As a parent and allergy sufferer, one of the best investments I have made for my own home was buying an air purifier.
I used to wake up with a sore throat and a blocked nose every morning, and most days I could not function properly until I had taken an antihistamine. Spring was unbearable, and even simple chores like vacuuming or dusting meant I had to wear a mask indoors. It became clear that investing in a good air purifier might be the answer.
Being an engineer, I could not just pick one at random. I wanted to be sure that my money went on something that would really work, not just for me but for the children as well. The temptation was always there to go for a cheaper option, but I knew this was one of those purchases where it had to be right.
After months of research and comparing different models, I narrowed it down to two: the Shark NeverChange 5 and the AEG Pure 5000.
Shark NeverChange 5
The Shark NeverChange 5 stood out for one main reason: it claims that the filter lasts up to 5 years. That is very unusual, as most air purifiers need new filters every 6–12 months. If true, it would save a lot of money and hassle.
In testing, the Shark performed very well. It quickly reduced dust and fine particles in the air and worked quietly, even on higher settings. I liked the real-time air quality display, which gave me confidence that it was doing its job. There is also an option to add a scent cartridge, which helps with odours.
The unit is energy-efficient and costs very little to run each month.
On the downside, some reviewers have questioned whether the filters will really last five years. In this matter I am slightly bias. I have now had 4 of these units in my house running for the last 2 years. As long as you clean the ouside mesh filter regularly, there is no reason why the internal HEPA should not last. I inspect mine quite regularly and cannot see any visible degradation of the HEPA filte
AEG Pure 5000
The AEG Pure 5000 is designed to be fast and very quiet. It claims to clean a 10 m² room in just 11 minutes and can run as low as 20 dB, which is almost silent. This makes it a very good option for bedrooms or nurseries.
AEG also says it neutralises 99.99% of bacteria and filters out airborne viruses, which is reassuring for families. Customer reviews online are strong, with many people giving it high ratings.
However, there is less independent testing available compared to the Shark. It does not provide as much feedback on the air quality in real time, and details on energy use or filter costs are not as clear.
Final Decision
Both machines are good options, but they suit slightly different needs.
- If your main priority is allergy relief and long-term value, the Shark NeverChange 5 is the safer choice. It has been tested thoroughly, performs well, and gives you confidence with its air quality display.
- If your main priority is near-silent operation, especially for night-time use in a bedroom, the AEG Pure 5000 could be the better fit.
For my own home, I chose the Shark NeverChange 5 because I wanted something proven, with low running costs, and the reassurance of seeing the air quality change in real time.
If your main priority is near-silent operation, especially for night-time use in a bedroom, the AEG Pure 5000 could be the better fit. (That said, you can only hear the Shark runnig, when you have sprayed perfume near it or if the air quality drastically decrease. It is not nearly as loud as a fan and is more of a gentle backgound noise.)
For my own home, I chose the Shark NeverChange 5 because I wanted something proven, with low running costs, and the reassurance of seeing the air quality change in real time. I have purchased 4 of these units and have not had any regrets
Benefits I Have Noticed from Owning an Air Purifier
Since buying an air purifier, the difference to my daily life has been huge. These are the main benefits I have personally noticed:
Less dusting to do – I have noticed less dust settling on furniture, which makes the house easier to keep clean.
My hay fever is finally under control – The purifier removes pollen from the air, so spring no longer means constant sneezing or itchy eyes.
Asthma has become much easier to manage – With less dust and fewer triggers in the air, I do not get that tight chest feeling nearly as often.
Even my eczema has improved – With cleaner air and fewer allergens settling on my skin, flare-ups are less frequent and less severe.
I sleep far better – I wake up without a sore throat or blocked nose, which makes such a difference to how I feel during the day.
The house smells fresher – Cooking smells and pet odours are dealt with quickly, which I did not expect but really appreciate.
The children benefit too – Knowing their lungs are breathing cleaner air gives me peace of mind, especially at night.
I feel healthier overall – Cleaner air means my immune system is not working overtime, and I have more energy.