Is the disposable filter a "must" ?

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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mrnetwurm
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Is the disposable filter a "must" ?

Post by mrnetwurm » Mon Aug 22, 2011 5:14 pm

The last two days I've done some testing and found that replacing the disposable white filter
eliminates whistling noises for about a day (one use).

Today, I turned on the CPAP and experimented with using a new filter, and old filter, and no filter.
(In all cases I was using the washable black pre-filter)

What I found is that a new disposable white filter makes my machine quieter, and no disposable
filter makes it the quietest of all. After hearing how quiet the machine is without the
disposable filter, I want to discontinue using it. It makes a huge difference.

Is this filter an absolute must to maintain warranty and to protect the pump ? I don't want to
prematurely wear out my pump, but the silence is very important too.

Jerry

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robysue
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Re: Is the disposable filter a "must" ?

Post by robysue » Mon Aug 22, 2011 5:44 pm

According to the User Guide to my System One BiPAP, the white ultra fine filter is optional. From page 6 of the guide:

Installing the air Filters
Caution: A properly installed, undamaged gray foam filter is required for proper operation.
The device uses a gray foam filter that is washable and reusable, and a white ultra-fine filter that is disposable. The
reusable filter screens out normal household dust and pollens, while the ultra-fine filter provides more complete
filtration of very fine particles. The gray reusable filter must be in place at all times when the device is operating. The
ultra-fine filter is recommended for people who are sensitive to tobacco smoke or other small particles.

The reusable gray foam filter is supplied with the device. A disposable ultra-fine filter may also be included. If your
filter is not already installed when you receive your device, you must at least install the reusable gray foam filter
before using the device. To install the filter(s):

1. If you are using the white disposable ultra-fine filter, insert it into the filter area first, mesh-side facing in, towards the device.
2. Insert the required gray foam filter into the filter area after the ultra-fine filter.
Note: If you are not using the white disposable filter, simply insert the gray foam filter into the filter area.

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mrnetwurm
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Re: Is the disposable filter a "must" ?

Post by mrnetwurm » Mon Aug 22, 2011 5:59 pm

Thanks RobySue. I actually went and looked at my manual too. I guess I should have done that first.

Mine says the same thing in similar words. This is great news.

Jerry

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GumbyCT
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Re: Is the disposable filter a "must" ?

Post by GumbyCT » Mon Aug 22, 2011 6:27 pm

mrnetwurm wrote:The last two days I've done some testing and found that replacing the disposable white filter
eliminates whistling noises for about a day (one use).

Today, I turned on the CPAP and experimented with using a new filter, and old filter, and no filter.
(In all cases I was using the washable black pre-filter)

What I found is that a new disposable white filter makes my machine quieter, and no disposable
filter makes it the quietest of all. After hearing how quiet the machine is without the
disposable filter, I want to discontinue using it. It makes a huge difference.

Is this filter an absolute must to maintain warranty and to protect the pump ? I don't want to
prematurely wear out my pump, but the silence is very important too.

Jerry
To me that (hi-lited above) would indicate this fine filter is clogged and needs replacing. While you can run it w/o the white filter, I refuse to run mine w/o cuz it does filter the air quite a bit and I found out after breathing clean air all nite that I am allergic to dust. That after smoking for 39yrs, go figure.

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archangle
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Re: Is the disposable filter a "must" ?

Post by archangle » Mon Aug 22, 2011 9:15 pm

Is your white filter rectangular, or does it have a tab? If it has a tab, cut it off. PR figured out that the tab causes problems and no longer puts a tab on the filters. It works the same, it just a little harder to take out.

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Goofproof
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Re: Is the disposable filter a "must" ?

Post by Goofproof » Mon Aug 22, 2011 10:09 pm

Nothing is a must for all people, thinking and rules only apply to the smarter people. Jim
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Vader
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Re: Is the disposable filter a "must" ?

Post by Vader » Mon Aug 22, 2011 10:48 pm

GumbyCT wrote: To me that (hi-lited above) would indicate this fine filter is clogged and needs replacing. While you can run it w/o the white filter, I refuse to run mine w/o cuz it does filter the air quite a bit and I found out after breathing clean air all nite that I am allergic to dust. That after smoking for 39yrs, go figure.
yeah, nobody complains about cigarette smoke like us former smokers.

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moresleep
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Re: Is the disposable filter a "must" ?

Post by moresleep » Mon Aug 22, 2011 11:07 pm

All filters on CPAP machines are somewhat optional. (I say "somewhat" because leaving aside quality of air issues, some CPAP machines have such small intake openings that an unwary mosquito may get sucked in if there is no filter.) After all, people who sleep without CPAP do not wear filters in their noses.

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mrnetwurm
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Re: Is the disposable filter a "must" ?

Post by mrnetwurm » Tue Aug 23, 2011 5:28 am

archangle wrote:Is your white filter rectangular, or does it have a tab? If it has a tab, cut it off. PR figured out that the tab causes problems and no longer puts a tab on the filters. It works the same, it just a little harder to take out.
Mine do have the tab. I will do a test with the tab cut off. I think I agree with PR. The tab never stays folded completely and it forces the white
filter to not sit flat in the opening. Sounds like another test for me ! !

Last night I slept without the white filter in place and my girlfriend asked me two different times if the machine was on. It was.

Jerry

DaveLP
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Re: Is the disposable filter a "must" ?

Post by DaveLP » Tue Aug 23, 2011 9:20 am

I've always removed the white filter. After all, I breathed unfiltered air for decades before CPAP. Those who need the extra filtering should keep them installed and changed frequently.

As for blower noises, my Intellipap sometimes makes little whistling noises on inspiration and expiration which come and go. Smartflex, Ernd, and Irnd settings change this somewhat and then it will go away for long periods. Go figure.

Other than the occasional whistle, my machine is exceptionally quiet.

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Barb (Seattle)
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Re: Is the disposable filter a "must" ?

Post by Barb (Seattle) » Sun Mar 11, 2018 9:42 am

I take my ultrafine filter off now. It whistled on inhale and was driving me crazy. works even quieter without the foam one too, but don't want to
do that long term I quickly tried it without filters once just trying to figure out what the whistling noise was.
USED to be on DreamStation..now on S9 VPAP ADAPT
21 years on CPAP

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Goofproof
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Re: Is the disposable filter a "must" ?

Post by Goofproof » Sun Mar 11, 2018 12:36 pm

No, not if you like breathing dirt and other allergens. Personally for me it's a no-brainer, at work i've always got more dirt and other allergens, than my body needs. I look forward to clean air at night, my nose unclogs some, OTC drugs do the rest. Jim.
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palerider
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Re: Is the disposable filter a "must" ?

Post by palerider » Sun Mar 11, 2018 12:50 pm

Barb (Seattle) wrote:
Sun Mar 11, 2018 9:42 am
I take my ultrafine filter off now. It whistled on inhale and was driving me crazy. works even quieter without the foam one too, but don't want to
do that long term I quickly tried it without filters once just trying to figure out what the whistling noise was.
Unless you want your cpap to look like this after a while:
Image
Use the filter.

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Gryphon
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Re: Is the disposable filter a "must" ?

Post by Gryphon » Sun Mar 11, 2018 1:48 pm

Uggggg!!! That picture brings back memories.

Cleaning a computer for a client that was a smoker in an apartment with old worn carpet. What made it worse was the combination of the smoke and the client's addiction to sented candles. There were at least 5 candles going when I got there. The smell of wax and smoke in the air was palpable. Her computer was running supper unstable. So I went in to the bios and checked the temps just at idle and it was cooking. I cracked it open and saw your picture only everywhere black and thicker. I thought black mold was growing in it at first (cause it was furry) but it was carpet fibers mixed with soot and candle wax. I had to pry most of it out with a screw driver, cleaned what was left with a vacuum and all was good after that.

So ya. Lessons I learned. Don't burn candles in your house. If you smoke don't do it in the house. If you have carpet, vacuum regularly. O and if you feel comfortable around computers. Open them up at least once a year and clean out the dust bunnies.

Since most of us can't open up our XPAP's for cleaning, always always run them with at least some sort of filter.

For what it's worth.

Rest well.

Gryphon

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Barb (Seattle)
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Re: Is the disposable filter a "must" ?

Post by Barb (Seattle) » Sun Mar 11, 2018 4:04 pm

I am using the filter. NOT The ultrafine. Pretty sure the 2nd is optional.

palerider wrote:
Sun Mar 11, 2018 12:50 pm
Barb (Seattle) wrote:
Sun Mar 11, 2018 9:42 am
I take my ultrafine filter off now. It whistled on inhale and was driving me crazy. works even quieter without the foam one too, but don't want to
do that long term I quickly tried it without filters once just trying to figure out what the whistling noise was.
Unless you want your cpap to look like this after a while:
Image
Use the filter.
USED to be on DreamStation..now on S9 VPAP ADAPT
21 years on CPAP

Mirage Quattro Air Small