How hypoallergenic are hypoallergenic filters?

[ardenum]

I think one of these might be tad better but it will restrict the flow, I've seen many of these used on in-patients that are ventilated. They are advertised as Bacterial/Viral and philips sells them too.

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[OpalRose]

I use the extra fine hypoallergenic filters in my machine.  I always thought it was to protect the machine, not me.    
Although, the filter does turn a little bit gray in color after a month.  I try to change all filters the first of every month.  Easier to remember that way.  

I still suffer with allergies.

[yankees123]

Just a quick question,on a regular not hypoallergenic filter is there any difference on which side is placed in the cover?  Is there actually a right side to put into the machine?

[yankees123]

Would be interesting in having a poll to see which filter people use, regular or hypoallergenic?

[Melman]

I use an AB filter from the end of my heated hose and connects to the short hose from my mask. When allergy season is really bad that is what I use. You can get them from supplier number 1.

The AB  filters will be very effective  at removing allergens but since they are membrane filters with a very small pore size and small surface area they restrict flow much more than any other filter type. Also, they are hydrophobic and will be blocked if they become wet. Check the manual for your machine and be sure an AB filter can be used. I have seen warnings that they may effect the accuracy of pressure readings. Resmed recommends the Pall pleated filter which is sold by Supplier #3 for $4.95. Because it is pleated it has much more surface area and much less flow resistance than disk filters.

[OMyMyOHellYes]

Only two more days until the test and then I can go back to anti-histamine therapy - Flonase and Allegra. Good thing as we are expected to hit 11.5 on a 12 point scale for local allergy intensity forecast. Damnable timing for this test - when scheduled a few weeks back (in addition to the week long abstinence from anti-histamines, had to wait out a 30 day cooling off period from a steroid shot in my hip), we were seeing 3-4 on that scale. Unfortunately, it got rainy and warm. Today's temps were in the mid 60s.

And apparently ragweed and cedar/juniper really get randy with those conditions. (cue the botanical version of a Barry White record....)

[Stom]

I'm Curious.  Call me George and find me a man in a yellow hat.

All of these machines tout "hypoallergenic" filters, but are they really any good at trapping allergens?

I think the fact that they are called "hypoallergenic" filters shows that they may be BS. To prevent pollen, dust mite or other similar allergies you want a filter that filters out fine particles in a specific range. "Hypoallergenic" is not a regulated term, so it essentially means nothing and certainly doesn't specify any size or efficacy of particle filtration they way HEPA standards do.

That being said, I do have "hypoallergenic" filters in my machine, but I'm still considering ways to add a better filter to the machine without causing too much airflow restriction.