3M FAP02-RS Filtrete Ultra Clean Air Purifier

Other 3M products

Product Features

• Electrostatic air purifier for small rooms; charged fibers magnetize floating dust particles
• Reduces pollen, mold and dust mite debris
• Circulates and cleans the air in rooms up to 150 square feet
• Filter change indicator shows when it's time to replace
• Designed to blend with any décor; 99.9% effective at capturing large particles

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 17 x 8 x 22 inches ; 14 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 17 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B000I4NG22
• Item model number: FAP02-RS
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #13,529 in Kitchen & Dining (See Bestsellers in Kitchen & Dining)

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Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

With more air circulation plus better dust and pollen capturing capabilities than any HEPA air purifier in its class, the Filtrete from 3M features quiet operation and a stylish design that fits right in with any décor. A user-friendly machine, the Filtrete has filter-life indicator that lights up when it's time to change the filter. An electrostatically charged filter is specially designed for capturing large, airborne allergens like pollen, mold spores and dust mite remains. The fibers within the filter are charged to act like tiny magnets that attract and capture small particles that other fiberglass and washable/reusable filters often miss. The unit works well in conjunction with forced-air heating and cooling systems; filtering the air and capturing micro-particles that would otherwise float throughout the house aggravating allergies and irritating respiratory systems. The unit also captures dust, bacteria, smoke, smog, and particles that can carry viruses for healthy lungs and happier noses.

Product Description

A new Filtrete¿ Air Purifier is one more way to improve the air you breathe, especially compared to bulky and noisy HEPA models. And although they are quite stylish, the real beauty is how well Filtrete air purifiers help clean your indoor air. The product features quiet operation, 25 - 30% more air circulation, 35-41% higher pollen capture rate, a Filter change indicator and 3 speed fan. Room Size 150 Sq Feet.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars simply the best in filtration, December 30, 2007

By	Mark Frost "Economist & Philosopher" (Dallas, TX USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If economy is your primary weighted variable in the selection of an air filter, then the FAP02 is NOT for you. If however, breathing cleaner air is worth about $40/unit per year then this filter may be a good choice for you.


A few points to know about the filters before buying this unit.
One, this filter looks good. It seems designed to fit "up against a wall" and in this regard it is easy to position ascetically while still maintaining function (air filtering). Hence, it is both technically successful and yet offers a stylish design that does not junk- up a room.

Another nice feature is that it "sucks" from the back of the unit and "blows" out of the top, and therefore one is not simply blowing dust across the floor and behind furniture. And lastly, especially nice for the one in the bedroom, is it is very quite. On highest speed, the faint "hum" that can be heard is actually rather relaxing and in no way annoying. In short, a small audible footprint.


Now about filter price.
They are at first glance over-priced. Then, I considered what I was actually paying for: a relatively small and custom size (15.2x8.9). Indeed, it is this "small custom size" that makes the 3M-FAP02 so appealing in the first place!
Hence, unfortunately, for now, the filter replacements possess the an associated small-volume, high-margin pricing strategy. In economics speak, supply and demand are relatively low but the price-elasticity of the latter is very low -- the old "Schick Model -- give away the shavers and sell the blades."

There is no doubt that these filters trade at a relative premium and the resulting solution will in turn probably increase the annual maintenance costs over units which use "standard-size filters." However, here are two things you can do to essentially eliminate the "replacement filter gap" in this regard.
First, sweep the external (dirty) side of the filter once a week just enough to remove the build-up. The filter itself actually continues to filter well even after it becomes dirty; the problem with dirty filters is suction is usually reduced by the "stuff" that accumulates over time on the outside of the filter. Hence, keep the filter's outside edge free from build-up. On our weekly "sweeping day" we simply vacuum the back of the filter (the back cover pops off/on easily).
Second, If you don't want to sweep the filter, or as often, try using a very simple (and cheap) disposable "pre-filter" material to trap the big stuff -- like cat hair! :)


People vary widely in their preferences of course, but we have found these particular machines (3M FAP02) to be outstanding in both form and function; not merely in spite of, but even because of its current relatively high replacement filter prices. We have one in just about every major room.

34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Very pleased, but..., May 14, 2007

By	M. Glosser "wineplacenw" (Everett, WA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Having purchased many air purifiers over the years, this one (FAP02) has been the best! I also have the larger FAP03 purifier and am pleased with its performance too, though it's rather large. They work so well that the filter only lasts 1 to 3 months, and I love that each unit tells you when the filter is restricted, but don't chg the filter immediately; try vaccuming the filter first to extend the filter life. Also, rotate the filter, since the bottom of the filter fills up first.
HERE'S THE PROBLEM: the replacement filters are TOO expensive!!! Between the cost of the unit, plus replacement filters with shipping, you should consider the true cost before purchasing this unit.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best air filter machine ever!, May 11, 2007

By	D. Anderson "Chpsk8" (Midwest) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have incredible allergies and have tried many filters machines to help clean the air. I have a whole house filter that connects to my furnace, and I change my regular furnace filters monthly and I still end up with dust and pollen in the house. Screen doors, garage doors, kids running in and out, etc... it all contributes.
I've bought the sharper image filters and other brands that claim to be great, but haven't been that impressed. I ended up buying this unit on because I've been very pleased with my 3M furnace filters.
I put this unit in my bedroom because that room gets more dust than most of my house along with the sleeping problems I'd have from dust.
Within two days I noticed I was sleeping better. Two weeks later I noticed that I hadn't needed to dust the room since I bought the machine.

Overall I'm very satisfied with the machine I have. It's reasonably quiet, ( I leave it set on 1, so I can barely hear it) it fit under a table in the room, so it didn't take up much space. It also has an interesting control dial with funky lights on it. Replacement filters are easy to find and from the looks of it I should only have to change them out every 4-6 months...

Of all the machines out there, this is far less gimmicky and actually works. I'd recommend it to anyone.