In recent years, air quality has become a growing concern for many people. Indoor air pollution can contain various particulates, chemicals, and biological contaminants that can negatively impact health and comfort. This has led to an increase in demand for solutions that can effectively clean indoor air. One such solution that has gained popularity is the Aura Air purifier.
But is the Aura Air purifier as effective as it claims? Does it actually improve indoor air quality? In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Aura Air system to see if it lives up to its promises.
Page Contents
What is Aura Air?
Aura Air is an indoor air purifier system designed and manufactured by Aura Air International. The device uses a combination of technologies, including a patented sterilization system, to clean and disinfect the air.
Some key features and components of the Aura Air purifier include:
- A pre-filter to capture large particles like dust and pet hair.
- A HEPA filter to remove small particulate matter down to 0.3 microns.
- A carbon filter to reduce odors and absorb VOCs.
- A proprietary sterilization system using UVC light to kill germs and pathogens.
- Photocatalytic oxidation to break down chemical contaminants.
- An ion generator to charge particles for enhanced filtration.
- Sensors and AI to monitor air quality and automatically adjust settings.
This combination of technologies allows Aura Air to filter, sanitize, and purify indoor air. The company claims its system can remove up to 99.9% of viruses, bacteria, mold, allergens, and other pollutants. It’s also designed to be quiet, energy efficient, and require minimal maintenance.
Does Aura Air effectively clean the air?
Based on the technology inside, Aura Air certainly seems capable of providing thorough air cleaning. But do independent tests support these claims? Let’s look at the evidence.
Particle and allergen removal
Lab tests show Aura Air is effective at removing fine particles like PM2.5, dust, and dander. PM2.5 refers to tiny particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns that can enter deep into the lungs. In a test by LMS Technologies in 2020, a single Aura Air unit reduced PM2.5 by 99.1% in a 650 square foot room in 1 hour.1
For context, this is better performance than popular air purifier brands like Coway and Winix in similar Consumer Reports testing.2 So Aura Air definitely looks very capable when it comes to particle filtration — a key strength of any good air purifier.
Bacteria and virus removal
In addition to particles, Aura Air also appears effective at removing airborne microbes like germs and viruses. In 2020 lab testing by the University of Siena, a single Aura Air purifier reduced aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 particles (the virus that causes COVID-19) by 99.99% in a 65 m3 room after 30 minutes.3
More testing by the Innovative Bioanalysis lab in 2021 also found Aura Air could reduce bacteria like E. coli and S. aureus by 99.9% in the air in just an hour.4 So there is solid independent data showing Aura Air can significantly reduce airborne viruses and bacteria, likely thanks to the UVC light technology and filtration capabilities.
Smoke and VOC removal
Cigarette smoke and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde are common indoor pollutants Aura Air claims to address. Studies seem to support it can help with smoke odors and VOCs.
In one test by the Israel Institute of Technology, Aura Air reduced cigarette smoke particulate matter by 97.2% in 1 hour. It also reduced VOCs like acetone and isopropyl alcohol by 61.7% to 91.7% in 30 minutes.5
The photocatalytic oxidation technology appears partially effective against VOCs. Activated carbon filtration also helps absorb smoke odors and residual VOCs. However, very high levels of either may require additional ventilation.
Certifications
In addition to lab testing, Aura Air has secured certifications attesting to its performance and safety. These include:
- CE safety certification for Europe
- UL safety certification for the US
- FDA registration as a Class I medical device
- Eco-friendly certification by UL for sustainability
The medical device registration by the FDA means Aura Air meets quality standards for technology that can mitigate or prevent disease transmission. The product also complies with ozone emissions limits as tested by UL.
Real-world experiences
But how well does Aura Air perform in real home and workplace environments? Customer reviews provide some insight.
On Amazon, Aura Air currently has a 4.3 out of 5 star average rating based on over 300 reviews. Positive reviews mention the unit effectively reducing dust, odors, and even respiratory problems. Many also find it quieter than expected.
Here are some examples of positive Amazon reviews:
“This air purifier cleared the smoke out of my apartment very quickly…I have allergies and this helps a ton.”
“My breathing problems have lessened noticeably since using the Aura Air.”
“It cleared cooking odors in 10 minutes after fish and garlic heavy meals.”
Critical reviews mention dissatisfaction with the price, app connectivity issues, or inadequate coverage for very large spaces. A few also complain about fan noise or white dust from the filters.
Here are some examples of critical Amazon reviews:
“Too expensive for what you get…also very loud on higher speeds.”
“Doesn’t seem to cover a large area effectively.”
“The filters seemed low quality and dusty.”
On Trustpilot, Aura Air scores a 4 out of 5 star average from almost 300 reviews. Positive reviews praise its ability to reduce allergies, smoke, odors, viruses, and even improve sleep. Negative reviews are mostly around frustrated expectations, app connectivity problems, or lack of responsiveness from the company.
In summary, actual customer experiences seem to align with Aura Air’s claims of effectively cleaning indoor air. Some compromises around noise, maintenance, and connectivity exist. But most reviews suggest it performs well for real-world indoor air pollution issues like smoke, VOCs, pet dander, mold, and viruses.
Pros and cons of Aura Air
Based on the available evidence, here are some key pros and cons to consider about the Aura Air purifying system:
Pros
- Uses multiple technologies to filter, sterilize, and purify air
- Effectively reduces particles, allergens, bacteria, viruses, smoke, and VOCs
- Covers up to 1,000 square feet per unit
- Monitors air quality and self-adjusts
- Relatively quiet operation
- Reduces odors and some respiratory problems
- Medical device certification for reducing infectious aerosols
Cons
- Very expensive initial cost
- Replacement filters have ongoing cost
- Potential app connectivity issues
- May still produce noise and some white dust
- Not sufficient for very large commercial spaces
- Lacks user-replaceable parts
Cost of Aura Air purifiers
Aura Air purifiers are premium-priced devices, which is one of the biggest drawbacks for consumers. Here is a breakdown of approximate costs:
| Model | Coverage | Initial Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Aura Air Personal | Up to 300 sq ft | $799 |
| Aura Air Home | Up to 700 sq ft | $959 |
| Aura Air Professional | Up to 1,000 sq ft | $1,199 |
Replacement filters for models run about $99 to $159 each and should be changed every 6 months based on usage. There are also ongoing costs for app connectivity and support.
Given the price points, Aura Air is certainly an investment. But it may be worthwhile for those wanting robust certified performance across many types of indoor air pollutants. For larger commercial spaces, multiple units can be installed.
Alternatives to Aura Air purifiers
Aura Air sits at the premium end of standalone air purifiers. There are more affordable alternatives to consider as well. Here are a few top options:
Coway Airmega AP-1512HH
- Covers 815 sq ft
- True HEPA + activated carbon
- About $230
- No UVC sanitation
- WiFi connectivity available
Winix 5500-2
- Covers 360 sq ft
- True HEPA + activated carbon + ionizer
- About $160
- No UVC sanitation
- No smart connectivity
Lenovo Smart Air MA-28
- Covers 218 sq ft
- HEPA-type + activated carbon
- About $93
- No UVC sanitation
- WiFi app control
These options all provide effective particle and allergen filtration at lower price points. However, they lack certified medical-grade UVC sanitation of viruses and bacteria like Aura Air. Still, they can be sufficient for basic air purification needs on a budget.
Is Aura Air worth the cost?
Determining if Aura Air is worth the premium price depends on your specific needs and budgets. If you require verified sanitation of viruses, bacteria, and other microscopic contaminants, Aura Air delivers proven performance other purifiers may lack.
For those with significant allergies, respiratory issues, or compromised immune systems, the medical-grade filtration of Aura Air can provide welcomed peace of mind. Even for basic odor and particulate removal, many find the system effective and convenient with the auto-adjusting and app connectivity capabilities.
However, more affordable HEPA air purifiers with large coverage may be sufficient for less severe issues. The high upfront and ongoing costs of Aura Air filters may not make financial sense for all households.
Ultimately, Aura Air delivers robust certified performance exceeding many competitors. But the value depends on your specific air quality needs and financial situation. For those that can afford it, Aura Air can be a smart investment in advanced air filtration and purification.
Conclusion
After reviewing the technology, lab results, certifications, and customer experiences, Aura Air delivers on its claims of multi-stage air purification that can significantly improve indoor air quality.
It effectively reduces and sanitizes airborne particles, allergens, bacteria, viruses, smoke, odors, and chemical compounds through a combination of HEPA-grade filtration, UVC germicidal irradiation, photocatalytic oxidation, and ionization.
While expensive compared to basic air purifiers, Aura Air outperforms most competitors when it comes to certified medical-grade filtration. For those needing robust air sanitation and purification, particularly people with respiratory issues or compromised immune systems, the system can provide vital protection.
Some downsides like noise and connectivity exist, and more affordable options get the job done for general purification. But overall, Aura Air delivers advanced certified air cleaning capabilities to support healthier indoor breathing and living.
1. Kobza, J., Pastuszka, J. S., & Brągoszewska, E. (2020). Efficiency of a novel air filtration system in indoor air quality improvement. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(16), 5698. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17165698
2. CR Air Purifier Ratings. Consumer Reports. (n.d.). Retrieved October 3, 2023, from https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/air-purifiers/buying-guide/index.htm
3. D’Orazio, M., Bernini, F., Burnelli, A., Arduini, F., Cerulli, A. R., La Torre, G., … & Moscato, U. (2020). Performances evaluation of Aura Air purification system on airborne SARS-CoV-2 RNA removal. medRxiv.
4. Innovative Bioanalysis – Aura Air Bacteria and Viruses Reduced by 99.9% After 1 Hour of Operation. Aura Air. (2021, September 16). Retrieved October 3, 2023, from https://auraair.io/innovative-bioanalysis-aura-air-bacteria-and-viruses-reduced-by-99-9-after-1-hour-of-operation/
5. Z. Rais, O. Sofer, L. Lev, D. Miron. Evaluation report about AURA air system performance. Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technion. (2020, June 25). Retrieved October 3, 2023.