Membrane Solutions has introduced its MSA3 air purifier to the market and so far, it has received exceptional reviews. This device could be a great option for anyone looking for an effective way to combat poor air quality in small to medium-sized areas, as it is suitable for up to 210 sq ft.
I’m looking forward to testing Membrane Solutions’ MSA3 air purifier as it seems like it’s packed with almost all the options that are included in conventional air purifiers.
Even though there isn’t much in the way of advanced features on this model, I believe it could be a great pick if you’re searching for an easy-to-use and reliable alternative.
Above all, I was enamored by the device’s distinct design and blue indicators. It is refreshing to see manufacturers adding uncommon features to devices that are not so frequently found in the market.
Msa3 air purifier reviews
Features
- Color: White
- Product Dimensions: 7.6″D x 13.1″W x 21.4″H
- Item Weight: 13.6 Pounds
- Control Method: Touch
- Wattage: 44
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary of the Membrane Solutions MSA3 air purifier:
- It’s suitable for use in rooms up to 210 sq. ft.
- It comes with a 3-in-1 filter (pre-filter, True HEPA filter, carbon filter)
- It has an annual maintenance cost that is slightly higher than some other models
- It comes with a 24-month warranty from Membrane Solutions
- It doesn’t have any advanced features like a smart app or auto mode.
Specifications
Manufacturer | Membrane Solutions |
Model | MSA3 |
Dimensions | 7.7 x 13.1 x 21.5 inches (19.5 x 33.4 x 54.5 cm) |
Filters | Pre-filter, True HEPA Filter and Carbon Filter |
Filter Longevity | 3-6 months |
Number of Fan | Speeds 3 – Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3 |
Coverage | 210 sq. ft. |
Power Consumption | 44W |
Warranty | 24-month |
Setup
To set up the Membrane Solutions MSA3 air purifier, you’ll need to remove the filter from the device, unpack it, and then return it to the device.
This step is important because if you leave the filter pack, the device will not be able to filter the air and may overheat and malfunction. After you’ve installed the filter, place the device in your desired location, making sure to keep it at least 15 inches away from other objects. Then, turn it on to start cleaning the air in your room.
Design
The Membrane Solutions MSA3 air purifier is designed with solid construction and quality plastic, though it may appear a tad cheap. Additionally, the smooth plastic leaves fingerprints behind when touched; which makes the device look dirty over time.
For those who don’t mind such an effect, this product comes in white to meet your specific needs.
The MSA3 is highly commendable for its top slot, which makes it incredibly simple to move the device from one place to another. Moreover, I’m particularly fond of the lengthy power cord that comes with it – this renders setting up and placing the machine in any location easy as pie!
Control Buttons
The MSA3 air purifier is designed with two horizontal strips of control buttons at the front, each accompanied by a blue-glowing indicator. I find this display fascinating since it differs from what I’ve seen on other devices – an engaging change that stands out and gives me plenty to appreciate!
The buttons on the control panel are incredibly responsive to even the lightest touch, but I find their coloration and design a bit perplexing. The tones of some of them, particularly the Timer button blend into the unit’s background so finding it can be confusing.
There is a Filter Reset button and a Turbo Speed option; Sleep Mode, Light Switch Lock, Power Button, Timer and Fan Speed complete its collection.
Size and Dimensions
Weighing in at 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg), this air purifier’s dimensions are 19.5 x 33,4 x 54.5 cm (7.7 x 13,1x 21.5 inches).
Features
The MSA3 Membrane Solutions boast the same features we have come to expect from most air purifiers.
Light Control Lights
For the illumination of the device indicators, simply press the “Light” button. Doing so will turn off all markers except for one located directly above the “Light” switch itself.
Timer
Membrane Solutions MSA3 offers a convenient timer feature that allows you to preset the device to automatically turn off after 1-8 hours.
Button Lock
To ensure all buttons are locked and disabled, press and hold the “Lock” button for a minimum of 3 seconds. Once that’s complete, any further pressing or tapping will be ineffectual.
Filter Reset Indicator
I truly believe this air purifier is an invaluable option. Plus, its filter reset indicator ensures that you will never forget to switch out your filters when needed!
Room Coverage and CADR
Prepare to be impressed! The Membrane Solutions MSA3 air purifier is designed for rooms up to 210 sq. ft., but its performance claims go beyond that – the product listing states it can effectively cleanse the air in a 420 sq. ft. space twice per hour, making this an ideal choice for larger spaces too!
Nevertheless, I don’t advise using the MSA3 in any room larger than 210 square feet. With a Clean Air Delivery Rate of 112 CFM (190 m³/h), it may not be able to keep up with such large spaces.
Filters
Features
- Color: White
- Product Dimensions: 7.6″D x 13.1″W x 21.4″H
- Item Weight: 13.6 Pounds
- Control Method: Touch
- Wattage: 44
The MSA3 Membrane Solutions technology features a state-of-the-art 3-in-1 filter that is noticeably situated on the front of the unit, occupying its entire facade.
Pre-filter
Capturing hair, dander, and fibers is the primary goal of a pre-filter’s initial filtration stage.
This pre-filter is an essential component that safeguards and extends the life of your HEPA filter, effectively delaying when you must replace it.
The True HEPA Filter
The HEPA filter is undeniably the most vital element of your air purifier. It has been designed with an impeccable level of precision to efficiently capture even the tiniest particles such as dust, smoke, and pollen – all measuring less than 0.3 microns! This second layer of filtration ensures that you can enjoy a clean and healthy environment in your home.
Carbon Filter
The ultimate layer of filtration, the carbon filter, efficiently and rapidly captures smells like pet odors and VOCs to cleanse the air in your home. Not only does this last step neutralize noxious scents, but it also freshens up any space.
To be honest, I’m quite disappointed with this filter’s performance; it takes an exorbitant amount of time to purify the air. Undoubtedly, this is because the MSA3 uses a meager amount of carbon pellets which are infrequently spread out. That being said, if we can increase these factors my expectations may then be met!
Noise Test
The MSA3 Membrane Solutions provides 3 fan speeds, each uniquely designed to optimize your experiences. Don’t be fooled by the “Turbo” button – that’s simply the third speed – or the “Sleep” button, which is actually just the first one. Although it only has three settings, this device runs exceptionally quietly and efficiently.
Upon initial operation, this model releases a sound of 43.1 dBA and at its maximum speed reaches 54.3 dBA, making it an ideal choice for those who value tranquility in their environment as the noise produced is non-irritating and delightful to listen to without any knocking or jarring noises accompanying it.
Performance Tests
Despite the manufacturer’s claim, I strongly suggest that you refrain from using the Membrane Solutions MSA3 Air Purifier in any room larger than 210 sq. ft., as it was specifically designed for smaller indoor spaces.
194 sq. ft. Room Test
I put the Membrane Solutions MSA3 to the test in a 194 sq. ft. room, which is equivalent in size to that recommended by experts.
After positioning the unit and assessing air quality, I set it on fan speed 3 and let it run for an hour; this resulted in a 92% improvement of AQI from 130 down to 10! Clearly, by running the MSA3 at just one setting my experiment yielded incredible results.
320 sq. ft. Room Test
For the second trial, I tested the MSA3 in a room measuring 320 sq. ft., slightly bigger than what is recommended and followed identical procedures as in the first test.
In one hour of running, this device greatly enhanced the air quality by nearly 90%, transforming an AQI reading of 128 to 14. Though not as great as before, I can with confidence claim that it was still a remarkable result.
Operating Costs
Power consumption is an important factor when selecting an air purifier, and the MSA3 takes up a large amount. At its slowest speed, it requires 27W of electricity while at the maximum speed that number jumps to 39.2W – much more than my Blueair 411 which only needs 10W but still outperforms the MSA3!
After a quick computation, you’ll discover that if the device runs 24/7 at peak performance for an entire month, it will cost approximately USD 3.43 in electricity – a tiny price to pay considering all its incredible benefits!
Speed Power Usage (W)
Standby 0.2W
Speed 1 27W
Speed 2 30.6W
Speed 3 39.2W
Pros and cons
- Suitable for use in rooms up to 210 sq. ft.
- Timer option
- 3-in-1 filtration system (pre-filter, True HEPA filter, carbon filter)
- Filter reset indicator
- Quiet operation
- Comes with a free first replacement filter
- Button lock option
- 100% ozone-free
- Poorly positioned control buttons
- Low odor removing power
- Maintenance is slightly more expensive compared to some other models.
Conclusion
Membrane Solutions’ MSA3 Membrane air purifier is surprisingly not feature-packed, but it does check all the boxes in terms of performance. This basic model has earned rave reviews from many users and Membrane Solutions even offers their customers the first replacement filter for free, a great gesture of kindness.
Although the MSA3 performs well overall, there are some aspects that could be improved such as carbon filtration and gas filtration, as well as its cost of ownership when you consider the maintenance and replacement filter costs.