For more than 35 years, Austin Air has been building air purifiers designed to improve the wellbeing of our customers. Over the years, we’ve heard from customers across the world who use our products in their homes, workplaces, schools, daycares, and clinics. Their feedback matters deeply to us.
Every once in a while, we receive a note that perfectly captures why clean indoor air matters — not in abstract terms, but in everyday life. This week, we’re sharing one of those letters.
The customer who wrote this didn’t expect to become an advocate for Austin Air purifiers. In fact, they were skeptical at first. What followed was an unexpected shift — from doubt to appreciation, and eventually to advocacy — shaped by lived experience, not marketing claims.
We’re sharing their story in the hope that it resonates with others who may still be on the fence, because big changes can begin by simply cleaning the air you breathe.
Please note that this letter has been largely untouched by us at Austin Air, we’ve only hidden the identity of the author and added links for reference.
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Dear Austin Air,
My name is [redacted] and I’m writing today to let you know how much Austin Air has impacted my life for the better.
I don’t often write reviews or testimonials, it’s not my style, and frankly, I don’t really have much time for these things… but I recently realized that because Austin Air purifiers have been so profoundly positive for me, the least I can do is formally put my appreciation in writing.
The catalyst for this was a recent conversation with a friend. The topic was the litany of health issues associated with exposure to outdoor and indoor air pollution. My friend marveled at how daunting it is just trying to avoid dirty air and that set me off on the importance of air purification. I gushed about how Austin Air purifiers (specifically) are an excellent, non-pharmaceutical, clinically-proven way to help/support with just about every ailment imaginable and to prevent other health issues from developing.
I passionately proclaimed that everyone should have an Austin Air in every room of their home, school, daycare, office, medical clinic… everywhere!!! I then caught myself and asked: “Do I sound like I’m in some sort of clean air cult?”
She didn’t hesitate: “Yes.”
We had a laugh and the conversation carried on. After we parted ways, I continued thinking about my journey into becoming a believer in breathing better with air purification — specifically, with Austin Air. It genuinely astonishes me all of the ways this simple, (yet sophisticated) box of steel with a fan, HEPA, and activated carbon can improve and protect our health. Ironically, this all happened by accident.
The year was 2018. I was living in New York City and I unexpectedly received a brand-new Austin Air Bedroom Machine from a very good (and somewhat fancy) friend. Long story short, there was a bulk order for their workplace and somehow there was an extra unit that my pal was able to offer me.
Honestly, I didn’t really want it. At the time, I was oblivious to the insidiousness of “baseline” air pollution and completely in the dark on indoor air quality. I didn’t even know air purifiers are useful for people without chronic respiratory issues, like COPD. And truthfully, I had doubts that any air purifiers could really deliver on the promise of noticeably cleaner air.
That said, I’m not one to look a gift horse in the mouth. I knew that this was a very generous gift based on the price point — and although I was doubtful that this was necessary for me, I accepted the air purifier with gratitude and an open mind. I had nothing to lose except airborne pollutants like dust, pollen, and VOCs, right?
My disbelief about my Austin Air purifiers capabilities’ quickly faded.
I started using the Bedroom Machine at the end of summer, when ragweed season was just beginning. Seasonal allergies had been an unpleasant part of my life since adolescence and I assumed that my daily, over-the-counter allergy medication was too. I didn’t think it could get better — never mind that the medicine would wear off before lunchtime.
It was actually uncanny. Each morning, approximately 12 hours after taking it, I could actually feel my allergy symptoms activate when the medication wore off. It was like a switch was flipped, jumping my sinuses back to life. I couldn’t take another dose midday because this particular allergy med caused major drowsiness and the daytime-friendly options gave me dry mouth or other side effects.
The worst part was my nose — it would get ferociously itchy and I couldn’t help but violently rub at it in a way I described as “sawing away.” It was borderline embarrassing but I couldn’t resist. Another annoying issue was my watery eyes. Sometimes colleagues would sweetly ask if everything was OK because my teariness gave the impression that I was on the verge of sobbing.
But because it was “just” annoying and not debilitating, I accepted that the itchy nose, watery eyes, and discomfort were just something I would have to deal with.
OK — so now that you’ve got the background: l struggled with allergies but didn’t think an air purifier was necessary for me. I unexpectedly received a top of the line air purifier by Austin Air. I was unenthusiastic but down to give it a try.
Once the unit was in my apartment, I did what the manual instructed and put it in my bedroom on high. When I got back a few hours later, the air was fresh. Like, really fresh. As if air from an Alpine meadow had been magically piped into my little bedroom to replace the stale New York City air. I was impressed but remained incredulous about the overall efficacy, as though the change was superficial.
I continued to run the Bedroom Machine on high 24/7, with no expectations. After a few weeks, I had a realization when I went to reach for my allergy medicine: I didn’t need it! Ragweed season was already over and although some of my symptoms remained, the overall severity was gone. No more mid-morning nose activation! No more “sawing away” at my itchy nose like a lumberjack!
It was an electrifying moment. I could suddenly see that my Austin Air purifier was a powerful tool and I was lucky to have it. I immediately called my generous “Bedroom Machine benefactor” — a.k.a. the friend who had given me the unit — with the good news about my allergies. Unsurprisingly, they were not surprised.
The improvement of my sinus issues continued beyond allergy relief.
While in college, I started to have semi-frequent sinus infections. My septum is severely deviated from a few childhood sports injuries so I assumed this was just another thing that I would have to deal with. I didn’t recognize that needing a full course of antibiotics multiple times a year is neither normal nor acceptable.
Of course, I hated taking antibiotics. I’m pretty averse to taking medications (the allergy med was an exception) and disliked antibiotics the most. I was prone to allergic reactions and effects like out-of-control Candida. At the time, there was also a bit of a panic about antibiotic resistant bacteria and doctors were warning people to avoid them whenever possible (which is still true).
These sinus infections of mine were basically a nasty cold, with no fever but a very productive cough. Once symptoms started, I would cross my fingers and hope for it to pass. This sometimes led to a few weeks of (reluctantly but desperately) guzzling cough syrup to keep quiet in lectures and toting around whole toilet paper rolls for the constant nose blowing.
Eventually, the coughing fits would become so intense that it would cause me to choke, then gag, and throw up. (TMI but true.) Believe it or not, I would still wait a few more days after reaching the retching stage before going back to the doctor.
After graduation, the sinus infections became less frequent but hadn't fully gone away. That changed after the Bedroom Machine came into my life. It has been over seven years and I can’t remember the last time I had to take antibiotics for a respiratory issue.
Now, I acknowledge that adding an air purifier isn’t a silver bullet for preventing bacterial infections. That’s a big leap. But research has shown that clean indoor air is crucial for whole body health, including immunity. I’m confident that sleeping with an Austin Air purifier in my bedroom has made a huge difference for my immune system. (I used to get the flu each year too.) Soon, I started wheeling my unit between my bedroom and my home office for protection all day.
So… first, Austin Air assisted my allergies and then it helped with sinus infections and then along came COVID…
I don’t have to tell you what happened, I’d rather not relive it — but one of the few good things to come out of that time is increased public awareness about indoor air quality. Being in NYC at that time was pretty scary. But suddenly, the world woke up to the need for air purifiers — at schools and businesses, as well as homes and hospitals. I started seeing Austin Air purifiers out “in the wild” more often, everywhere from libraries to clinics. When it was time to return to the office, I successfully convinced my boss to invest in Austin Air purifiers to protect me and my colleagues.
I eventually left New York City. I’m not dealing with city air but pollution knows no bounds. I now have Austin Air purifiers strategically placed throughout my home for maximum benefits. I have one in my office at work. I’ve also convinced friends and family to invest in Austins for better health. As was expected, those folks have likewise become believers.
OK – this is far longer than any product review I’ve ever written. I’ll wrap this up…
I just want to share a few more quick things about why I love my Austin Airs:
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I appreciate that they are manufactured in Buffalo. (Yay Rust Belt!)
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The five-year filter life is fabulous.
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There are no silly gimmicks like WiFi or Bluetooth, unnecessary features that will just break or take up bandwidth.
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Metal appliances are always classier and aesthetically better than plastic. Period.
It is totally nerdy but I also appreciate Austin Air’s commitment to educating the public on air quality issues on your blog. I don’t read every post, but from time to time it’s great to geek out on the latest research about air quality and health. It is mind boggling how much the science on the importance of indoor air quality has grown in just the last ten years. Literally every system in our body, even our mental health and cognitive function, is impacted by the air we breathe!
In hindsight, it should be obvious that we need to be conscientious about clean indoor air since we take so many breaths each day and air is the thing we need most to stay alive (more than food and water)... but sometimes it takes a while for research to catch up with reality.
I’m just glad that I’ve been in the know on the benefits of air purification since before it was cool. I’m jazzed about getting an Immunity Machine replacement filter (8-phases? Yes, please!) and almost can’t wait for the next two years to pass before my current filter expires.
OK, I am rambling now. One final thing: I must disclose that I have an ulterior motive for reaching out — besides sharing appreciation and admiration. I desperately hope that these words will encourage Austin Air to keep on doing what you do so well because as a customer, I reap the benefits!
Thank you again for all that you do!
[Redacted]
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At Austin Air, we know that many people are still unaware of how much indoor air quality can affect daily comfort, long-term health, and overall well-being. Stories like this one remind us that awareness often begins with experience, which is why Austin Air provides a risk-free 30-day window for folks to try our air purifiers.
We’ve already thanked the author for sharing but it seems right to say so publicly: we’re truly grateful to this customer for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and personal account — and for reading our blog!
If you’ve had an experience with our products that changed your quality of life or how you think about clean air, we’d appreciate hearing from you. Your story may help someone else take their first step toward breathing easier. Please email info@austinair.com to share how Austin Air has impacted your life.
