When I was shopping for air purifiers, a couple of Winix models caught my eye.
And one feature that got me confused was the PlasmaWave technology on many of their models.
I first assumed that this was just marketing jargon used to sell products.
But then I dug deeper.
And after some research, I learned that PlasmaWave is a unique take on air purification and is very interesting.
In this article, I’ll explain what it is.
Keep reading to learn what PlasmaWave in air purifiers means, how the technology works, and whether or not it’s safe.

What Is PlasmaWave Technology?
PlasmaWave technology is an additional air purification method on some Winix air purifiers.
This technology works similarly to ionizers but is also pretty different.
PlasmaWave technology releases both negative and positive ions into the air.
These ions bond with certain particles and cause them to stick to different surfaces.
So, aside from the particles filtered out, the air purifier also eliminates bacteria, mold, and other microbes in the air.
On top of that, the ions bond with particles, removing their hydrogen and ultimately eliminating them from the air.
That way, you won’t have to clean up the particles that stick to other surfaces.
This is a crucial feature of Winix air purifiers and is a great way to quickly and effectively clean the air.
The beauty of PlasmaWave technology is the range of particles it eliminates.
Aside from bacteria and viruses, the process eliminates dust and foul odors and reduces mold growth.

Is PlasmaWave the Same as Ionization?
While PlasmaWave works differently from standard ionizers, they are relatively similar.
To start, they both work by releasing ions.
The main difference is that PlasmaWave releases negatively and positively charged ions, putting the air in a plasma state.
This allows the ions to stick to different particles and eliminate them from the air.
The ultimate goal of PlasmaWave technology is to eliminate pollution.
And the reason it’s so unique is that it does by replicating the way nature eliminates pollution.
However, when using PlasmaWave technology, remember that the process also generates ozone.
This was my primary concern when researching the technology, and I’ll explain why it’s crucial in the next section.
Is It Safe to Use PlasmaWave?
The main similarity between ionizers and PlasmaWave air purifiers is that the technology generates ozone.
When you inhale large amounts of ozone, it could irritate your lungs and cause headaches.
And if you have underlying respiratory conditions, ozone could worsen your symptoms.
Ionizers and PlasmaWave air purifiers don’t produce that much ozone when releasing negative ions.
However, it’s easy to mistake the smell of ozone for a sign that the air purifier works.
This is because ozone produces a chlorine-like scent, which some mistake for a “fresh” smell.
So, you might be breathing in a lot of ozone without even noticing.
Because of this, I suggest avoiding air purifiers that use PlasmaWave technology, especially if you have underlying respiratory conditions.
How to Tell If an Air Purifier Produces Ozone
It can be hard to tell if ozone is in the air.
However, one tell-tale sign that your air purifier produces ozone is if it emits a chlorine-like smell.
Ozone is known to have this scent, and some people think it means the air is clean.
It could be ozone if you can smell something similar to chlorine when using an air purifier.
Other signs of air purifiers producing ozone include headaches, a more challenging time breathing, and dryer air.
What Air Purifiers Use PlasmaWave?
You can find PlasmaWave features on many Winix air purifiers.
In fact, this is arguably the most popular feature of Winix air purifiers.
PlasmaWave is known to clean the air effectively and quickly.
So, many people enjoy using the feature to clean the air as soon as they turn the air purifier on.
Some popular Winix models that use PlasmaWave technology are the Winix 5300 and the Winix AM90.
Even if I’m not the biggest fan of PlasmaWave technology, these air purifiers are really interesting.
This is because, on top of the PlasmaWave feature, the air purifiers have HEPA and carbon filters.
This gives you comprehensive air purification and ensures you breathe in as little pollutants as possible.
Again, the downside of this is ozone production.
So, before buying a PlasmaWave air purifier, make sure to weigh the pros and the cons.
Pros of PlasmaWave:
- Cleans the air quickly and efficiently
- Targets various particles
- Completely eliminates pollution
- Mimics the natural way to stop pollution
- Releases both negatively and positively charged ions
Cons of PlasmaWave:
- The PlasmaWave process produces ozone

Alternatives to PlasmaWave Technology
As interesting as the Winix models were, the fact that PlasmaWave produces ozone forced me to look for something else.
When shopping for an air purifier, it’s essential to focus on finding the right option for your needs.
However, if you aren’t comfortable with PlasmaWave technology, rest assured that any air purifier without an ionizer is a good option.
Without an ionizer, the air purifier won’t produce ozone, so the air will be completely safe to breathe.
Regardless of your chosen air purifier, you might be better off avoiding ionizers and similar technologies.
The only exception would be if you can turn the feature off.
That way, you can turn it off whenever you feel like you’re breathing in too much ozone.
What is PlasmaWave in Air Purifiers: Conclusion
PlasmaWave is an exciting technology.
It’s an ionizer upgrade, releasing negative and positive ions into the air.
Air purifiers with this feature are great at eliminating particles from the air quickly and efficiently.
However, the downside is that you produce ozone when ions react with different particles.
Ozone can cause many problems, so avoiding any air purifier that produces ozone might be best.
While this doesn’t mean the PlasmaWave Winix air purifiers are harmful, you must consider the major downside of PlasmaWave technology before buying one.