Amid wildfires, COVID-19 and rapid expansion of public and private infrastructure, ensuring indoor air quality has never been more important. Data shows that there’s a surging demand for air purifiers, not just for in-home use, but also for industrial and commercial spaces. In fact, a recent analysis suggests that commercial air purifiers will account for 70% of the industry’s total revenue generation in the next 10 years. 

As air purifiers become more of a household and business necessity, consumers face an abundance of options, not just in manufacturers, but also in technologies. Many customers gravitate toward ionic air purifiers and HEPA purifiers without fully understanding the difference between the two. Do you know which will work best for your needs and space? When it comes to ionic air purifiers versus HEPA air purifiers, it’s helpful to understand the distinction. Keep reading to learn about their differences, as well as the distinct benefits each air purifier offers. 

At Air Oasis, we believe that good health starts with the air that you breathe. If you’re ready to protect your indoor space from allergens, pollutants, viruses and VOCs, visit our online store and start breathing easier. 

Ionic Air Purifier

One of the most effective ways to clean your indoor air is with an ionic air purifier. Ionic air purifiers differ from HEPA air purifiers in that they deactivate contaminants in the air, rather than filtering and trapping them. Ionic air purifiers utilize ionization, a reliable technology that’s over 100 years old. 

Although it sounds complex, the way ionization works is relatively straightforward. Ionization works by emitting ions from a high-quality air purifier, such as an ionic air purifier from Air Oasis. The ions interact with unwanted contaminants, such as viruses, bacteria, mold, allergens, VOCs and odors, rendering them incapable of replication. The two most effective forms of ionization are photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) and bi-polar ionization, also called cold plasma. 

Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO)

PCO works by using ultraviolet (UV) light photons and a catalyst, which is generally a proprietary mixture of catalytic particles adhered to a surface. When the UV light photons shine on the catalyst, a reaction occurs wherein H20 particles are rearranged, creating ions. These ions effectively decontaminate both air and surfaces. 

You’ll hear companies who sell basic PCO air purifiers tout that the technology was “developed by NASA!” Although that’s true to some extent, it’s important to note that NASA experimented with PCO for the purposes of extending the shelf-life of fruits and vegetables, not to clean indoor air. The truth of the matter is that basic PCO isn’t very effective when used alone; the ions it creates don’t last long enough to decontaminate an entire living space. 

However, an advanced PCO technology, such as Air Oasis’ AHPCO® (Advanced Hydrated PCO) is highly effective because it produces safe, long-lasting ions that travel further to decontaminate air and surfaces. If you’re interested in an office, school or home air purifier that utilizes our AHPCO® technology, our G3 Series may be the right choice for you. 

Bi-Polar Ionization (Cold Plasma)

Bi-polar ionization, which is also called cold plasma, uses simple electricity to split water vapor into positively and negatively charged ions. This encourages airborne particles to draw together, grow too heavy and fall from the air. This technology is particularly effective at removing pollutants like smoke from the air, which proves especially useful in areas affected by wildfire smoke. 

Like the AHPCO® purifiers, our Bi-polar® ionization purifiers also remove virus, bacteria and mold from the air and surfaces. Whereas AHPCO® is more effective at tackling unwanted odors, Bi-polar® ionization is more helpful to people concerned with allergens, dust and mold spores. If you’re interested in a home air purification system that primarily utilizes Bi-polar® ionization, the Air Oasis iAdapt Air™ may be the best app-enabled air purifier for you. 

Stuck between our AHPCO® or Bi-Polar® technologies? Luckily, you don’t have to choose. Air Oasis’ G3 Series UV Ionic Air Purifier combines both technologies to effectively purify your home or business. 

Do Ionic Air Purifiers Work?

Yes, they work. Decades of studies have shown that by removing a variety of pollutants and bio-contaminants from the air, ionic air purifiers can greatly improve occupants’ health and quality of life. Research indicates that ionizers can effectively remove many contaminants from the air, including the following: 

• Particulate matter. A 2018 study found that negative air ions, such as the ones produced by some air purifiers, can remove particulate matter, including some fine particulate matter, from the air. 
• Bacteria. In a study of negative air ions’ effect on the Acinetobacter bacteria in hospitals, researchers found that ionizers were able to interrupt the transmission of Acinetobacter infection in some healthcare settings. 
• Viruses. In a 2015 study of ionizers’ effect on airborne influenza, researchers found that by ionizing air, they could effectively reduce infectivity and prevent airborne transmission.

Ionic Air Purifier Reviews

Customers who purchase ionic air purifiers from Air Oasis aren’t buying just any air cleaner; they’re getting the highest-quality, research-backed air purifiers on the market. But don’t take our word for it; check out what our customers have to say: 

G3 Series UV Ionic Air Purifier

“These work very well. I have bought I believe 36 units so far and I may need more as people who see them want them in their space. The fact that they are virtually silent, small and look good is very appealing to everyone here. We are a live theater venue with 3 theaters and we have had not one person complain of ozone smell. Units are very efficient and trouble free.” -Dean Wattles

“I am 100% satisfied with this air purifier...The air smells so fresh and clean. We have two cats, one long haired and my husband has allergies. This purifier does exactly what it is supposed to do and then some. I also noticed a significant reduction in the amount of dust that accumulates throughout the house, which is amazing! I hardly have to dust. Having these filters has been great especially with Covid. We just feel so much better and I truly credit these purifiers as the reason why we are staying healthy, along with basic handwashing, ofc.” -Lisa A.

“This has been great. We feel healthier and it eliminates odors. We got this because we found mold in our home, and it seems to be making a difference so far.” -Jeremy A.

True HEPA Air Purifier

Before answering the ionic air purifier versus HEPA air purifier question, you need to learn about the benefits of True HEPA. If you’ve done any research into air purifiers, you’ve probably heard of the high-efficiency particulate absorbing (HEPA) filter, considering it’s sort of a rockstar of the clean air world. HEPA air purifiers work by simply trapping airborne particulates in a filter of fine, dense fibers. However, the mere mention of “HEPA” doesn’t denote a True HEPA filter, so it’s important to pay attention to the terminology on the label. The “HEPA type” or “HEPA like” filter designations mean essentially nothing, as they aren’t required to undergo testing. A True HEPA filter should conform closely to the Department of Energy’s standard, meaning at its highest efficiency, it should be able to remove 99.97% of particles that are 0.1 microns in size.

The US Army Chemical Corps and National Defense Research Committee created HEPA filters in the 1940s during the Manhattan Project for the purpose of screening out radioactive particles at atomic test facilities. The U.S. Department of Energy is now responsible for defining the HEPA standard. Filters of various construction styles and materials can meet the standard, as long as they trap the target amount of particles. Although there’s no certification program for consumer residential air purifiers, the Institute of Environmental Technology and Sciences has created a standard way to test HEPA performance. 

If you’re ready to buy a True HEPA air purifier that’s been thoroughly tested and approved by the scientific community, you can’t get any better than the iAdaptAir® HEPA UV Air Purifier from Air Oasis. Available in three sizes, it’s capable of cleaning both residential and commercial spaces. 

Do HEPA Air Purifiers Really Work?

Yes, they really work. However, like any type of air purifier, HEPA air purifiers are better at trapping certain contaminants than others. While they remove things like smoke, pet dander and allergens with ease, the majority aren’t able to remove microscopic particles that fall below the 0.1 micron threshold. Research suggests that HEPA air purifiers can effectively trap many contaminants, including the following:

• Aerosolized particles. In a 2020 study, researchers used aerosols to simulate the spread of COVID-19 from an infected patient. They found that when combined with a plastic barrier, a portable HEPA air purifier contained 99% of the aerosol. 
• Traffic emissions. Another 2020 study found that HEPA filtration could improve clinical outcomes and quality of life in asthmatic children by filtering out traffic pollutants. 
• Allergens. A 2018 study suggests that HEPA air purifiers can improve symptoms in people suffering from allergic rhinitis by effectively removing particulate matter and house dust mite allergens from the air. 

HEPA Air Purifier Reviews

Air Oasis offers the smartest home purifier in the market, the iAdaptAir® HEPA UV Air Purifier. The iAdaptAir® utilizes the top five air purification technologies to provide you with ozone-free, full-spectrum air purification that you can manage from your smartphone. Here’s how our customers describe it: 

“High Quality. Not disappointed. Worth it!. I have two of these filters in my dog daycare & boarding facility and let me just say that we get complimented on how good our facility smells. This is one part of our facility maintenance plan but these filters play a major role in our operations. They clean the air beautifully. I am beyond pleased with the results.” -Alicia V.

“The Best Air Quality. I am extremely happy with my large iAdapt Air unit and I have purchased another for my daughter's medical office. This seems to be the best air purifier that I have ever used. Thank you for being here during this very important time.” -Carol P.

“Instant Improvement. I just ordered filters and lamps for two iAdapt Air products which I had not been using. I have many allergies, asthma and sensitive immune system. Recently came down with bad bronchitis. This worried me because of Corona risk. After I installed the replacements, the bronchitis was gone in two days, lungs and sinus were clear. Felt like breathing hospital air!” -Bernard B.

Best Home Air Purifier

At the end of the day, any air purifier from Air Oasis will drastically improve your indoor air quality. When it comes to an ionic air purifier versus HEPA air purifier, each one offers slightly different benefits. The good news is that you don’t have to choose. 

The innovators at Air Oasis have combined the top five air purification technologies — HEPA filter, carbon filter, UV, silver ion and Bi-Polar® — into one unbeatable product, the iAdaptAir®. So if you’re ready to improve your indoor air quality and protect your overall health, purchase a lab-tested and thoughtfully designed air purifier from Air Oasis. Feel free to contact us online with questions or give us a call at 806-373-7788.