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[Equipment] Oh no... another thread about filters.
#1
Question 
Oh no... another thread about filters.
So my machine just arrived today and is waiting for me when I get home. I had ordered some spare filters from the supplier to go with it but I just realized that they are 'generic' and not from ResMed.

1. Has anyone noticed any difference in the effectiveness of the generic filters as compared to the OEM ones?

I ordered both hypoallergenic ones and standard ones, but after digging into some threads here I learned that the S9 machines don't take two filters. With the ResMed S9 Autoset it's either the standard OR the hypoallergenic. That's different than some machines, like the Respironics, which are designed for two filters. (Just thought I'd reiterate for the sake of others that also didn't know!)

2. Do the hypoallergenic filters reduce the life of the machine due to airflow restriction, and are they compatible with the thinner ResMed SlimLine and ClimateLine tubes? Do they affect treatment or output pressure at the mask?

As always, many thanks! Cool
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#2
RE: Oh no... another thread about filters.
While this does not directly answer your question, I believe you'll understand my position: I've accumulated a stock-pile of filters over the years, so now I just cut the old, unused filters down to size so they go in my S9 and I change them out every month. As far as I can tell, a filter is a filter as long as it cleans the air!
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#3
RE: Oh no... another thread about filters.
Ive used both types, hypo filters collects more rubbish, get dirty sooner and require replacement more often than standard filter

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#4
RE: Oh no... another thread about filters.
(06-20-2013, 04:20 PM)zonk Wrote: Ive used both types, hypo filters collects more rubbish, get dirty sooner and require replacement more often than standard filter

Keep in mind that the extra rubbish/dirt collected by hypo filters represents stuff that would have been passed through and breathed in when using standard filters.

I do like how Respironics handles it. They have an outer washable coarse filter, then an inner disposable fine filter.
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#5
RE: Oh no... another thread about filters.
I use the generic hypos. I think the ones I buy are every bit as good as OEM and they are much cheaper. I have some OEM too, side by side comparison - can't tell them apart under magnifying glass. Like Zonk said, hypos get discolored and dirty more quickly - leads me to believe they are working better, but need to be changed more often. I use them, but it probably doesn't make that much difference - after all it's all the same air you're breathing when the mask is off. Filters are mainly for the machine. Your body can clear dust out with mucus - the machine doesn't have any way to rid itself of the dust that collects inside.
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#6
RE: Oh no... another thread about filters.
(06-20-2013, 05:50 PM)jgjones1972 Wrote: ... after all it's all the same air you're breathing when the mask is off.

Not necessarily, depending on where your machine is located. If you put it on the floor, the intake will be subjected to a significantly more dusty environment than what you normally breathe, unless you are also lying on the floor. Even a night stand will have a surface that can/will accumulate settling dust.
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#7
RE: Oh no... another thread about filters.
I have found that the 'magical filtering material' is available in bulk sheets 3' X 4' for just a few dollars.
I can cut my own out with a pair of scissors and also wash them until they become unusable.
There is no reason to pay $6 for more for a dinky piece of plastic foam.

I don't mind people making a profit but selling a cheap item at horrendous markup is annoying.

Cheers!
And don't take any wooden nickles!

Smile

"With ordinary talent and extraordinary perseverance, all things are attainable." - Thomas Foxwell Buxton

Cool
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#8
RE: Oh no... another thread about filters.
I say the filters are there to protect the machine, not the user. Look at how much crud builds up on the inside of a computer near the fan and imagine that inside your CPAP.

[Image: really-dirty-heatsink-300x225.jpg]

However, the user does also benefit from the cleaner air.

One of the paradoxical things about filters is that dirty ones often clean better than clean ones. The dust built up on the surface actually filters out more dust.

The downside is that the pressure drop gets worse when dirty.

Some people have reported heat damage to the CPAP machines if they let the machines get too dirty and use them too long. In particular, this has been a problem with Respironics white filters when they are left in for many months.

ResMed says to change S9 filters every 6 months.

I'm a little concerned about 3rd part filters. There is quite a wide range of filters in terms of particle size, dirt holding capacity, airflow restriction, and even potential for germ growth. Also, some filter material may shed some fibers of the filter material into the airstream. Filters intended for something like a computer may not be appropriate for human breathing air.
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#9
RE: Oh no... another thread about filters.
(06-23-2013, 06:24 PM)archangle Wrote: I'm a little concerned about 3rd part filters. There is quite a wide range of filters in terms of particle size, dirt holding capacity, airflow restriction, and even potential for germ growth. Also, some filter material may shed some fibers of the filter material into the airstream. Filters intended for something like a computer may not be appropriate for human breathing air.

I have no more faith in Resmed OEM filters than third party filters. I doubt they did much scientific testing when they selected the material they use.

Your comment about dirty filters doing a better job than clean ones is a good point. But does a really dirty filter actually lower the pressure? Wouldn't the machine compensate? I assume the machine has a pressure sensor that the software responds to in order to adjust the motor speed, but I have no clue where it might be located.
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#10
RE: Oh no... another thread about filters.
Do the hypoallergenic filters have any electrostatic properties like furnace filters do for attracting airborne particles (in addition to passively trapping them)?

(06-23-2013, 08:25 PM)JJJ Wrote: Your comment about dirty filters doing a better job than clean ones is a good point. But does a really dirty filter actually lower the pressure? Wouldn't the machine compensate? I assume the machine has a pressure sensor that the software responds to in order to adjust the motor speed, but I have no clue where it might be located.

One thing's for sure: the motor has to work harder to get air through a dirty filter. When we bought our house the furnace had been damaged because the previous owners thought it was wise to stack multiple filters.
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