Surround Air XJ-3800 Intelli-Pro Air Purifier
From Surround Air

The Surround Air XJ-3800 Intelli-Pro Air Purifier outperforms Consumer Reports' Top-Rated Air Purifier! Nearly 100% effective in clinical tests, and five times more effective in toxin removal test than top-rated model. Features a wide array of sensors and monitors to let you know everything from which pollutants are detected to when to change the filters. Odor, dust and allergen sensors let you know when certain pollutants are detected, such as cigarette smoke, chemicals, dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores. The clean air monitor tells you how clean or polluted the air is, removing the guesswork. Select "Automatic" mode to maximize performance and energy savings. Diagnostic sensors indicate when to replace filters, and when to clean the metal dust collector grid. The UV light and ionizer indicators let you know that these functions are working. The Intelli-Pro features six leading air-cleaning technologies: Electrostatically-charged dust collection grid traps particles and pollutants like a magnet. Simply wipe clean when dirty. Long-lasting, high-efficiency HEPA filter - most effective way to capture dust and allergens. Activated carbon filter traps chemicals, gases and odors. Germicidal UV lamp destroys micro-organisms. Completely safe ionizer (virtually no ozone), and scientifically proven to be effective and to enhance filter efficiency. The washable pre filter does not require replacement, and enhances the durability and performance of the other filters. The Multiple Air Inlet Design enables maximum air flow through the unit. The powerful, yet quiet fan accelerates the purified air throughout the room. The Intelli-Pro is energy efficient, and uses sensor technology to reduce electricity usage. Offers low-cost replacement filter and UV lamp. Features "Quiet" setting to maintain peace and tranquility in room.

Amazon Sales Rank: #39869 in Health and Beauty
Brand: Surround Air
Model: XJ-3800
Released on: 2006-09-17
Dimensions: 24.00" h x 10.00" w x 14.00" l, 21.00 pounds

After a lot of research, bet on this one - and I love it!
A little research pays off! This was my first air purifier purchase. Originally, I was going to buy an ionic one. But, I was amazed once I started researching how little I knew!

In case you're in the same boat, Here's the criteria I ultimately set, ratings for this model on the criteria, and my experience with it:

CRITERIA #1: Must noticably reduce our allergies, clear smoke and odors: 5+ Stars!
Have had it two months with a smoker, a hairy dog, and allergy season in full bloom. Reduced allergies and no breathing problems at home since we got it. Noticable quick removal of odors and smoke!

(NOTE: More power than I even intended. You may be able to get a cheaper model if you don't want all this one has:
A) Electrostatic/Ionic- attracts pollutants from a wide area, but not odors and allergens
B) Carbon - clears smoke, odors and pollutants but not germs and allergens
C) HEPA - traps even the smallest of allergens, but nothing else
D) UV - destroys bacteria and germs, but not allergens, pollution or smoke - cheaper models offer only HEPA and UV filters.)

Best Added Feature: The sensor lights that let you know the status of your air quality - and then watching them go off when it's corrected the problem.

CRITERIA #2: Low/No ozone model! 5+ stars.
I found that the old sharper image-type ionic-only models (many still on the market at reduced prices) only clean pollutants, but not odors and allergens. Worse, they generate ozone at a level that can exacberate asthma problems. The electrostatic filter combined with the ionic one in this model - eliminate that problem. Look for one that has this!

CRITERIA #3: High area coverage: 4.5 stars.
I found an obscure site that lists air purifiers and their coverage areas and particle levels. This one seems to cover about 1,200 sq. ft. - or more than double what is listed. But, even with what was listed, proved to be the best ranked in comparison with price levels.

CRITERIA #4: Low Noise: 4-stars.
We keep it in the living room mostly on auto. On low and medium, it's very quiet. On automatic mostly very quiet, unless it's under attack from something like cooking or opening the door frequently. On high, it makes a noticable "white noise". But, it's OK good for falling asleep and not so loud you can't hear the TV. Wouldn't put it on "high" regularly though.

CRITERIA #5: Price/Value including maintenance: 4.5 stars
My budget was $200. I went over that slightly. But, the filters on this one are so much cheaper than the models I compared it to that the extra $40 should more than pay out.

BOTTOM LINE: I chose this one based on research, but I highly recommend it for quality and value! If you want to cleaner, fresher air and reduced home allergies without intrusive noise - at the price, I'm not sure you can do better.

Works Great, Quiet, Excellent Product for your money!!
Given that there weren't many reviews out when I bought this purifier, I figured I'd take a minute and give a brief review of it after having used it for a few weeks.

Out of the box:

It's a very lightweight machine that has a very elegant/professional look to it. The "Flow, Timer, and Power" buttons feel a little like cheap plastic, but it's really not a big deal, nor does it diminish the look of the purifier.

In Action:

When I first started it up, I heard a little bit of "static" noise coming from the ionizer, as it was possibly collecting the dust that was in the packaging that it was shipped in. Within a minute, that noise was gone, and it has been operating very smoothly and quietly for the last few weeks. I live in a house with central air, and the air quality is pretty good, but since I have bad allergies, I wanted to get a purifier. To be honest, I'm not sure if I can tell the difference, if any, it has made in improving the air quality in my room, but I always keep it on (Auto setting) and it gives me comfort to know and "see" (the indicator) that my air is clean. Interestingly, the sensor in this purifier that determines the air quality and revs up its engines as soon as the air quality becomes worse is quite sensitive. It even knows that the air quality has changed/worsened (ever so slightly) whenever I peel an orange! - this also happens if you spray some cologne while you're in the room. Just a few minutes ago, I opened my window to my backyard and noticed the machine's air quality indicator shoot to its highest setting, signifying that the air needs to be rapidly cleaned. It was right! I know that there is a ton of pollen outside today, and that's what came into my room. My Intelli-Pro picked it up quickly and adjusted appropriately.

One small thing I don't like about the Intelli-Pro is its always-on blue light, which tells you that the UV light is working. I don't like sleeping with a night light, and even if you do, this light might be too bright to sleep with. For now I just angle the purifier away from my bed and that solves the issue. I may eventually want to put a small piece of tape over it - but obviously that would ruin its beauty.

I have not yet looked into how difficult it will be to clean the different filters, but there are decent instructions in the manual provided and I don't anticipate it taking more than 15-20 mins.

Overall, I'm very impressed with the different air-purifying technologies that this company has incorporated into quiet, yet powerful Intelli-Pro air purifier (look into the product details/description for the specifications). I would definitely recommend this other consumers in the market for a reasonably priced, high-quality air purifier. I'm sure you will like it!