In a Bind with a Dirty Filter

[Big Guy]

Wash that filter. You'll be just fine.

[hegel]

I have allergy filters. I bought them from one of the major on line suppliers. so, allergy filters exist. some say they restrict air flow a bit more than regular filters. I change mine out and/or rinse them frequently and I haven't noticed them impeding the performance of my machine.

[Sleeprider]

"Allergy filters". I have seen hypoallergenic filters, not allergy filters. Hypoallergenic is a meaningless term that suggests the filter media is not known to cause allergies, however it does not have any meaningful increase in filter efficiency. There are no Federal standards that govern the use of the term hyper-allergenic or its definition. It basically means whatever the company producing the product wants it to mean. There are also no regulations in place that require manufacturers that use this label to submit substantiation of their products hypoallergenicity claims to FDA. This provides a huge loop hole in promoting hypoallergenic products on the retail level, thus increasing the market value; however, it has very little meaning, although they may appear thicker or more dense in some cases. Bottom line is there is very little difference in the performance of CPAP filters, whether labeled hypo-allergenic or not.

A HEPA (high efficiency particulate aerosol) filter must demonstrate a 99.97% efficiency in removing a 0.3 micron particulate challenge and the standard is enforceable. I am not aware of a HEPA filter for CPAP. Many filters for HVAC systems use a MERV rating. I'm also not aware of MERV rated filters for CPAP. The problem with increasing filter efficiency is that it increases the pressure differential across the filter, making the fan work harder to move air. This reminds me, I need to go change the furnace filter.