The Philter Phrend was sent to me for review by Philter. This personal air filter is both portable and consciously designed with environmental sustainability in mind.
You can get it here for $36.99
Design
The Philter Phrend comes in two pieces; a reusable aluminum case and a biodegradable filter. The case, made of lightweight aluminum, is sturdy but also an eco-friendly choice because it’s reusable. It comes in a calming light green color.
The filter, made from a plant-based polymer, shows Philter’s commitment to the environment, as it decomposes in less than three years. This is a significant improvement over traditional plastic, which can take up to a thousand years to decompose.
The medical-grade silicone mouthpiece is designed for a quicker, more efficient exhale but is also comfortable to use.
The packaging of the Philter Phrend is eco-friendly too. It includes a seed paper sleeve containing a mix of wildflower seeds, supporting declining bee populations.
The packaging materials are all either biodegradable, recyclable, compostable, or reusable, which I really appreciate.
Performance
In terms of performance, the Philter Phrend works amazingly well.
The restriction is comfortable and easy to breathe through, and I couldn’t see any vapor come through the end. Blowing through this is also really smooth. I’ve tried other vape filters, and they’re not as smooth as this. I can’t think of a better way to explain it, but it almost makes it feel premium. The experience is great.
You need to get a tight fit around your mouth or vapor will come out of the top but it’s easy enough to figure out once you use it.
I have noticed some condensation in the mouthpiece after using it. This might be different with smoke, but with vapor, you’ll get a little condensation in there, so you should probably clean that regularly if you don’t want it to get gross.
It’s Portable But a Little Bulky
The Phrend is portable but also a bit bulky. If you plan to take it out with you, it’s going to take up a good amount of space in your pocket. It’s small enough to pocket if that’s what you want to do, but I think it would be uncomfortable.
I personally think it’s better to carry it around in a bag, on the table, or keep in your car. It has a bit of weight to it too. It’s not heavy, but compared to the Philter Pocket model that Philter also sells (see my review of the Philter Pocket here), this is much heavier. It’s not any heavier than a pod device, though, so I would still consider it to be fairly light.
But if you’re looking for something smaller, consider the Philter Pocket, which works just as well as the Phrend.
The Filtering Process
The Phrend uses what Philter calls Zero-5 Technology, which, as confirmed by independent lab tests, captures and destroys up to 97% of airborne particulates, pollutants, and VOCs as small as 0.3 microns. This process traps and effectively destroys unwanted particles and removes odor.
Refills and Care
Refills for the Phrend are available in a 2-pack for $36.99, which allows you to continuously use the case. The care of the device is straightforward: remove the filter, wash the case, and insert a new filter. It’s really simple and low maintenance.
Specs
- Effective for up to 500 exhales
- Available Colors: Light Green
- Size: 3.375 inches long x 1.25 inches wide x 1.5 inches in depth
- Pricing: $36.99 for a one-time purchase or $31.44 with a subscription
Final Thoughts
The Philter Phrend is portable, eco-friendly, and performs extremely well. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a discreet and effective way to filter smoke or vapor. While it is portable, it’s a little bulky to keep in your pocket, but it’s portable enough to carry around in a bag. For its price, environmental consideration, and performance, the Philter Phrend is a product I would absolutely recommend.
The Philter Phrend was sent to me for review. You can get it here for $36.99.