Standard filters vs antiallergen filters, who uses what

[Rycharde]

For almost five years now I've used standard filters, but have been curious about the antiallergen filters. Is it worth the extra $$, can either of them be cleaned rather than replaced, and why do you like what you use?

Thanks,

Rycharde

[PollCat]

Standard filters are relatively cheap and insurance companies will usually allow you to get enough to replace them every month. For myself, I've started cutting up old, unused filters for previous CPAPs, to fit my S9. Let's face it: a filter is a filter - unless you're talking about charcoal activated ones.

[Rycharde]

Standard filters are relatively cheap and insurance companies will usually allow you to get enough to replace them every month. For myself, I've started cutting up old, unused filters for previous CPAPs, to fit my S9. Let's face it: a filter is a filter - unless you're talking about charcoal activated ones.

I already took that poll PollCat, but your opinion does count. Yes getting 2 per filters per month from my DME (which BTW, are good honest people that actually will go out of their way to assist their patients/customers with their needs, not the DME's needs) allows me to change filters every 15 days, which is a bit of overkill.
I have to believe that it's all just personal choice, or someone uses the hypoallergenic filters because of allergies.
Thanks for the reply,
Rycharde

[glfredrick]

I generally use the foam-type filter for intake air. I've added the extra allergen filter but it seems to make the fan work harder.

I now run -- 100% of the time -- an exhaust filter between the machine and start of the hose that catches a LOT of stuff.

I've found that it helps with my allergy issues, especially since we have a cat that insists on sleeping on us all night, and I'm also senstive to mold and pollen.

[justMongo]

I now run -- 100% of the time -- an exhaust filter between the machine and start of the hose that catches a LOT of stuff.

If you mean one of these, it's actually an antibacterial filter. It creates some pressure drop. The S9 machines have a setting to account for that drop.

[PollCat]

If you mean one of these, it's actually an antibacterial filter. It creates some pressure drop. The S9 machines have a setting to account for that drop.

Everything I've read says you can't use one of those antibacterial filters with a xPAP humidifier.

[justMongo]

Everything I've read says you can't use one of those antibacterial filters with a xPAP humidifier.

It would seem that a filter fine enough to stop bacteria would get wet and really increase flow resistance.

I've seen them used in hospital machines; but, they inject moisture after the blower/filter.

[zonk]

Everything I've read says you can't use one of those antibacterial filters with a xPAP humidifier.

It would seem that a filter fine enough to stop bacteria would get wet and really increase flow resistance.

I've seen them used in hospital machines; but, they inject moisture after the blower/filter.

Antibacterial filters are not compatible with climate line hoses or slim lines hoses but are okay with standard hose

As for the OP question, the machine comes with standard filter, hypo filters get dirty quicker than standard filters and should be replaced more often than standard filters otherwise the machine overheat and affect airflow. The main function of the filter is to protect the machine not the user as everyone else breathing unfiltered room air

[Rycharde]

As for the OP question, the machine comes with standard filter, hypo filters get dirty quicker than standard filters and should be replaced more often than standard filters otherwise the machine overheat and affect airflow. The main function of the filter is to protect the machine not the user as everyone else breathing unfiltered room air

OK Zonk, that sounds sensible. The finer the filter, the better the filtering of the inlet air to the machine. The patient benefits from a cleaner machine and cleaner air. I just ordered 10 hypoallergenic filters from an online store, and intend to try them for a year to see if there is any benefit to me. The cost was minimal, and I like to improve performance, even if a little bit, without harming the original intent of the machine.
Thanks all,
Rycharde

[glfredrick]

Everything I've read says you can't use one of those antibacterial filters with a xPAP humidifier.

It would seem that a filter fine enough to stop bacteria would get wet and really increase flow resistance.

I've seen them used in hospital machines; but, they inject moisture after the blower/filter.

Perhaps, but they work. Been using them with my M-type, humidifier set to #3, for several years. Doesn't seem to effect the filters at all and they do catch a lot of stuff.

Perhaps slight air flow loss, but with the constant blowing that is minimal. Let me explain my thinking here in terms of pneumatics (that I use in the shop). If one puffs ONE puff of air through a filter, there is decided loss of flow. That's why filters are used as silencers on pneumatic equipment. However, use the same filter in-line and what happens is the air flow is constant, therefore what is on the other side of the filter equals the pre-filtered side eventually as the air is always replacing that which was vented. In a pressurized setting like our masks/breathing cavity, the air is under pressure and fills in after the filter by the constant supply.