Medify MA-40 Review: Objective Air Quality Tests

In This Review
Purification Performance | Ozone Test | Filters | Coverage | Build Quality | Noise Test | Usability | Maintenance | Size | Specs | Product Evolution | Comparison | FAQs

Performance Summary

At Modern Castle we test 10 different factors that impact the performance, build quality, and usability of the air purifier. Below is a complete list of our testing categories and their performance.

Test Type	Test Data
PM2.5 (1 hour test)	0.1 ppm
PM10 (1 hour test)	0.1 ppm
Particles (1 hour test)	39
AQI (1 hour test)	2
Ozone Detected	0.0 ppm
Filter Type	Carbon, HEPA, Pre-Filter
Coverage Area	1,680 sq. ft. (156 sq. m.)
CADR	380 CFM
Max Wind Speed	5.4 mph (8.7 kph)
Noise Test	59.1 dB

To test the purification performance of the Medify MA-40, we placed it in a medium-sized room in our office (~14’ x 10`). Next, we lit incense to introduce smoke and other particulates into the air for 30 seconds. After, we use a professional air quality detector to take a measurement of the smoke-filled air.

Next, we run the air purifier on the highest fan speed for 2 hours, taking measurements of the air quality at the one hour mark and the end of the test. Here is what we found:

Performance Metric	Starting Measurement	After 1 Hour	After 2 Hours
PM2.5	18.3 ppm	0.1 ppm	0.1 ppm
PM10	28.7 ppm	0.1 ppm	0.1 ppm
Particles	3499	39	10
AQI	64	2	1

In our air purification tests, the Medify MA-40 was able to reduce PM2.5 to 0.1 ppm after one hour. This is 0.47 ppm lower than the average of 0.48 PPM PM2.5, based on all of our air purification tests to date.

Below, we’ve included information on the testing criteria and what defines good vs. bad air quality. Simply, the lower the numbers the better.

The MA-40 had an impressive performance within the first and second hours. We typically see high-end air purifiers reduce both the PM2.5 and PM10 to 0.1 PPM within the first hour, then maintain that measurement for the remainder of the test and that’s exactly what the MA-40.

With most air purifiers ozone generation isn’t an issue. That said, some that use negative ion generators have the potential to create ozone. To test this, we run the Medify MA-40, letting it run for 1 hour and measure the levels of ozone before and after with an ozone meter device.

In our ozone tests, the Medify MA-40 generated no measurable ozone during our testing.

The MA-40 Comes with a 3-in-1 air filter that has the pre-filter, carbon, and HEPA all in one.

Coverage

The Medify MA-40 has a coverage area of 1680 sq. ft. It is best suited for family rooms, small apartments, or small offices. The MA-40 has a CADR of 380.

Comparing the Medify MA-40 to the average, we see it is notably larger. Across all air purifiers we’ve tested to date, the average coverage area is 751 sq. ft. and the average CADR is 288 CFM.

Wind Speed Test

Our wind speed test uses an anemometer placed directly on the air vents of the Medify MA-40 to measure the fan speeds in miles per hour. We run it on the lowest and highest fan speeds and record the speed of the air coming out of the device.

In our wind speed test, the Medify was able to generate a maximum wind speed of 5.4 mph. This is 6.7 mph slower than the average of 12.10 mph, based on all of our wind speed tests to date.

The range between the highest wind speed measured and the lowest was only 1.2 mph, with the lowest speed being 4.2 mph. This range stands out since we typically see a wider range between the highest and lowest fan speeds.

Our build quality test is a subjective test where we examine and assess the major material and design components of the air purifier. Specifically, we are looking for build and design issues that are more likely to break and/or be difficult to use.

The body is constructed of this glossy plastic that is both sturdy and thick. At no point while handling the air purifier and during testing did I feel like this product was made of cheap plastic. The body felt well constructed, and I get the impression that this system can withstand the occasional bump and nudges from household activity.

Part	Build Quality
Overall	Exceptional
Body	Excellent
Fan	Exceptional
Filters	Exceptional
Controls	Excellent
Display	Very Good
Remote	n/a
Wheels	n/a

It is common for air purifiers to be made out of plastic. However, the durability of the body plastic is what sets these systems apart. The Medify MA-40, in our opinion, has the body quality of a high-end air purification system.

To determine the level of noise that the MA-40 creates, we use a sound meter and measure the decibel levels on both the lowest and highest fan speeds. In addition, we measure the ambient noise levels of the room as a baseline comparison.

In our noise tests, the MA-40 generated 59.1 dB of noise at the max fan speed. This is 3.3 dB lower than the average of 62.4 dB, based on all of our noise tests to date.

What was interesting about the noise test was the white noise that was noticeable at every fan speed. Even on its lowest setting, its sleep mode, the white noise from the fan was still noticeable. On some quieter air purifiers we have tested, you can barely hear the fan or the purifier.

The presence of noticeable white noise is not necessarily a bad quality to have, but it is a matter of preference. It can be a limiting factor for some who prefer quieter devices in their bedroom or study.

The Medify MA-40 is suitable for any household or small office common area.

The setup was easy and simple enough to get the purifier up and running in no more than 5 minutes. Major tasks include removing the plastic from both the body and the filter, which is wrapped in a sealed filter wrap.

All the controls are on the top of the system and feature touch LED buttons with a confirmation “beep” when a button is pressed.

• Controls Include:
  • Fan Speed
  • UV Light
  • Sleep Mode
  • Timer
  • Child Lock

Wireless Controls

Unfortunately, this model does not come with a remote or Wi-Fi connectivity.

In The Box

• Medify MA-40
• 1 x Filter

The Medify MA-40 has an estimated yearly maintenance cost of $40. The following are the major maintenance tasks for the MA-40.

Task	Description	Est. Annual Cost
HEPA Filter	Empty dust bin as needed	$0
Carbon Filter	Remove tangles and any obstructions	$0
Pre Filter	Periodically clean and replace as needed	$10
Other Filters	Write instructions and time to replace if applicable	$10
Sensors	Remove any obstructions as needed	$0
Bag	Replace as needed	$15

This price point for maintenance is fantastic. The filters are not overpriced, and it’s all packaged into one unit. This makes both the maintenance process, and ordering replacement filters simple and inexpensive.

Size & Dimensions

The height of the MA-40 is about the average height of all the purifiers we have tested to date.

Attribute	Measurement
Height	22″ (56 cm)
Length	11″ (28 cm)
Width	10″ (25 cm)
Weight	16 lbs. (7 kg)

Specifications

The following table details the product specifications according to the manufacturer.

Manufacturer Specifications
Manufacturer	Medify
Model	MA-40
Height	22″ (56 cm)
Length	11″ (28 cm)
Width	10″ (25 cm)
Weight	16 lbs. (7 kg)
Filter	Carbon, HEPA, Pre-Filter
Noise Levels	59 dB (max)
Coverage Area	1,680 sq. ft. (156 sq. m)
CADR	380 CFM
Wi-Fi Compatible	No
Warranty	Lifetime
Price	Check Price

Product Evolution

Medify offers a wide range of air purifiers for multiple settings and coverage areas. Here at Modern Castle, we have tested the MA-112, MA-125, MA-50, and MA-40. The Medify air purifier line all feature similar functionality and looks, but the coverage varies between the systems.

Air Purifier	Price
Medify-125	Check Price
Medify-112	Check Price
Medify-50	Check Price
Medify-40	Check Price

The MA-40 is about the middle-size coverage for the Medify lineup. They have purifiers that go from 40 sq. ft., up to 2090 sq. ft.

How does the Medify-40 compare?

Below is a complete list of our air purifier tests and critical product data compared side by side to the average based on all of our air purifier tests to date.

Test Type	Test Data	Avg. Data
PM2.5 (1 hour test)	0.1 ppm	0.5 ppm
PM10 (1 hour test)	0.1 ppm	0.7 ppm
Particles (1 hour test)	39	63
AQI (1 hour test)	2	2
Ozone Detected	0.0 ppm	0.0 ppm
Filter Types	Carbon, HEPA, Pre-Filter	n/a
Coverage Area	1,680 sq. ft. (156 sq. m)	746 sq. ft. (69 sq. m)
CADR	380 CFM	288 CFM
Max Wind Speed	5.4 mph (8.7 kph)	12.1 mph (19.5 kph)
Noise Test	59.1 dB	62.4 dB

The MA-40 had an exceptional performance on the purification test and had excellent scores in our other categories. Compared to other purifiers with similar coverage and functionality, the MA-40 is a top performer.

As previously mentioned, reducing the PM2.5 and PM10 within 1 hour to 0.1 PPM is a clear sign that the MA-40 is a powerhouse for air purification.

Other Air Purifiers to Consider

FAQs