REVIEW – With my family, it is all about air purifiers to help us with our allergies. We are doing pretty well with in-home air purifiers, but until now I have never been able to try an air purifier in my car. Usually, when I am in my car, I become very aware that I am continuously clearing my throat to the point that it is annoying. So, when I got the opportunity to test and review the IQAir Atem Car Air Purifier, I gladly accepted.
What is it?
The Atem Car Air Purifier provides a solution for in-cabin gas and odor elimination as well as eliminating other types of pollutants that cause allergies. It combines two types of media that adsorb odors and gases, and that change pollutants to an oxidized form.
What’s in the box
1 x Atem Car Air Purifier
1 x Car Mount
1 x Belt and Buckle
1 x Car Power Adapter
1 x Quick Start Guide
1 x User Guide
Design and features
Features
Mobile applications: iOS and Android
Display languages: automatic language selection based on phone system language: English, German, Chinese simplified, Chinese traditional, French and Spanish
Intelligent filter life monitor: yes (mobile app; LEDs at air outlet flash red twice when filter must be changed)
Advanced fan speed selection: yes (use the mobile app or tap on Atem logo on the unit to control fan speed; LED indicator)
On the back of the round Atem Car device, there is an interface to connect to the power port and latches located on the car mount.
The photo below shows the car mount that connects to the Atem device. It has the latches on the exterior parts and in the center is the power interface that connects to the Atem device. On the side of the car mount, there is a power port for the car DC power adapter and a release button on each side that allows you to separate the mount from the Atem Car device.
The photo below shows the car mount connected to the Atem Car device.
The web belt and buckle are used to attach to the loopholes on the car mount and secure around the poles of the car headrest.
On the entire circumference of the Atem device, there are air fins that allow the flow of air into and out of the Atem Car device so that the air passes through the internal filter and performs the purification function.
Performance
Attaching the Atem device to the headrest is quite easy. You first attach the belt and buckle of the car mount and then loop the belt around the poles of the headrest. Once secured tightly, you attach the Atem device.
Once you connect the car DC power adapter to the power port on the car mount the Atem powers on with a red LED light, and then the LED light turns to blue one it is fully operational. According to the specifications, the LED flashes red twice when the filter must be changed.
App
There is an app for Android and IOS that works with the Atem device. It allows you to adjust settings, including the power level of the fan/blower in the Atem device and it also provides information regarding the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle and an indication of the filter life and when it needs to be changed. You can also access additional instructions and the user guide from the app.
What I like
- The effectiveness as an air purifier
- Build quality
What can be improved
- The car mounting options
- The cost of the replacement filter
- The design makes it look like a dorky satellite antenna attached to the back of my seat and it is highly visible
Final thoughts
To be honest, I was not quite sure what to expect from this air purifier since I had never tried one in my car and before trying this device, I was definitely a doubter. The Atem Car device has changed my mind. My throat clearing that was the result of my allergies had become such a normal occurrence when I was in my car. When I started using this device it decreased significantly to the point that it actually stopped being an issue for me. It was so obvious that I had to take notice. While this device is relatively expensive and while the replacement filter is as well, it really works for me. Keep in mind that I cannot assure everyone that it will work for them, but as I stated, it works for me. My only unanswered question is how long will the filter last before I have to replace it and therefore how expensive will it be to maintain. When the app tells me that it is time to change the filter, I will post an update to this review. Until then, I give it two thumbs up!!
Price: $399 – Replacement filter: $69
Where to buy: IQAir website and Amazon
Sample: The sample for this review was provided by IQAir
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$400 to buy, and $70 for a replacement filter? huh???
I’m a cigar smoker and occasionally enjoy while sitting in traffic, but not anywhere for that price…yikes.
Considering this for someone who has developed extreme reaction to off gassing of vinyl and other products in a car. The price is very high. It would be worth it if it works. What is the return policy on this product if it does not?
I bought this for elevated formaldehyde in my carpet and it kicked it up into my entire car and now I’m needing medication for it h not just asthma, a new car plus material things again. I’d say sell the car for parts.
Can you install the housing of the Atem desk model on the one for the car? It seems to be a great white color, which should also keep the unit cooler in a hot car –
Thank you, that’s very helpful. We are currently preparing for our next black summer in Australia.