BlueAir Sense+ Review [2022 Wi-Fi Air Purifier]

Swedish brand BlueAir has a wide range of unique air purifiers catering to different budgets, air purification needs, and aesthetics. They’re known for their sleek Scandinavian design and thoughtful filtration systems.

In this review, we are looking closely at the BlueAir Sense+ Air Purifier, a high-end model with some impressive features, ideal for small-medium rooms and those with a penchant for WiFi features in 2020. 

By the end of this BlueAir Sense+ review, you’ll be clued up on the filtration system, maintenance costs, modes, and customer experience gathered from unbiased user reviews.

What is the BlueAir Sense+ Best For?

✔ Small to medium rooms and bedrooms

The Sense+ is designed for small-medium rooms such as bedrooms and modest living rooms between 100-200 square feet. For context, the average bedroom size (in the USA) is around 130 square feet.

✔ Remote and hands-free operation 

One of the most novel aspects of the Sense+ is the hands-free sensor control pad. To activate the machine and change the fan speeds (there are 3) you simply swipe your hand in the air over the panel.

While this isn’t a crucial feature in terms of cleaning the air, it’s certainly pretty cool. What’s more, you can use your smartphone with the BlueAir Friend App to change the fan speeds and modes remotely.

✔ Household odors

The Sense+ features a carbon filter that filters out smoke, pet, and food odors. There are two such filters, one at each end (next to the air inlet and outlet). User reviews give positive feedback regarding odor reduction and fresh home air.

✔ Asthma and allergies

The Sense+ catches particles as small as 0.1 microns, which includes tiny pieces of dander and dust that can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms. What’s more, viruses and bacteria are also caught.

Size, Weight, Coverage, and Ratings

CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate): this model is AHAM rated at 186 square feet, with the following scores:

Smoke: 120 cfm
Dust: 140 cfm
Pollen: 150 cfm 

These ratings were calculated on the highest fan speed, and indicate as to how fast the unit takes to clean a 186 square foot space. For further context, this unit cleans a 186 square foot unit 5 complete times in an hour.

A couple of users who reviewed this model on Amazon expressed disappointment in the CADR scores, considering them too low for the overall cost. However, CADR isn’t always the most accurate measure of an air purifier’s effectiveness, and it is best reviewed based on filter quality.

Size: 7 x 19 x 20 inches 
Weight: 24 pounds 
Coverage: between 100 and 375 square feet (but recommended for 100-200 square feet for best performance)
Energy-Star certified? Yes

Get The Best Sense+ Deal on Amazon

Filtration System

No matter how many tech features, bells, and whistles an air purifier has, it’s only as good as its filtration system. We’re impressed by the Sense+ in this regard, as it has two sets of comprehensive filters: a true-HEPA particle filter, and a carbon filter for odors. There are two of each filter, each situated at the inlet and the outlet sides of the unit for extra filtration. 

We are impressed that the particle filter catches 97.97% of particles as small as 0.1 microns in size, including mold, bacteria, viruses, and tiny pet dander particles. This is a step up from the standard true-HEPA requirement of 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.

The filters are made from polypropylene, a waterproof substance that repels water so mold and bacteria don’t thrive. We appreciate that BlueAir filters are made to be environmentally friendly, without any chemical off-gassing, and with easily-recycled materials.

Here’s a quick rundown of how the filtration system works: 

• Unclean air is sucked through the inlet, through the HEPASilent particle filter and carbon filter. Large particles such as pet hair and dust are caught in the particle filter 
• Smaller particles are negatively charged via the internal ionizer so they stick firmly to the particle filter 
• The carbon filter absorbs odors, gases, and VOCs
• Because of the help of the ionizer, the particles are caught more easily, so the filters don’t need to be overly dense, meaning the airflow needn’t be too vigorous, therefore, reducing overall operation noise

Does the BlueAir Sense+ have an Ionizer?

Yes, which makes this a slightly controversial air purifier unit considering concerns around ozone emissions that can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms. However, BlueAir has stated time and again that their air purifiers have been tested to ensure no ozone is released into the air.

Style, operation, Modes, and Features 

Aesthetically, this is a simple model that somewhat resembles a computer tower, with a rectangular shape and metal casing. The air intake is situated on one side, with the outlet on the other. This means that you have to be smart about where you place the unit so that there’s ample room for the air to be drawn in and let out (unlike more functional models with 360-degree inlets and outlets).

There are three jewel-tone color choices (green, blue, and red) as well as the classic black, white, and grey options.

BlueAir Friend App and Alexa: this model is WiFi-enabled and can be controlled using Alexa, or with the BlueAir Friend app on your phone

Night mode: the night mode switches the fan speed to the lowest level (1), and switches off the LED lights. This is done by tapping the central circle on the control panel. (Note: there are default night mode hours between 9 pm and 7 am that you can utilize)

Auto mode? You can only use auto mode if you have the Aware monitor and app, which will set you back another decent chunk of money. Otherwise, you can just change the fan speeds and night mode manually or with the BlueAir Friend app 

Purify Your Air Today with This Stylish Air Purifier!

Maintenance and Filter Requirements 

The maintenance requirements are standard, with nothing cumbersome or out of the ordinary. The unit itself requires a dusting here and there, and the air inlets and outlets should be maintained with a quick brush or vacuum.

One small yet note-worthy aspect is that to change the filters, you must lay down the air purifier unit on its side, on a blanket or towel for cushioning. This isn’t a major down point, but it’s a little fiddly and inconvenient.

How often do the filters need to be changed?

The two sets of filters (carbon and particle filters) should be replaced every 6 months for the best performance.

Can the filters be cleaned or washed?

No, they must be replaced, and cannot be washed.

Where can I get replacement filters for the BlueAir Sense+ and how much are they?

You can find replacement filters for the lowest price on Amazon here, with a reasonable annual cost. It’s not the cheapest out there by any means, but it sits comfortably in the mid-range category. 

BlueAir Sense+ versus BlueAir Classic 205 

The BlueAir Classic 205 (reviewed here) is similar in the overall design and aesthetic, with a rectangular shape and floor-set positioning. The 205 caters to a slightly larger room size, at 280 square feet as opposed to 186. Customer reviews of the 205 confirm its sound ability to remove odors and reduce asthma and allergy symptoms, much like the Sense+.

The filtration systems are similar in the sense that they both use the HEPASilent filter and an ionizing chamber. However, the 205 has the option of using the DualProtection filter designed for removing VOCs, smoke, and gases, while the Sense+ offers a separate charcoal filter.

They’re both WiFi-enabled and can be used with Alexa and the BlueAir Friend app. However, the 205 doesn’t have the motion sensor control panel.

The 205 is a slightly less sophisticated model in terms of user technology, but it is more affordable than the Sense+. They both remove particles as small as 0.1 microns and purify odors and gas from your environment. The choice comes down to budget and room size requirements.

Is it loud and bright…or just right?

Noise levels and control panel brightness are important aspects of the overall user satisfaction when it comes to air purifiers in the home. The Sense+ rates pretty highly in this department, with noise levels 29-40-50 decibels (respective of the 3 fan speeds).

For context, 29 decibels is equivalent to a low whisper, 40 decibels is similar to light rain, and 50 is like a quiet office. The lowest speed is perfectly fine for bedroom usage even for light sleepers. However, as customer reviews reveal, the 2nd and 3rd fan speeds are considered “loud” by some standards.

In terms of light, the control panel LEDs are bright, but you can dim them or switch them off by tapping the central circle, or by using your smartphone.

BlueAir Sense+ Pros & Cons

Review Verdict

As clear from our BlueAir Sense+ air purifier review, this unit satisfies the requirements of people who like their appliances to be modern, tech-savvy, and WiFi-enabled. Even more importantly, the filtration system is thorough and does everything a mid-high end air purifier should.

If our review has piqued your interest, check the unit out here for the best price on Amazon in 2020.

Frequently Asked Questions