Questions about filters for DreamStation Auto CPAP

I have four questions regarding my DreamStation Auto CPAP:

1. Is it possible/advisable to clean the ultra-fine pollen disposable filter instead of buying a new one twice a month?

2. Both filters take forever to air dry, especially in the winter, like more than a day. Is there any way to dry them faster? I am tired to using a hair dryer on them for 15 minutes to dry them befre I go to bed and buring my hand.

3. Does following the replacement schedule of every 6 months for the non-disposable foam filter and twice a month for the ultra-fine disposable filter really extend the life of the machine? Could I possibly double the usage times to save money without suffering adverse consequences?

4. What is your opinion on using non-genuine filters, like those bulk kits where you insert the filter into the frame yourself?

Thank you.

1. They arent washable
2.i wash main filter once a month when i wake and it's always dry by bedtime. How cold is your house?
3.Not sure but i change the micro filter on 1st of every month and main filter ive never changed in over a year. Just clean it on 1st of month and it still looks brand new 14 months later (wow 14 months already)
4. Never used them i buy 6 packs of original ones on ebay or Amazon they are cheap

Who told you to change the filter twice a month? Change it when it's dirty.

Carlitosbaby wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 13, 2020 4:37 am

1. They arent washable
2.i wash main filter once a month when i wake and it's always dry by bedtime. How cold is your house?
3.Not sure but i change the micro filter on 1st of every month and main filter ive never changed in over a year. Just clean it on 1st of month and it still looks brand new 14 months later (wow 14 months already)
4. Never used them i buy 6 packs of original ones on ebay or Amazon they are cheap

Thanks for your help! I like the idea of changing the disposable ones on the first of each month.

As for drying them, my house is normal temperature. I do wash them in the morning, but they are still a little wet when I get ready for bed.

As for the original filters, you cannot buy them on Amazon. I checked. But I found the original Philips Respironics disposable ones for $1.29 each elsewhere, and the original non-disposable ones for $3.99 each, with no tax and free shipping, plus a 15% discount and a price match guarantee.

LSAT wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 13, 2020 5:04 am

Who told you to change the filter twice a month? Change it when it's dirty.

The Medicare replacement schedule and HHS and sleepapnea.org all suggest replacing the non-disposable filters twice a month. Otherwise, your warranty will be voided.

When I wash my washable filter (It's black foam) after the very good rinse, I put it in a cotton towel and squeeze it dry as good as I can get it more than once. Then let it air dry, a fan will speed drying up if needed. Jim

My instructions for cleaning the filters said to dab them with a dry paper towel after rinsing. I did that and it worked fine.
I also rinsed out the micro filter... Although I've only used my machine for 2 weeks so it wasn't very dirty yet. But it definitely looked cleaner after rinsing.

fuchsia wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 13, 2020 2:54 pm

The Medicare replacement schedule and HHS and sleepapnea.org all suggest replacing the non-disposable filters twice a month. Otherwise, your warranty will be voided.

This sounds like something a DME said in order to sell you more filters. Your users manual has directions for filter maintenance on page 24 which states the fine filter should be replaced after 30 nights of use or sooner if it gets dirty. Just because Medicare allows two filters a month does not mean you must change them that often. A little common sense goes a long way when dealing with DMEs.

raeraeiam wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 13, 2020 3:24 pm

My instructions for cleaning the filters said to dab them with a dry paper towel after rinsing. I did that and it worked fine.
I also rinsed out the micro filter... Although I've only used my machine for 2 weeks so it wasn't very dirty yet. But it definitely looked cleaner after rinsing.

When washing a filter that isn't made to be washed is a poor idea, many filters change their spec flow rate after washing, and no longer keep the machines working at their peak. Jim

LSAT wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 13, 2020 5:04 am

Who told you to change the filter twice a month? Change it when it's dirty.

they're tiny filters, they get dirty faster than the Resmed filters.

Goofproof wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 13, 2020 3:10 pm

When I wash my washable filter (It's black foam) after the very good rinse, I put it in a cotton towel and squeeze it dry as good as I can get it more than once. Then let it air dry, a fan will speed drying up if needed. Jim

Good advice! A fan is a good idea, but not for the winter. I will try a paper towel in my filter, althrough there really insn't enough space to squeeze, as you can't really fit your fingers in the plastic frame:

Okie bipap wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 13, 2020 3:28 pm

fuchsia wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 13, 2020 2:54 pm

The Medicare replacement schedule and HHS and sleepapnea.org all suggest replacing the non-disposable filters twice a month. Otherwise, your warranty will be voided.

This sounds like something a DME said in order to sell you more filters. Your users manual has directions for filter maintenance on page 24 which states the fine filter should be replaced after 30 nights of use or sooner if it gets dirty. Just because Medicare allows two filters a month does not mean you must change them that often. A little common sense goes a long way when dealing with DMEs.

Thanks for pointing out the page number. You're right. I just read my manual, and it says replace the reusable filter every 6 months and once a month for the ultra fine one.

I also learned that a dirty filter can cause the machine to operate hotter, which is bad. And not to use anything but genuine Philips Rspironics filters.

It says to just rinse the filter upside down. But I have been soaking mine for an hour and then rinsing. Maybe it will leave soap residue, which will affect the airflow and damage my unit. Have I been doing it wrong?

Goofproof wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 13, 2020 3:45 pm

raeraeiam wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 13, 2020 3:24 pm

My instructions for cleaning the filters said to dab them with a dry paper towel after rinsing. I did that and it worked fine.
I also rinsed out the micro filter... Although I've only used my machine for 2 weeks so it wasn't very dirty yet. But it definitely looked cleaner after rinsing.

When washing a filter that isn't made to be washed is a poor idea, many filters change their spec flow rate after washing, and no longer keep the machines working at their peak. Jim

I never throught of this. I will take your advice and just change them once a month, per the manufacturer.

fuchsia wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 13, 2020 2:53 pm

Carlitosbaby wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 13, 2020 4:37 am

1. They arent washable
2.i wash main filter once a month when i wake and it's always dry by bedtime. How cold is your house?
3.Not sure but i change the micro filter on 1st of every month and main filter ive never changed in over a year. Just clean it on 1st of month and it still looks brand new 14 months later (wow 14 months already)
4. Never used them i buy 6 packs of original ones on ebay or Amazon they are cheap

Thanks for your help! I like the idea of changing the disposable ones on the first of each month.

As for drying them, my house is normal temperature. I do wash them in the morning, but they are still a little wet when I get ready for bed.

As for the original filters, you cannot buy them on Amazon. I checked. But I found the original Philips Respironics disposable ones for $1.29 each elsewhere, and the original non-disposable ones for $3.99 each, with no tax and free shipping, plus a 15% discount and a price match guarantee.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FS0MKC2/re ... LEbRY5W1HR

I checked my buying history $7.30 with prime there should never be tax on cpap supplies. Comes out 1.21 each

fuchsia wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 13, 2020 5:00 pm

Goofproof wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 13, 2020 3:10 pm

When I wash my washable filter (It's black foam) after the very good rinse, I put it in a cotton towel and squeeze it dry as good as I can get it more than once. Then let it air dry, a fan will speed drying up if needed. Jim

Good advice! A fan is a good idea, but not for the winter. I will try a paper towel in my filter, althrough there really insn't enough space to squeeze, as you can't really fit your fingers in the plastic frame:

You do know they come apart, right? I'm referring to your photo. The filters are for the air going in that will come out of the hose - not for the benefit of the machine ( as you stated "a dirty filter causes the machine to operate hotter."). No, it's for your benefit, not the machines.

The paper filters are cheap, when I get from my DME, almost free after my insurance, but they will only give me two at a time (when I get a new cushion monthly). That's the Medicare schedule, as others have mentioned. Instead I have bought paper filters on Amazon, 6-pack brand-name and just a few dollars. Maybe you can wash them, never tried.

The larger filter I rinse, not a vigorous cleaning, just rinse well when I'm in a cleaning mode, and nothing special for drying. Always dry by bedtime, been a non-issue for me.