My new filters have made a huge improvement.

[ejbpesca]

I switched DMEs due to my online DME closing.  The filters sent by the new DME looked quite different than what I had been getting.  They had loose exposed fibers.  After 1 month of use, they were as white as they were new.  Fibers easily fell off them with a flick of a finger.

I showed the filters to my new DME and they switched to another brand that looked better but still had exposed fibers and did not discolor with use.  I asked the DME for ResMed filters.  They refused that request.

After switching DMEs and getting the different filters I developed chronic bronchitis that got steadily worse even though there was no infection.  I was coughing thick mucous several times daily.  The amount of phlegm was more upon waking, then decreased during the day.  This has been going on for two years.

Two months ago I bought ResMed filters online.  Those filters do not have exposed fibers.  After a month's use, the filter side facing outward from the machine is charcoal gray and the other white. Coughing up mucous has reduced by 90% within six weeks.

I feel this is a very serious issue.  I believe there are ineffective and dangerous filters being sold.  DMEs are prone to buy the lowest-priced ones they can find which means more profit from insurance payouts.  Another thing a DME may skimp upon is the quality of hoses.  I have been sent some so defective they easily split open quickly with use.  That problem was solved by asking for a heated hose which is much more flexible and durable.

Of all the many videos and discussions on CPAP therapy, I've never seen the issue of proper air filtration and differences in the quality/effectiveness of filters mentioned.  

I keep two air purifiers running 24/7, one in my bedroom.  They are MERV 13 which captures .3 to 10 micron particulates. Once I change a filter they begin to discolor in minutes due to their high efficiency.  No room air purifier completely cleans air so a proper CPAP filter is essential for health and to protect the machine from dust.  In my case, defective filters were causing a serious health issue.

I think some CPAP filters do not even catch average dust much less bacteria and viruses. 



MERV 13 filters capture at least 50% of particles in the 0.3 to 

[srlevine1]

You commonly see two filter designations: regular and hypoallergenic.

My DME also does not supply ResMed filters but sends Sunset CF2107HA—AirSense 10 Hypoallergenic Filters, which I have found to be as effective as the harder-to-obtain ResMed filters.

Caveat Emptor (Let the buyer beware): I have noticed that many filter vendors use ResMed in the title but ship substitute products. Their explanation is that ResMed refers to the machine, not the filter manufacturer.