| > | | | | particles, but makes very little mechanical sound in |
| | | | doing so. The unit is approximately 2.5 feet tall, |
| For the millions of people who suffer from indoor | | | | and can be easily placed in the corner of a room, |
| allergies, an air filter can provide a much-needed | | | | without taking up much horizontal space. In fact, in |
| relief. There have been hundreds of air purifiers | | | | most cases it is hardly noticeable at all, even |
| on the market, but few have been advertised | | | | when running. |
| and praised quite like Sharper Image's Ionic | | | | The ionic breeze has been thoroughly tested, and |
| Breeze Quadra. Some would claim that this is a | | | | does in fact do a very good job in trapping |
| revolutionary step in indoor air filtration. | | | | allergens flying through the air. However, on a |
| Before we do qualitative review of this device it | | | | down side, there have been a few complaints |
| is important to first take an in-depth look at the | | | | that the device causes headaches. Usually, these |
| technology behind the ionic breeze. The science | | | | reports have come from individuals who have |
| upon which the ionic breeze is based is actually | | | | kept the device in the room in which they sleep. |
| fairly simple. The unit pulls air in towards an | | | | Thus, it is advised that the unit not be placed in |
| electrical field that charges incoming particles. The | | | | the bedroom. |
| dust, pollen, and other materials are given a | | | | In addition to running quietly, the unit is also |
| charge that is electrically opposite that of the | | | | praised for being very environmentally and |
| metal core. As a result, the dust, etc. is drawn | | | | economically friendly. Because you do not have to |
| electromagnetically towards the metal rod (which | | | | buy filters for the device (the metal core is simply |
| as actually a flat steel bar, easily removed and | | | | wiped clean about once a week) you will save |
| cleaned when dirty). The term ionic in the brand's | | | | money as well as reduce waste. Also, the unit |
| name refers to the charge given to the incoming | | | | runs on only 10 watts a day; an impressively small |
| particles. When a molecule, or a lone atom, has | | | | number compared with other air filtration units. |
| either too few or too many electrons it will have | | | | The take home message is that the ionic breeze |
| a particular charge (+/-) and is said to be ionic. | | | | quadra is both effective and economical. If you |
| One of the nicest features of the ionic breeze | | | | don't mind a little work in cleaning the device |
| quadra - and usually the most lauded by its | | | | every week, and you take precautions in its |
| owners - is its quietness. The unit produces a | | | | placement, it is surely worth the $250 asking |
| noticeable breeze in order to trap airborne | | | | price. |