The air quality in your home might not be something you’ve put much thought into in the past. From pollen to pet shedding to increased smog drifting in through open windows, the warmer months in particular can be a seasonal minefield for anyone who struggles with allergies. So how does an air purifier — one that’s built to last — handle the pressure? The Shark NeverChange5 promises to trap 99.97% of airborne particles and can cover areas up to 60 sqm. Crucially, it claims to last up to five years thanks to its extended filter life. We put it to the test.
What’s under the microscope?
The Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier, so named for its extra-long filter life. It’s designed to last 10 times longer than the filters in standard models, which could save you a surprising amount over five years. If you’re the type who forgets to reorder filters until you’re well past “overdue”, this feels like a small miracle.
Give me the elevator pitch
It lives to purify the air around you.
And in more detail?
Inside, the NeverChange5 uses a HEPA filter (that’s high-efficiency particulate air technology) to capture up to 99.97 per cent of airborne particles. We’re talking dust, pollen, mould spores, bacteria and all that floating pet dander that’s impossible to see but very easy to inhale.
Its 60sqm coverage means it’s ideal for open-plan living rooms or larger bedrooms — essentially, anywhere you want the air to feel fresher, lighter and just a little easier on the lungs.
Is the Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier neat for asthmatics, then?
Vital. I gave it to someone who has asthma, and she rated it.
“I had this on overnight next to my bed and in the morning, it felt like the air around me was cleaner. I usually start my day a little wheezy and sneezy, probably due to dust, and I had none of those symptoms this morning. It felt like such a treat to wake up and be able to breathe normally.”
Also, handy for hay fever sufferers.
What if I don’t have asthma – do I still need it?
It’s a nice thing to have if you like clean air. It’s more intangible for non-asthmatics, but I did feel after sleeping with it that the air really did feel purer. The purifier also had it at 100 per cent, which meant it was ultra-pure. Fresh air helps clean our lungs and increases oxygen levels in blood, so it’s going to help anyone’s health. I also got a good night’s sleep because it was quiet as a mouse.
What about that odour neutraliser?
As luck would have it, one of the cats relieved itself on the carpet one night instead of the kitty litter (don’t worry, I gave it a real lecture – it looked at me like I was to blame for not moving the kitty litter closer to where it was sleeping) so I put it through its paces and turned up the dial on the Anti-Odour Technology dial. The crazy cat-lady smell was definitely marginalised.
Any cons?
I don’t want to seem picky, but what appear to be little built-in hand grips at the bottom are actually the air intake vents, so you have to remember to pick it up by the very bottom. Also, the display that analyses the air purity is quickly addictive. Type A personalities will feel a failure if it’s anything less than 100 per cent.
Cost?
The Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier retails for $399.99 from Shark.
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