it definitely isn’t what you would typically expect to see from an air purifier.
That said, there are plenty of air purifiers that don’t have the traditional air purifier look – Dyson’s bladeless designs are an excellent example of that.
The Airocide APS-300 air purifier has a futuristic and boxy design to allow airflow.
Some would say it looks like a prominent speaker, which is true if you look at it face-on.
This air purifier will be a good choice if you’re fond of futuristic and uniquely-designed appliances.
At first glance, it isn’t hard to believe that this was the air purifier used in space as it sports a design that’s right out of the future.
In fact, because of the way this air purifier works, the design allows you to mount it on the wall.
It doesn’t come with the hardware to do so, but it is nice to know that this feature is available.
Additionally, the top of the air purifier has a nifty control panel that you can use to change the fan speed and other settings.
This Airocide air purifier definitely makes a statement when it comes to design.
The design may not be for everyone, but it’s unique and stands out.
Key Features
As I mentioned above, the Airocide NASA-approved air purifier is jam-packed with features, so in this section, we’ll look at the most important ones.
Multiple Fan Settings
One great feature of this air purifier is that it has two different fan speeds.
That way, you can tweak the unit’s fan speed based on the indoor air quality and your own individual needs.
However, when using this air purifier, I usually choose the third option, the automatic mode.
This automatic mode doesn’t work as it does with other air purifiers.
Instead of detecting air quality and adjusting based on that, it catches light levels.
So, when the light levels are low, the air purifier switches to a low-power mode, typical during the evening and night.
That way, you won’t be bothered by the constant humming noise of the unit, especially if you keep your air purifier on 24/7.
Reaction Chambers
When it comes to purifying the air inside your room, the reaction chambers are where this happens when using this NASA-approved air purifier.
The air purifier uses a fan to suck in air that contains harmful particles and pathogens.
Then, the air undergoes the PCO process, eliminating VOCs and other harmful compounds from the air.
After that, the fresh and purified air is released back into your room.
Quiet Operation
As someone who has difficulty getting used to loud appliances, especially right before bed, the quiet operation of this unit is something I really appreciate.
Thanks to its filterless design, this unit makes far less noise than your typical air purifier for COPD or other models.
I can keep the air purifier on around the clock and enjoy purified air at all times without disturbing me day or night.
Performance
While all these features are cool and attention-grabbing, the most important thing is whether or not this air purifier can do the job.
Ultimately, it is costly, and investing your hard-earned money into a unit that is just a fad wouldn’t be ideal.
So, can you use this air purifier to clean the air inside your home effectively?
After trying it out, I found that this air purifier works.
In fact, it works exceptionally well and much better than I initially thought.
I know this because I own an air quality measuring device I purchased in Delhi, India (the air there is highly polluted).
However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.
To start, you want to keep the air purifier as much as possible.
The air purifier worked best when I left it on for at least 8 hours daily.
So, it might be best to turn this air purifier on once and just forget about it.
When using this air purifier, I found that it could effectively eliminate both PM2.5 and PM10 particles.
These particles include dust, pollen, VOCs, and other pollutants that may irritate your respiratory system, even if you’re a healthy individual.
But again, keep in mind that the PCO process can produce ozone.
Ozone is hazardous if you breathe in large amounts, which is something to consider if you plan on buying this air purifier for yourself.
Pros:
- Uses PCO technology to purify the air
- Offers robust protection against solid and gaseous particles
- Operates very silently
- Features several fans speeds and an automatic mode
- Very easy to use
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Doesn’t have smart features
- Produces ozone
Is the Airocide Air Purifier Worth Buying?
The Airocide APS-300 is nothing quite like I’ve personally seen before, and I’ve reviewed and personally used a large number of air purifiers over the years.
Whether it’s worth it depends on your needs and why you’re buying it.
I’ve already confirmed that it purifies the air extremely effectively, requires little to no maintenance, is very easy to use, and is unique.
So, it’s all a matter of whether you’re willing to invest nearly $1,000 in a NASA-approved air purifier by Airocide.
I think it’s a worthwhile investment if you have the money.
I’ve been using my Airocide APS-300 for over 12 months, and I have no complaints about it.
It’s ultra quiet, fits in very well with my room decor, doesn’t take up a lot of space, and looks fantastic.