Re: The New Blue Air Medical Pro

A Reader writes:

Dear Ed,

Blue Air has a new unit called the Medical Pro which apparently is more effective at dealing with VOCs than their smokestop filter.

My space is about 365 square feet, which includes my living room (225 sq. ft) two hallways and the kitchen (80 sq. ft). Also, I live in an urban area with lots of cars.

According to their literature, the Medical Pro is adequate for 5 air changes an hour in 365 square feet

However, the filter only have 3.9 lbs. of carbon, so I do not know how good it would be at removing VOCs, including formaldahyde.

What do you think about this unit, particularly for the size space that I have?

Would one of the Rabbit Air units be better or the 500 series Blue Air with the smokestop filter?

Thanks, an Urban Reader.

Ed's Reply

Hey Reader;

Blueair's "Medical Professional" model is a 403 with added carbon and a heavy-duty motor.

CADRs are exactly the same as the other 400-series Blueairs - clean air delivery rates; Smoke 232, Dust 289, Pollen 284.

I do not see any value added here that justifies the massive price hike.

Blueair is a machine designed from the start for particulates.

But to pay extra for a 400-series - 4 lbs carbon is worth about $20 - on top of the premium charged for SmokeStop filters, is not my idea of how to get ahead.

400's are, in my opinion, entry level Blueairs, based on the original front-to-back airflow design from the very earliest model.

Replacing the single filter, every 6 months, will run you $100 to 129.95.

Early discounting indicates few buyers are falling for this one.

When you get into this price range - suggested retail $1,000, many vendors offering at $800 - you're in IQAir HealthPro Plus country, forget the Blueairs completely.

Blueair's main advantage is power to clear air of particles swiftly. In your small space, this point is mooted.

Your environment requires aldehyde removal, which is why premium air cleaners add potassium iodide and other oxidants to the carbon. Blueair Medical Pro appears not to have this.

A 500 SmokeStop would be a better Blueair for the money.

RabbitAir has less carbon, not the best for your situation.

I also think you should look into "acetaldehyde detox," removing aldehydes from your body as well as your air.

Best wishes,

Ed