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+--- Thread: [Equipment] Always use a hypoallergenic filter instead of the standard one. (/Thread-Equipment-Always-use-a-hypoallergenic-filter-instead-of-the-standard-one)
Always use a hypoallergenic filter instead of the standard one. - G. Szabo - 09-22-2024
I performed the following experiment: I inserted a standard and a hypoallergenic filter (both resporonics) siluteanously into the instrument. The standard (coarser) filter faced outside, while the hypoallergenic one was inside. Hence, the air first passes through the standard filter and then to the other one.
After three weeks, the standard filter showed no discoloration whatsoever (compared to a new one). But I could see such an intense discoloration on the hypoallergenic one that I needed to change it.
Hence, the standard one practically removed nothing.
Background: I live in a 6-year-old home with air heating. The heated central air is circulated through a sizeable hypoallergic filter unit, which I change every three months.
RE: Always use a hypoallergenic filter instead of the standard one. - cyberfiche - 09-22-2024
Thanks for doing the experimentation. I've really wondered how effective those standard filters are.
RE: Always use a hypoallergenic filter instead of the standard one. - Sleeprider - 09-22-2024
There is no efficiency claim for a hypoallergenic filter, only that it is made of material not associated with allergies or sensitivity. https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/hypoallergenic#overview
If it gives you comfort to use something labeled as hypoallergenic, then go for it. Many members have mentioned more restrictive filters can affect therapy, but as I said, the filters labeled hypoallergenic do not claim higher filtration factors or higher or lower pressure drop across the filter. If you don’t see a ASTM testing criteria, claims are simply a word the manufacturer has chosen to use. What we know is that the filters are mainly present to protect the internal components of the device, not air quality for the user.
RE: Always use a hypoallergenic filter instead of the standard one. - G. Szabo - 09-22-2024
(09-22-2024, 04:50 PM)Sleeprider Wrote: If it gives you comfort to use something labeled as hypoallergenic, then go for it. Many members have mentioned more restrictive filters can affect therapy, but as I said, the filters labeled hypoallergenic do not claim higher filtration factors or higher or lower pressure drop across the filter.
I appreciate Sleeprider's insights about the lack of properly standardized filtration tests. However, anyone can repeat the test I described above and see the improved filtration efficiency of my/your "hypoallergenic" filter. I agree that different manufacturers' filters are different; hence, you can make your own investigation and compare the filters of your selections. Then, pick the better one.
RE: Always use a hypoallergenic filter instead of the standard one. - OttSteve - 09-22-2024
Why not try the filters the other way round and see what happens? If the Hypo filter is indeed removing more of whatever it removes, the standard filter should be clean.
RE: Always use a hypoallergenic filter instead of the standard one. - G. Szabo - 09-22-2024
(09-22-2024, 08:41 PM)OttSteve Wrote: If the Hypo filter is indeed removing more of whatever it removes, the standard filter should be clean.
Perhaps I was not describing the experiment clearly. The air was first filtered through the standard and then the hypo filter. Nothing was visible on the standard filter. But the hypo filter withheld a lot of contamination.
The standard filter will remain clear if I change the filter sequence.
RE: Always use a hypoallergenic filter instead of the standard one. - OttSteve - 09-22-2024
And what are the specifications of the two filters? "Hypoallergenic" or not, a filter with a smaller pore size wil retain material that a filter with a larger pore size will not. You have simply demonstrated that one of your two filters has retained material that the other has not.
RE: Always use a hypoallergenic filter instead of the standard one. - G. Szabo - 09-22-2024
(09-22-2024, 09:48 PM)OttSteve Wrote: You have simply demonstrated that one of your two filters has retained material that the other has not.
This was precisely my intention. If you do not like it, then ignore it.
RE: Always use a hypoallergenic filter instead of the standard one. - THEVGE - 09-22-2024
I want to verify what SleepRider already mentioned. My therapy deteriorated FAST when using the hypoallergenic filters and the only logical explanation is the added restriction. Although I do not really understand, as I assumed the actual pressure/flow is arranged after the filter. but I can't ignore the impact I felt without expecting an impact. Please note that my experience is for a UARS case of a sensory very sensitive person and my therapy was (still isn't) not optimal back then.
RE: Always use a hypoallergenic filter instead of the standard one. - G. Szabo - 09-22-2024
Thank you for sharing your experience. It is a warning that some members should be careful when selecting filters.
In my case, using the different filters or the two filters together did not impact my treatment.
In addition to my OSA, I also have palatal prolapses, which I have been mitigating with positional therapy.
In addition, I have been struggling with a congested nose, which causes flow restrictions and oscillatory breathing after 2-4 hours from the start. It interrupts my sleep, and then I go back to sleep, and the whole thing starts again.