How important is to replace the filter on the A10?

[NotADr]

Filters are cheap. The worst thing that can happen is that you waste a few cents. I don't see the upside of NOT changing the filter.

Agreed.  I've been buying the 24 packs on Amazon for $7;  for that price I don't see any reason to keep using one after 2 weeks even if it appears clean.

[DaveL]

Agreed.  I've been buying the 24 packs on Amazon for $7;  for that price I don't see any reason to keep using one after 2 weeks even if it appears clean.

Wonderful saving! I'll look for these. Hope that Amazon in Canada carries them.

Dave

[desaturator]

Sorry if I'm hijacking this thread -- please tell me if that's the case. I'm intrigued by the comment about allergies somebody made earlier. TBH, I'm new to this CPAP thing, and until I read this thread I didn't even know there was a filter. So, of course, I haven't cleaned or changed mine so far.

Anyway... in allergy season, I normally sleep (and do everything else) next to a small air cleaner, which helps a lot. If I'm still using CPAP when Spring comes around, I guess I'll have to think about whether I can position the air cleaner next to the CPAP's air intake. But if CPAP filters do the same kind of air-cleaning job, anyway, perhaps I won't need to?

And... do the filters need to be cleaned/changed more often when there's a load of dust and pollen around? Where I live, there's often a heap of fine dust in the air in summer.

Sorry if this should be in a new thread.

[Ratchick]

The more dusty or polleny the air is, then yes, the more likely you will need to change it more frequently. Honestly, I left mine months before I changed it because I forgot it was even a thing I had to add to my "maintenance" list. I never saw any real issues despite it being run all the way through spring and into summer where I am (and I have allergies too). I've definitely found that I have fewer sniffles and less coughing since I've been on the CPAP, so I feel like it's doing a good job at filtering out at least some of the pollen etc that I'm inhaling. My eyes, not so much though. They still get itchy and cruddy, so do with that info what you will!

Honestly, because filters are so cheap, then even swapping them every couple of weeks isn't a huge deal. Monthly is usually good enough, but if you're seeing obvious discolouration before that, then you might want to swap out more often, every couple of weeks or so. An extra filter near the intake certainly won't hurt to pre-filter the air and protect your machine's innards. It's easy enough to pop open the door and check until you are comfortable with the routine that works for you.

[desaturator]

Thanks. Another thing on my to-do list

Best wishes, DS

[SideSleeper]

My Airsense 10 Autoset has a setting that will remind you to change the filter. I set it for the 1st of the month but usually remember to check it sometime during the month.

[Geer1]

I ran into same issue and the difficulty in breathing could be seen in my oscar data. I was literally hyperventilating in my sleep because of the restriction. I thought it was my p10 mask plugging up and poked larger vent holes before I realized it was actually the filter.

Since then I replace regularly. I wish I could find a source to buy official filters from for a reasonable rate because most of the ones I buy online are off brand and either flimsy or too restrictive.

[NotADr]

Since then I replace regularly. I wish I could find a source to buy official filters from for a reasonable rate because most of the ones I buy online are off brand and either flimsy or too restrictive.

The brand I buy is "Medihealer" and I've been happy with those, although they aren't sold under Resmed's name.

[Geer1]

The brand I buy is "Medihealer" and I've been happy with those, although they aren't sold under Resmed's name.

I currently have been using their hypoallergenic filters but they are notably more restrictive. I just make sure to change them often.

Haven't tried their standard ones to know how they compare.

[BeauPetitNez]

I change the filter monthly too.  Remember, the filter protects the machine.
I've also found that hypoallergenic filters (which cost more) seem to restrict air flow a bit, so I use the regular filters.

Yes it protect the machine and if I understand well how a filter works, a dirty filter should filter better than a new or clean one.
The only backdraw is the lower air flow ... and this affect the user.
This should be a compromize ?