Blueair Sense+ HEPASilent Air Purifier

While Blueair air purifiers have a long history of blending award winning design with effective filtration technologies, the Blueair Sense+ air purifier represents a significant step forward. Like past models, the Sense+ again offers extremely quiet filtration of particles allergens like dust, pollen, and dander, but the controls of this unit are unlike that of any other. After using the Midnight Blue Sense+, this is how this latest edition compares.

What I like about the Blueair Sense Air Purifier

From the start, you'll notice you have color options, something not previously offered by Blueair. There are six choices that range from unique to old standbys. Once you have the unit, you'll notice that like other Blueair models, it has a steel frame and body. A powder coat finish means there isn't any off gassing, and the steel makes it better suited to withstand the abuse that home appliances are prone to go through.

Once you have plugged the unit in, don't bother wasting time looking for a dial or switch. Simply wave your hand over the top of the Sense Plus. As your hand passes over the glass top, it activates the air purifier, turning it on to the lowest fan setting. Wave you hand over it again and a then a third time, and the fan speed goes to medium and finally high, respectively. After placing the Sense+, there are really only two instances when you should every have to physically touch it - when you replace the filters and when you reset the filter change indicator. Other than this, it's touchless operation.

What's the other big feature of the Sense Plus air purifier? It's Wi-Fi enabled. There's a free app available from the Apple and Google that provides you with more control and features that are unavailable without the app. The app is free, and while it's only available for iPhones currently, it is coming to Google soon. Features of the app include the ability to adjust the fan speed, to dim the display, to set a child lock, and the ability to link your Sense+ to the Aware indoor air quality monitor (separate device). You can also set a night mode, to dim the display and lower fan speed, even choosing the exact days of the week and time when your unit will go into night mode. Again, this is all done via the app on your smartphone.

Like other Blueair air purifiers, the Sense+ is quiet and filter changes are pretty easy. On the lowest fan speed, it's near silent. On high, the noise creeps up there like many other air purifiers, but ultimately, this is largely unavoidable for any model that employs a fan and actually moves air through the system. There are two filter sets in the Sense+, one at the beginning and one at the end of air cycle. Basically, it goes like this, air passes through a carbon prefilter mesh then through a HEPA filter, after it passes through the inside of the Sense+, it passes through a second HEPA filter and finally out through a second mesh carbon prefilter. You replace each set of filters at the same time. Simply lay the Sense+ on it's side or flip it all the way over (provided you've a cloth surface for the glass face to rest on). On the bottom you'll notice the "feet" of the machine actually look like handles. That's because they are. Pull each foot/handle out to reveal the filters, seated in a plastic frame. Pop the old ones out and pop the new ones back in, slide the whole things back in and you're done.

Power consumption has always been a high priority for the Blueair, and the Sense is no exception, using about as much energy as a CFL bulb. Lastly, the warranty is the Blueair standard, 5 years once you register your machine. Remember, if you do NOT register your Blueair Sense+, the warranty period is one year ONLY.

What I do not like about the Blueair Sense Air Purifier

The app and wi-fi features are new, and I had an issue with the Sense dropping the wi-fi connection at times. For those who aren't tech savvy, you're going to miss out on some pretty neat features without the app.

In terms of filtration, the size and performance are close to what you'd see with the Classic 203, so it's best for medium to smaller rooms, and though there is some carbon in the pre/post filters, don't expect robust odor, smoke, or chemical vapor removal. It'll tackle nuisance levels of these pollutants at best.

Overall, the Blueair Sense Plus air purifier integrates some very cool features via wi-fi. If you're not the most tech savvy person out there, you'll miss out on some of these without the app, but you can still use the air purifier with no problems. The choice of colors is a great touch, and the overall, the Sense+ is well built and can be used with just the wave of your hand. While it lacks some in terms of smoke/odor/vapor filtration, the particle filtration is on par with the best in the industry. The Sense+ would make the perfect addition to any modern home where convenience, performance, and style are all important.