Apr 18, Oreck ProShield™ Plus Air Purifier for our new born baby's room?

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by JJ
(Toronto, ON, Canada)

We are looking for an air purifier for our new born baby's room. I am looking at the Oreck ProShield™ Plus Air Purifier but I have seen controversial results. I read it only cleans 33% of the air that runs through it and it is really loud on the high speed setting and on the low speed setting it doesn't clean at all.

What is your professional opinion?

A: Hi JJ,

For a baby's room there are several things I look for, putting the baby's developing lungs and safety first and foremost. I'll leave my Proshield comments further down the page.

1) HEPA would be the first preference since HEPA is the best for removing the particles in the air (dust, pollen, etc.). The Oreck Proshield does not have HEPA. The downside to HEPA - you have to change the filters periodically so check replacement cost before you buy.

2) UV is good for removing viruses, germs, and some bacteria so is a good immune system protection.

3) Negative Ions - A Negative Ionizer is different from an "ionizer" which uses or produces both positive and negative ions using plates or grids. These negative ions have positive effects on a baby's (and adults) lungs as shown in European research on baby's with lung problems.

4) Look for a unit which can do an effective cleaning job at 20dB (volume) or less which is quiet enough to sleep. If it's a small room then you should be looking at $120-200 for a good HEPA, UV, negative ion model.

It improves brain function, reduces odors, kills mold and is natures ways of purifying the air . In nature (by the ocean or in a forest) you'll find thousands of negative ions, whereas indoors you'll find low levels so I always suggest it. I use one in my bedroom and at my work desk for better sleep and work performance.

Many air purifiers come with negative ions and you'll see it in their description. You can also find a few small Plugin negatuive ionizers and negative ion night lights as well.

As per the Oreck Proshield ...

The washable plates (called electrostatic), as found in the ORECK Proshield and other "ionizers" removes pollution but does a less than adequate job on dust and pollen. Plus the washable electrostatic plates can produce ozone at times which can irritate sensitive lungs.

The Oreck will work on smoke and pollution however. The video below shows some of the pros and cons, and some of the ongoing expenses (despite what the infomercials say). I'm not a fan of the oreck by way of the technology or the cost value.

Breathe Well (and congratulations on the baby!!)

Mark

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