Air Purifier question

[BirdCrazy]

Hey guys, I'm looking for a new air purifier for my room...finally have mom talked in to it lol. I really need a better purifier as I'm having to reuse this filter over and over...have to vacuum it about 3 times a week.  We can't find filters for the one we have now in stores...so what's the point of spending a bunch of money to get them shipped. This model isn't even made anymore that we can find... but anyways, I know to stay away from the ionizing ones. But what if they have an optional ionizer? Are those types safe to use with birds? I'm also considering some of the permanent filter ones...as I'd love to not have to change filters all the time lol.

http://www.holmesproducts.com/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=6243  This is one of the types i've been looking into maybe getting. What's ya'lls opinions on it?

http://www.holmesproducts.com/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=7440 and another by the same company.

Thanks in advance!!

[BuffaloParrot]

Well we use Life Wise ultra air purifier.  We got it at a garage sale this fall for like $20 dollars.  It was only 6 months old and only used for a month and we got lucky.  I really love it as it does suck out alot of stuff and you do not need to replace filters.  You just clean them out with a vacuum every month or so.  It also has a ultraviolet feature to kill bacteria but I never use that opart as after much research I know any ultraviolet feature looses it's potential after 6 short months and is expensive to replace.  This things has good filtration though and I am very happy with it   Here is a link  http://www.air-purifier-power.com/lifewise-ultra-cleaner.html

[Jadesmom]

I'm not sure what I have...got it at Lowe's of course! Its got an ionizer, but I never use it.

[Ditty]

both of mine are kenmore brands.  i have to vac the prefilter weekly but the hepa is only changed every few mos

[Jadesmom]

I checked ..mine is a Germ Guardian with hepa filter.

[BPMar]

Actually we got it for $6.00.  It is a tower and pretty good size.  Ours has the ionizer also but we never use it, not supposed to but I don't recall why with the fids.  The ones with the replaceable filters get to be expensive to replace.  We have 2 other small ones that I vac and rinse out.

[Jadesmom]

My filter is only replaced every 6 months. Here's their website...but I did buy it at Lowe's.

http://www.germguardian.com/

[Ditty]

yeah under normal use the hepa is changed on mine every 1-2 yrs.  But not here!! lol

[wishforabird]

I am looking into an air filter now, so I was glad this old thread was here to refer to...so what air purifiers do the rest of you have? are you still happy with the ones you got Mar and Jadez? how much Jadez? i saw a holmes one at Target for $100. I would like to have one that I can clean the filter and not have to replace it often so it is more cost-effective. I think it would be best to hagve a non-ionizing one near the cage so it can be better for bird and humans alike.

 I can't remember why non-ions are best, it was in the June issue of BT and has since slipped my mind like on Teflon.   

[Debz]

Like air conditioners, you need to begin by calculating sq. footage.  Taking under consideration the area you are trying to clean. Is it a high trafficed area, an opened area, enclosed corner, other fumes...etc.
this is the one I got. It was a present from Santa. Thank God, for good ol saint Nick, cause these things are pricey!
But what a cleaner upper, sucker of air!

http://www.rabbitair.com/biogs-spa-582a-ultra-quiet-hepa-air-purifier.aspx

ps.. From my research, forget the ionic bull crap stuff you read about. The best for fiddies is good ol carbon filters. This one, will beep when it needs to be cleaned. and all you do is, vacuum the dusties off the filters.  Believe me, that is a huge consideration for me. because, having to handle stuff like that makes me     

[wishforabird]

I have a stiffer stomach Debz, after all my years in daycare, teaching school, and my Adventures in Bodily Fluids from parenting babies and toddlers. Surprisingly, what gets me is a single hair in my food. 

I would love a rabbit filter, aren't they like hundreds of dollars? even Santa is not that good to me! LOL. I haven't been that good  (I want to use $ to get a FeatherBrite too, I am almost out of fundage)  I have 3 Ionic Breeze thingies (I call the Ironic Breeze) and they are safely in the basement.  I didn't buy them. I didn't like the ozone they emitted, (it seemed to go against logic).  a tower-shaped one would be best to sit next to the cage there, and i don't even know where to start looking for one. 

[Debz]

This is what I did. grabbed  a BT and looked through what is advertised there. Then I researched all of the features that bird endorsing companies consider important. Ex: one of the thing mine does, is traps 99.97% of airborne allergens.  And because I did not know what airborne allergens where I looked it up. ... basically, make a list of reasons for needing an air purifier.
Mine where, asthmatic symptoms that would disappear once I stepped outside. The air was filled with tiny floating feathers. And as regularly as they get bathed, the dander was just out of control. Not to mention the dogs bringing in grasses and dirt on their paws.  Then google that combination of reasons. then you make a list of manufactures. For each manufacture you list at least 5 models and their specs.   THen you go down the list, read everything. Then, make a list of questions and concerns you have about each unit and call or email the manufactures. Companies are usually pretty eager to explain product specs. You'd be surprised.  It sounds very overwhelming, but as long as you take it once step at a time you will find that the results are well worth it.  
If what you need results in a more expensive unit, then initiate a price search and save for one. Dont compromise by settling for a lesser unit. That will result in money wasted.  
 It's not something you need to have today, you have plenty of time.  :)  

[BPMar]

I forget why...I know Chance knows, but I believe the Ion ones are a no-no around fids.  Some units if they have the ion thing also has the option of turning it off. 
We have 2 small Holmes ones I got at Walmart.  They have replaceable filters but that is way too expensive to do so I clean and vac them.  The Jurassic one LifeWise we got at a garage sale.  It does not have the replaceable filters and a gauge to tell when it is dirty.  Only thing about this one is it gives a bit of air flow coming out of it.  Nice in the summer, can double as a light fan but I have to adjust the flow point in the winter.
Besides the microscopic dander frequent showers helps for us. 

[zimbasmom]

I have a Idylis I bought it at Lowes it was around $129 and it is good for average sized room.
I would not recommed using or buying and ionizer, we did buy one a couple of years ago and it made both me & my husband sick, did some research and returned it.

[grey782163]

I know this is a really old thread, but since the reason ionizers are not good for parrots was never stated, I felt the need to post that information.

According to the EPA, ionizers are not effective in removing particles, chemicals or odors and, to add insult to injury, generate unwanted ozone. The EPA states:
 
"When inhaled, ozone can damage the lungs. Relatively low amounts can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath, and, throat irritation. Ozone may also worsen chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and compromise the ability of the body to fight respiratory infections."
 Both the EPA and the American Lung Association are very clear about the dangers of ozones -- any amount of it. Both organizations recommend HEPA units that do not generate ozone to clean indoor air.

The statements of the EPA nad the American Lung Association pertain to humans. It is by inference that since birds have much more delicate and complex respiratory systems that tehy would be even more susceptible to the effects of ozone