"Multi-Tech" XJ-3000C Purifier
Vs.
"Ionic Breeze Quadra" Purifiers
Ionic Breeze is a registered trademark of The Sharper Image

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Quick Look Comparison
Air Purifier Models: (XJ) = XJ-3000C, (IBQ) = Quadra
High Efficiency Filter (HEPA): (XJ) Yes, (IBQ) No
Hydrogen Sulfide Removal**: (XJ) 93%, (IBQ) 13%
Fan - Strong Air Movement: (XJ) Yes, (IBQ) No
Germicidal UV Lamp: (XJ) Yes, (IBQ) No
High Negative Ion Output: (XJ) Yes, (IBQ) No
Programmable Sanitizer: (XJ) Yes, (IBQ) No
Noise: (XJ) Quiet, (IBQ) Quiet
Energy Efficient: (XJ) Yes, (IBQ) Yes
Price: (XJ) $199, (IBQ) $349

** Hydrogen is a strong gas that is a great indicator of how effective an air purifier is at removing strong odors and VOCs (volatile organic chemicals). Test was performed by independent clinical lab.

Clinical Test Results
In recent laboratory tests, the Multi-Tech XJ-3000C air purifier outperformed the Ionic Breeze across the board. In the hydrogen sulfide test, the difference was drastic. The Multi-Tech removed 93% compared to just 13% by the Ionic Breeze.

Hydrogen Sulfide (a.k.a. "Sewer Gas") Test
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), a strong gas created by stagnant sewage, is one of the very worst, and most difficult-to-remove pollutants known to man. An air purifier's ability to remove H2S is a good indication of its ability to remove strong odors and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs).

Smoke Particle Removal Test
In a recent study, the Multi-Tech ionic air purifier and the Ionic Breeze were each tested for their ability to remove particles in a 128 cubic foot chamber. The Multi-Tech XJ-3000C removed 99.5% of particles 5 microns and smaller, and the Ionic Breeze removed 99.3% of these particles. A 5-micron particle is microscopic in size. However, the Multi-Tech outperformed the Ionic Breeze by an even greater margin when it came to removing particle sizes of 0.3 microns and smaller. In this particle size range, the Multi-Tech air purifier was 99% effective, and the Ionic Breeze was 98.2% effective. This is significant since smaller particles have more of an impact on respiratory health than larger particles. First, smaller particles remain airborne much longer than particles more than 0.3 microns in size, and travel much farther distances. Plus, unlike larger particles, smaller particles are unable to be captured by the cilia in the nose and throat that prevent particles from entering the lungs. In addition, smaller particles travel deeper into the lungs, causing more damage.

Ion Output
The Surround Air "Multi-Tech" XJ-3000C is a true air ionizer that produces air-cleaning negative ions, while the Ionic Breeze Quadra air purifiers produce only very low amounts. The air-cleaning benefits of negative ions are well understood and established in the scientific community. The Multi-Tech XJ-3000C contains two high-density negative ion generators.

Air Filters versus Metal Collector Plates
The Ionic Breeze uses a metal collector plate grid to collect particles, while the XJ-3000C ionic air filter uses a HEPA and activated carbon combination air filter system. Since the XJ-3000C uses a fan to draw air in, it collects far more particulate. Plus, the HEPA and activated carbon room air filters are far more absorbent than metal collection plates, preventing trapped particles from becoming recirculated into the air.

Fan versus No Fan
The Ionic Breeze is fan-less, making it virtually silent. The XJ-3000C uses a fan that is fairly quiet (especially on the low setting), making it effective at drawing a high volume of particulate into its cartridge of air filters. The fan also circulates the negative ions much more thoroughly throughout a room or area compared to a fan-less ionic air purifier.

Germicidal UV Light Purification
The Multi-Tech XJ-3000C from Surround Air now offers a germicidal UV lamp to destroy germs, viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms. The Ionic Breeze Quadra does not offer this added germicidal protection, but the Ionic Breeze GP does. The Ionic Breeze GP is priced at $499.

Ozone Control
Both the XJ-3000C ionic air filter and the Ionic Breeze produce ozone. Ozone has air cleaning ability, but it can also cause a strong, bleach-like smell, which is not always wanted. With the XJ-3000C, the ozone can be completely turned off without having to disable the negative ions, or the air filtration for that matter. In order to disable the ozone in the Ionic Breeze, it has to be turned off, although it produces only very low levels of ozone. The ozone output of the XJ-3000C can also be set to a significantly higher level than what the Ionic Breeze can create, making it more effective at removing odors when needed.

Cost
The Multi-Tech HEPA & ionic air purifier is much more affordable, starting at $199, and is priced as low as $149 per unit when purchased in quantities of six or more. The Quadra air purifier retails at $349. The XJ-3000C HEPA & ionic air purifier does have the HEPA/activated carbon air filter combination cartridge that needs to be replaced every one to two years, but it costs just $32 per replacement. The ultraviolet also needs to be replaced every 12-15 months, at just $15 per replacement. However, the UV lamp is an added benefit, and is not required for the other technologies of the Multi-Tech air purifier to function at full strength.

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