In this review, we’ll look at the pros and cons of the Sharp Plasmacluster line of air purifiers. Most importantly, we’ll look at the technology it includes and its value relative to the other technologies available. In the attached video, you’ll see me take apart and get into the Sharp Plasmacluster FPN60CX Air Purifier.

Sharp makes a lot of this “new technology”. Invented by the Sharp Corporation in 2000, Plasmacluster technology (and name) is Sharp’s “claim to fame.” However, it lives on a line between air purifier science and marketing. It’s important to know that plasmacluster technology is only one of 4 technologies inside the Sharp air purifier that we tested. I’d also like to point out that there are several similar air purifiers that use almost identical technology, so it’s nothing unique. Sharp claims that Plasmacluster technology can inactivate germs and other pathogens and they have conducted 28 experiments through various scientific organizations around the world. However, there have not yet been any recent scientific peer reviews on the matter.

Enthusiasm for Sharp Plasmacluster stems largely from Japan, where an aversion to germs and viruses has made Sharp’s air purifiers popular. (Designed in Japan, made in China).

What is a plasmacluster?

A Plasmacluster ion generator splits water molecules (already found in indoor air) into their natural components of hydrogen and oxygen (remember that water is H2O). Thousands of these positive and negative ions are released in this process. These ions are very unstable and do not last long. They can remove the smell of nicotine and other unpleasant odors from the air and kill some mold spores and viruses. Many air purifiers use negative ions in the same way, but the positive ion part is more unique.

Here’s a more scientific explanation:

A plasmaluster is a group of partially ionized gas-like electrons (have I lost you in scientific terms yet?) that are free and not bound to an atom. These clumps of plasma contain water molecules that break down into both positive hydrogen ions and negative oxygen ions. Water molecules found naturally in room air form clusters around hydrogen ions and oxygen ions; this creates the stable Plasmacluster ions. When they hit pathogens (germs, viruses) they lead to the instantaneous formation of the highly unstable/reactive hydroxyl radical. Such a mercurial composition causes hydroxyl radicals to rapidly interact with hydrogen atoms in the surface membranes of pathogens. And the result; inactivated pathogens and a harmless by-product, water.

HEPA and Plasmacluster

Of course, Plasmacluster is just one of the air purifier technologies. It also has HEPA (which is way too expensive by the way) and carbon for gas removal. So does the Plasmacluster measure up to “must have” and is it better than using negative ions and ultraviolet light to kill germs and viruses? That debate is still ongoing and has not been proven. Below I list some of the technical information about the Sharp FPN60CX

professionals

1 – 4 stages: Prefilter, Carbon, Hepa, Ion (PLasmacluster)

2 – Hepa for allergies

3 – Covers 330 square feet

4 – It has great light functions: you can sleep without lights on

cons

1 – Expensive filters

2 – Expensive cost

3 – No Germ, Virus Tech (EX; UV)

4 – 1 year warranty

5 – On high the unit is noisy

Sharp FPN60CX Air Purifier

Retail Price: $379

Purification Technologies: 4

Square Feet: 330 SQ. Foot.

Filter Replacement Costs: $180 (HEPA and Carbon)

Annual costs: $180-$200

Decibel Level: Low/High 14/54

1 year warranty

Number of speeds – 3

Filters – 3

Other models:

FP-P30U

Fp-P40CX

kc860u

KC-C150U

Conclusion

It’s a good air purifier, and you should be able to get your money’s worth out of the sharp plasmacluster. Replacement filters are too expensive (let’s make it too expensive), and I’d look around for better prices online for replacements. However, it will do a good job with pollen and dust.