Immunity Machine

I have a couple of models: Immunity Machine, Healthmate Plus, bedroom machine. There have been some reviews stating that Austins are slower at clearing a room of particulates. My main concern is VOCs and since I run 3-4 filters in each room that isn't a concern for me. Am now testing the immunity machine. Seems to do a much better job with VOCs, although final results will take a while. What is your concern with IQAair?

According to Consumer Reports (subscription required): Only 2 out of 7 Winix models rated good to fair, the rest poor Only 1 Coway model rated good. Rest poor to unacceptable. 1512 poor. [https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/air-purifiers/c29550/#sort=3337%2Cdesc](https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/air-purifiers/c29550/#sort=3337%2Cdesc) Found a major difference using the $$ Austin Immunity Machine which isn't rated.

I use Austin Immunity machine and iQair GC Multigas units as VOCs are a major concern for me. Not rated.

According to U.S. Consumer Reports (subscription required) where the top rated model got an 85: BlueAir had the best overall ratings of all manufacturers with all models in 1st or 2nd tier, 62 to 81. [https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/air-purifiers/c29550/](https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/air-purifiers/c29550/) Levoit: Out of 10 models tested.  3 in 2nd tier, 5 3rd tier, 1 in 4th tier, 1 in 5th tier with scores ranging from 32 to 74.  None in tier 1 (the best) where the highest rated filter rating is 85. Winex: Only 2 out of 7 Winix models rated good to fair, the rest poor       Coway: 1 Coway model rated excellent out of 9 models tested. None of the others fell in their 2 top ratings categories. One is in the lowest rating category. Ratings range from 48  to 85. Coway 100 got a 38, Airmega ProX 85, 1512 57. Winix: out of 6 tested models ratings none were in the top ratings tier. Ratings ranged to 51 to 74 where the top rated model got an 85.   2 were in the 2nd tier, 4 in the 3rd tier. Dyson: 2 models tested with ratings of 49 and 69 Rabbit air Air A3 53 Found a major improvement using the $$$$ Austin Immunity Machine which isn't rated.     

Air filters do catch some dust but that is not their primary use. As particles are heavy most settle to the floor before hitting the filter. BlueAir filters have the highest overall ratings. According to U.S. Consumer Reports (subscription required) where the top rated model got an 85: [https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/air-purifiers/c29550/](https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/air-purifiers/c29550/) Levoit: Out of 10 models tested.  3 in 2nd tier, 5 3rd tier, 1 in 4th tier, 1 in 5th tier with scores ranging from 32 to 74.  None in tier 1 (the best) where the highest rated filter rating is 85. Levoit Vital 200s 59, assume the 100s is 59 or lower Winex: Only 2 out of 7 Winix models rated good to fair, the rest poor       Coway: 1 Coway model rated excellent out of 9 models tested. None of the others fell in their 2 top ratings categories. One is in the lowest rating category. Ratings range from 48  to 85. Coway 100 got a 38, Airmega ProX 85, 1512 57. Winix: out of 6 tested models ratings none were in the top ratings tier. Ratings ranged to 51 to 74 where the top rated model got an 85.   2 were in the 2nd tier, 4 in the 3rd tier. Dyson: 2 models tested with ratings of 49 and 69 BlueAir from 62 to 81. Best overall ratings of all manufacturers with all models in 1st or 2nd tier. Found a major improvement using the $$$$ Austin Immunity Machine which isn't rated.     

Running both IQAir and Austin Immunity Machines in my major rooms particulates run from 0 to under 10.

According to U.S. Consumer Reports (subscription required) where the top rated model got an 85: [https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/air-purifiers/c29550/](https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/air-purifiers/c29550/) Levoit: Out of 10 models tested.  3 in 2nd tier, 5 3rd tier, 1 in 4th tier, 1 in 5th tier with scores ranging from 32 to 74.  None in tier 1 (the best) where the highest rated filter rating is 85. Winex: Only 2 out of 7 Winix models rated good to fair, the rest poor       Coway: 1 Coway model rated excellent out of 9 models tested. None of the others fell in their 2 top ratings categories. One is in the lowest rating category. Ratings range from 48  to 85. Coway 100 got a 38, Airmega ProX 85, 1512 57. Winix: out of 6 tested models ratings none were in the top ratings tier. Ratings ranged to 51 to 74 where the top rated model got an 85.   2 were in the 2nd tier, 4 in the 3rd tier. Dyson: 2 models tested with ratings of 49 and 69 BlueAir from 62 to 81. Best overall ratings of all manufacturers with all models in 1st or 2nd tier. Found a major improvement using the $$$$ Austin Immunity Machine which isn't rated.     

According to U.S. Consumer Reports (subscription required) where the top rated model got an 85 the 2 shark models they tested rated 41 and 44. BlueAir had the best overall ratings of all manufacturers with all models in 1st or 2nd tier, 62 to 81. Best overall ratings of all manufacturers with all models in 1st or 2nd tier [https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/air-purifiers/c29550/](https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/air-purifiers/c29550/) Levoit: Out of 10 models tested.  3 in 2nd tier, 5 3rd tier, 1 in 4th tier, 1 in 5th tier with scores ranging from 32 to 74.  None in tier 1 (the best) where the highest rated filter rating is 85. Winex: Only 2 out of 7 Winix models rated good to fair, the rest poor       Coway: 1 Coway model rated excellent out of 9 models tested. None of the others fell in their 2 top ratings categories. One is in the lowest rating category. Ratings range from 48  to 85. Coway 100 got a 38, Airmega ProX 85, 1512 57. Winix: out of 6 tested models ratings none were in the top ratings tier. Ratings ranged to 51 to 74 where the top rated model got an 85.   2 were in the 2nd tier, 4 in the 3rd tier. Dyson: 2 models tested with ratings of 49 and 69 Found a major improvement using the $$$$ Austin Immunity Machine which isn't rated.     

I use Austin Immunity Machines and IQAIR GC Multigas.

The 4 vendors with the best VOC filters are Airpura, Allerair, Austin, IQAir. Absorbent media composition and weight vary by manufacturer. IQAir has models that go up to 32 pounds of media, at least according to google search. Note that no VOC filter will remove all VOCs. They do well with some chemicals, partially control some, and totally ignore others. I use IQAirs and Austin Immunity Machines, multiple units per room unless you want to put up with the noise running the fans on high speed. Had a room repainted and requested a low VOC paint. Was pleasantly surprised that I had no problems with the paint even though I am extremely chemically sensitive. It is possible that the renovations don't cause a VOC problem at all, or maybe just for a few days.

1. Whirlpool AP450, Honeywell HA300BHD, IQAir GC Multigas, Austin Healthmate and Immunity machines. Have had some of these running without problems for 10-20 years so models have likely changed. Range in price from \~$224 to \~$!400. 2. Generic filters - in general not a great idea. Filters are sized to fit the casing and the fan is matched to the filter. Might be done but a bit risky. 3. Although I haven't needed to purchase machines recently my suspicion is that the "smarter" and more automated the machine is (auto speed, remote, etc.) the less likely they will be controllable by a smart power switch. 4. For printer and VOC removal the best machines run $1K or more. Filters can run as much as $700 (Austin Immunity Machine), but can last for 5 years.

1. Yes, I have them all on Satechi Smart Plugs. 2. I did check Amazon for 3rd party HA300BHD filters and they do exist. 3rd party Filters will more likely be available for models that have been out there a long time as there will be more units sold making it profitable for 3rd parties. This one, or similar ones from them, has been out for > 10 years. No way to tell about their quality or effectiveness. Since I am extremely sensitive I personally don't want to take the risk. Given their specialized nature don't see any for Austin or IQAir. 3. You need to choose a company that has been doing this for a long time and is successful.

I have had my Austin, IQAir, Honeywell and Whirlpool machines for as much as \~20 years and have had no problems with filter replacements.

Bird Fancier's Lung, or Bird Keeper's Lung, is a *very* serious illness that can cause permanent effects to your lungs and present with symptoms like you are describing. You need to be tested for it ASAP. I also highly recommend a very good air purifier like the Austin Air Immunity Machine. I have one near my African Grey's cage in the living room. She's 26 yo, and I am just starting to experience some stuffy nose and light cough. I don't know if it's associated with her, but the air purifier helps immensely. https://austinairsystems.com/products/immunity-machine Make sure your son is keeping a *very* clean environment for his two 'Toos, including changing papers everyday to get rid of droppings and daily dust and dander that falls onto the paper. They should be bathed a couple of times a week. I take my Grey in the shower with me and she gets sprayed under the shower head like rain while she sits on a shower perch. They should get pretty wet to really wash off the dander and dust. That will help keep it at a minimum for your sake. Vacuuming, dusting, changing air filters more often will all help to benefit you. If those things cannot be accomplished daily and weekly, you may have to seriously consider rehoming them or your condition will only get much worse. I *rarely* advocate rehoming parrots, but when it comes to the owner's health becoming detrimental by the very presence of the bird(s), then it's time to consider all angles. I wish you the very best.

Austin Air. Pricey but solid - made of metal in US. Filters last 5 years on normal conditions. Have had the same machine running 24/7 since 2013!

I had their top line about 20 years ago. It made my indoor air soothing , it was comfortable, it relaxed me. I miss it, problem free machine. I am doing home made for chemical intolerance now as replacement filters for Austin might be too much. I need single pass VOC capture.

I can name two! The AustinAir HEPAs are basically a big metal box with a motor. The plastic in it is the squirrel cage fan itself and maybe the speed dial cover? Same for the SmarterHEPA (outside the US Smart Air) Blast and Blast Mini models. They again are a big metal box with close to zero plastic outside the fan itself. Of course even the motor will have plastic covering the wires or things like that. And the power cord has a plastic coating so nothing these days will be 100% plastic free but these two models are very close. Also both of them are really great HEPA filters! Basically no ‘features’ to either, just a big box with a fan and a speed dial. I had the AustinAir for like 30 years running 24/7.

Second this - Austin uses minimal plastics. Just the fan blades, knob, and wires.

Austin routinely pays out on prorated filter replacement. They generally last between two and three years, and they weigh 15 pounds and are several inches thick. Unlike the filters in the shark, which are about a half an inch thick and weigh about 6 ounces.

Well, it has to do with media surface area vs. airflow. HVAC filters that are 1" go foul in a couple months in a dusty environment. But the same HVAC, same airflow, and a 6" filter? Yearly replacement. All down to surface area.

The very best one is a PM1 unit. You will have to have a commercial contractor come out and give you a personalized quotation. And once you find out the price, you will likely back off your price doesn't matter bravado as the unit will cost as much as your car. You are not asking a BIFL question, so quit trying to shoehorn it as such. An air purifier is purchased based on sq ft of use and since we don't know if you want a room or whole house done, zero people here can give you advice worth a damn. Austin Air is the hive mind BIFL unit and is a PM 2.5 AKA HEPA unit. A HEPA unit is a HEPA unit, but Austin's killer warranty and filter period puts it in the top spot.

1. Step zero or purchasing this product is finding/posting the sq ft of the area served. You have not done so, so you are not ready to buy. 2. View 5 air purifier buyer's guides to gain knowledge. https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/air-purifiers/buying-guide/ is one and google will find you others. 3. Your root cause is likely NOT dust as that is your assumption. You are best served by visiting a doctor and discussing allergies. 4. You do have a price range as a PM1 unit costs more than your car. 5. Silence is not a factor in any unit that conditions the air as you will either accept it or return it. You cannot ask about this metric online ever as that comes from dB and Hz. Makers may list dB using an unknown distance and unknown dB meter which means literally zero and they never list Hz which is a critical annoyance factor that varies to you...my unit may be whisper quiet to me as I was raised in a sawmill and when you buy it based on my recommendation it sounds like an annoying screech. 6. LEDs are not a metric as zero people know how many/what brightness will annoy you and they can all be solved with pieces of electrical tape. Austin Air is a BIFL brand when you factor in sizing, the 5 year warranty and 5 year filter replacement cycle. Which flavor of them is right for you....dunno as you didn't state the sq ft served.

Best of the best would be really any product from the company Austin Air Passable would be like a winix 5510-5520 The most important thing here is that it has a decent amount of carbon in it, carbon being the only thing that actually removes the odor. Austin has the most carbon, winix doesn’t have a ton but it’s passable and a lot more than most of the ones you can get at Walmart. Either way though your roomie like smoking next to the air purifier every time specifically is something I’d recommend, pot smell has a habit of spreading out pretty quickly and then it becomes a question of how quickly can your purifier get the entire apartment.

I have 3 of these because I have Mast Cell Activation Syndrome & they have helped so much.

IQAir and Austin Air are the go-to “buy it for life” purifiers. They really have long-lasting filters and proven performance on my end