Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I purchased this item from Amazon a week and a half ago after my wife read in some magazines about the benefits of negative ions for SAD during the winter time. I figured for 30 bucks, why not. I am a science professor, so I wanted to look at some of the proof. After reading some of the articles claiming the benefits of negative ions, it was fairly clear that it provides some relief of SAD. Double-blind studies with a significant result from treatment for those with SAD or regular depression. So there is science backing the idea up. However, there are some things you have to realize with this product. 1)It is not a magic cure. I did not smell any "after rain" smell, nor did this make me miraculously happy. What it has done consistently is improve my mood. Emphasis on IMPROVE. Our jobs are very stressful, and when I get home, we plug this in next to a humidifier. Most nights we find ourselves in a better mood than without. It takes the edge off. It did not make us happy, but it took the edge off the stress. As a result, we have been happier for the past week. However, if you are in a bad mood, you will stay in a bad mood. It does not make you happy, it just seems to refresh and take the edge off. Don't expect a magic cure. 2)It might take awhile for it to have an effect, depending on room size and your proximity to it. A huge room might take forever, or never. Put it closer to you, it will work quicker. If you do not notice an immediate effect, just leave it plugged in and go about your business. Later on, you will likely find yourself saying "Huh, I am in a better mood." 3)Ions don't move well in dry air. This is one of the problems with using this for SAD. Ions do not move well in very dry air, which is why static electricity happens in the first place. I was reading the reviews and asking myself, "Why does this work great for some, and not others?", when I realized perhaps it was the humidity level in your air. We plug it in next to a humidifier, and it seems to work MUCH better. 4)Know thyself. I had this plugged in 24/7 for the first 4 days. I found myself irritable and not feeling right after long exposure. That's just me. Obviously other people don't have the same effect, based on some of the reviews. You need to figure out what works for you. I plug it in at work in the morning by a humidifier (thankfully have my own office), and the same in the afternoon. I only do this for ten minutes or so. It refreshes me. Then I unplug it. Find what works for you. Leaving it plugged in all day didn't work for me. Also, I personally slept worse with it plugged in. So I don't plug it in at night. Be cognizant of how your are feeling. If it has been plugged in for a long time, take a break. Moderation works great for me. Other than the product arriving slightly smudged in appearance, I have no complaints. Once I figured out what works, I am very happy with it. After teaching a three hour class, I am tapped out. This helps me recharge. Then I unplug it. Hope this helps you.