USB Piezo Ionizer Air Purifier EPI 585

I bid on one of those USB Air Purifiers on eBay and won it for $11 + $7 shipping. Here’s a quote from the auction description:

This ionizer purifies air, kills bacteria, removes smoke, emi free, improves immunity.

The new technological is brilliant and unique usb plug based ionizer, which by the consistent release of negative ions (more than 2,000,000 per c) via the application of corona discharge purifies and purifies the ambient air around the computer. Easy to use, with a footprint the size of usb flash memory drive, the ionizer eliminates static with no emi. With a low power consuption of less than 0.2w. Utilize the piezoelectronic transfer technology to produce a high negative ion concentration but with a very low ozone content-less than 0.48 ppm. The ionizer will substantly improve the air quality around the computer and its user, purify the air, killing bacteria, improving respiratory function with an increases sense of well being. Really small compact size. Very comfortable and convinient.

Help your healt – use this incredible product to keep your and close ones health and fitness for a long time.
Comes in a colorful attractive box. Makes an excellent gift.

eBay auction for USB air purifier

I received it today (or yesterday, rather, but we didn’t check the mail). Here’s my little review of it. So far, I’m quite impressed. It appears to be reasonably professionally made, and comes in a decent box. It even comes with a sort of instruction booklet with information about it. Although the box uses some awkward English, it’s not any worse than any other “Made in China” (or in this case, it appears it might be Hong Kong) products.

The package includes a USB extension cable (nice!), a brush for cleaning the filter, and the device itself. It’s got to have some credibility considering they pack these accessories with it.

I plugged the USB cable to the back of my Dell computer, connecting the other end to the air purifier. It has a cap on its connector, which I took off. When connected, the purifier has a blue light which illuminates. I’m not sure if this indicates whether the filter needs to be cleaned – the instructions only say “Remove the ionizer when the light goes off.”

The device itself is labeled EPI585 along with a logo consisting of three connected blue circles next to two connected blue circles. It does actually seem to be doing something – if you listen to it, it makes a distinct (but quiet) blowing noise (and I can feel some air blowing out of it). No fans, though – it should be completely electronic.

Anyone have any idea how to test air purifiers? I don’t suppose there’s any easy way to measure dust in the air…

25 Responses to “USB Piezo Ionizer Air Purifier EPI 585”

  1. David says:

    I’m considering purchasing the same USB Piezo Ionizer. Have you found that it actually helps purify the air or is it just some novelty item?

  2. Elliot says:

    It’s mostly just a novelty. In fact, it recently began making noise which got a bit distracting, so I don’t even use it anymore. Interested in a used one? I have no way to test the actual ion-producing qualities, but I can assure you the unit has never been abused :)

  3. Bought the same little bugger for $25CDN. Came here actually during a search for reviews to see what others make of it. So far I find, so good. It does produce noise, I’ve noticed as well. However, I also have 7 computer fans running, so its hard to notice. Or notice at all. Wonder if it actually works.

  4. Elliot Lee says:

    Now seven months later, I still have the same review of it.

    Perhaps it did make a difference in the air quality – I don’t know. But the device itself did not collect much dust or anything, and the noise it made steadily increased with use.

    It’s now noisy enough that it bothers me – it’s a sort of high-pitched noise that I just don’t like :)

  5. Dustin says:

    I’ve spoken several folks who’ve purchased these and liked them. I haven’t measured it but I imagine the air in my car is not so clean.
    You can find the Mini USB PiEZo-ionizer W/ Car Adapter Kit at http://www.cyberguys.com/templates/searchdetail.asp?T1=142+0972

  6. Elliot Lee says:

    That’s interesting. I’d have thought it would connect directly to the car instead of going through USB.

    Thanks Dustin. Do you work for Cyberguys?

  7. Jo says:

    I have used ionizers before and know when one works. You WILL notice that the air feels fresh like it does after a thunderstorm. Reading what everyone says here about the Piezo, I reckon these items are useless.

  8. Paul says:

    Some better ones are made by Wein (VI-2500 and VI-2000 at weinproducts.com) and Brookstone (ESP and other models). All of Wein’s are made in the USA; the Brookstone ESP is made in China. The Brookstone is much more attractive in appearance. It seems to have high output, but I have no ozone information on it. Wein says their ozone output is extremely low, below OSHA regulations, so that it should give no ill effects. The Brookstone ESP seems like it’s too much for use in a smallish bedroom, especially if you keep the door closed. It may be ozone, I can’t tell for sure.

    The idea is that you could use one of these a few feet from the computer, and point the output toward you.

    The Chinese outfit makes a piezo ionizer that is wearable. The postings here make me reluctant to buy that one on eBay for $30+.

    Wein and Bookstone also make wearable ionizers. The Wein runs on a 3v lithium camera battery, and the Brookstone runs on a CR2032 lithium button battery. I have tried the Wein. It costs over $100 retail. The Brookstone costs $60, and is made in China. Brookstone claims super long life for their battery – many days of continuous operation. The Wein lasts maybe 40 hours hours on one battery, and over 10 hours on a rechargeable.

  9. Paul says:

    I forgot to ask Jo for the ionizers she is referring to when she says that you can tell when they are working.

  10. Anonymous says:

    The men who try to do something and fail are infinitely better than those who try to do nothing and succeed.

  11. Brent J. Driskill says:

    The EPA’s National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone is a maximum 8-hour average outdoor concentration of 0.08 ppm, not a low 0.48 as advertised by USB Piezo Ionizer. (See – the Clean Air Act – http://www.epa.gov/air/caa/title1.html#ib)
    If the average cyber junkie is to believe everything that is printed then I’ve got prime Real Estate….. just add the rest. Facts are, that all who really seek scientifically significant information will not buy into the ozone air cleaning (miracle) machines claim when used while occupying the space being treated. All ozone emissions are irritants to most humans and do little more that placate a psychological need to have something relieve their neurosis.

  12. Heidi says:

    check this out! I read on this site (they have links to studies that back them up) that that “fresh air” smell is actually ozone that is being released, which the EPA has deemed as unhealthy when lungs are exposed to certain amounts. Although air purifiers that release ions (ozone being a byproduct) claim they only release a small amount, there is no way to maintain this small measure without a laser particle counter built in. Which would make the air purifier cost thousands of dollars more. Ozone can make allergies worse. Plus, with this usb air purifier that you got, you said it came with a brush? a brush? to clean the filter.. wouldn’t htat just knock the dust off and stir it up in the air.. only to be caught again by the filter.. kind of redundant huh? doesn’t seem like it would work for very long, collecting the same dust over and over while more accumulates around you. I”d try to find an air purifier that you can change a paper filter or wash the electrostatic (ionizer) plates. Just a little FYI

  13. Didrex says:

    I don’t wait for moods. You accomplish nothing if you do that. Your mind must know it has got to get down to earth.

  14. Sensovision says:

    I’m also considering of getting few samples to test and post review which would compare them.
    Anyone who using USB Ionizer could confirm that they produce a lot of ozone(smell like a air after rain or sea breeze)?

    BTW for anyone interested you’re welcome to check thread about them I’m started on my community:
    http://forum.weblamp.net/index.php?topic=4740.0

  15. air purifier says:

    I bought one from B&Y mini air purifier, they also come with USB adapter. I like it because it’s LCD screen, very cool.

  16. tw says:

    Hello everyone!

    Just a few thoughts. The “noise” results for buildup of dust or residue from the electrostatic precipitation process. This is normal, and is proof particulate matter is being collected in the unit. You may not be able to remove it completely with the cleaning brush, but you shouldn’t have to. Ozone is a byproduct of high current, not from a device powered by a laptop’s USB port.

    Efficacy of the ESP process or negatively ionized air is debatable. Studies indicate both ways. Positive to absolutely no health effects. I do have a few air cleaners myself. The Wein 2500 (work) and Mini-mate (for travel), Sharper Image Hybrid (fan-based ESP cleaner) and Breeze GP, and 2 Comtech Research high-density ion machines, and a Wein Automate ionizer (for my car).

    I personally believe these things do something, evidenced by that fact I haven’t had a cold, flu or allergy attack since I started controlling the air around in summer of 2005. Nor have I had any other ailment, and have even experienced healing with a rotator-cuff injury.

    I do believe it is possible for well-meaning manufacturers to overstate claims about what ionization can do. Having said that, I personally believe this technology is beneficial. For sure, this is inexpensive insurance for crowded places where you are running your laptop.

  17. Anon says:

    Question for anyone that’s used this: does it reduce the amount of DUST in your work area? I sit in a cubicle which accumulates tons of dust, and want to reduce or eliminate this… is this product for me?

  18. airgle says:

    does this unit generate ozone? if doesn’t, the unit should look good.

  19. I just love all types of air purifiers. I am always trying to convince my friends and family to get one. However they are always complaining that they are too big and bulky. At last I might have just found the ideal gift for my friends now and no excuses for not using it. These Air Purifiers looks great and all my friends and family have a PC so no more excuses from them. Excellent. Thanks.

  20. Nash says:

    Does it works? If it is I also want one. Never heard of USB air purifier before this.

    Cheers,
    Ionic Breeze air Purifier

  21. andrew says:

    Hi, I’ve got one of these but I think its faulty it makes an inconsistent fuzzing noise and I can’t feel any breeze no matter how close I put it to my skin.

  22. Morton says:

    i design USB air purifier with USb flash drives 4GB
    my e-mail is [email protected]

  23. mckinney says:

    Ultraviolet air purifier to destroy chemical and biological contaminants such as viruses, mold spores, allergens, cigarette smoke, bacteria, diesel exhaust gas, pet odors, dust, construction and many other pollutants air.

    Asthma is a disease, respiratory problems by narrowing of the airways (bronchioles and bronchi) which cause the lungs to be identified.

Leave a Reply to airgle Cancel reply