disposiable filters for cpap

I was just wondering do I have to use the white disposable filters for my bipap machine or can I just use the black filter and be ok

Some people just use the grey filters and seem to be OK.
I use both and replace the white one once a month (mileage will vary depending on your conditions) and wash the grey one at that time. My white filter gets pretty dirty and all of that would otherwise be going directly into your lungs.

springman946 wrote:I was just wondering do I have to use the white disposable filters for my bipap machine or can I just use the black filter and be ok

I've never used the white/fine filters. Just the charcoal/gray foam ones. Wash them out every couple of weeks. It's worked for me for over 9 years.


Den

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The manufacturer says only the gray one is needed. Wash every two weeks, and replace every 6 months.

I was told by my DME that the white one isn't needed unless you have allergies - hay fever or similar - to airborne particles. I use only the grey one.

springman946 wrote:I was just wondering do I have to use the white disposable filters for my bipap machine or can I just use the black filter and be ok

I use both, change once a month. I wouldn't use the machine w/o the white filter, you can but I won't.

I do use the white filter when I use my PRS1 machine, but remember, the air that is coming into the filter is the same air you're breathing 16 hours a day when you're not on CPAP.

archangle wrote:I do use the white filter when I use my PRS1 machine, but remember, the air that is coming into the filter is the same air you're breathing 16 hours a day when you're not on CPAP.

exactly why I use the white filter so I can catch a break for a few hours. IF you have allergies you understand.

If you use high pressure, and want to keep the filter from slightly sucking into the machine, cut a piece of screen wire(metal not plastic) to the size of the filter, and place it in the filter slot before you insert the white filter. This will help keep the white filter from distorting under high pressure. This is the season for ragweed and goldenrod. If you are highly allergic, the white filter might keep you from stuffing up as bad during sleep.

I change the fine filer monthly, and wash and rinse the foam filter weekly, along with the weekly washing of mask frame and headgear. I make sure the foam filter is dry before reinstalling it.

Actually, I'm not so sure the filters are there for our benefit. They could just as easily been designed in to keep the blower and other enclosed components reasonably clean and prolong equipment life.

AlabamaAl wrote:If you use high pressure, and want to keep the filter from slightly sucking into the machine, cut a piece of screen wire(metal not plastic) to the size of the filter, and place it in the filter slot before you insert the white filter. This will help keep the white filter from distorting under high pressure. This is the season for ragweed and goldenrod. If you are highly allergic, the white filter might keep you from stuffing up as bad during sleep.

this would be what's called "bad advice".

palerider wrote:

AlabamaAl wrote:If you use high pressure, and want to keep the filter from slightly sucking into the machine, cut a piece of screen wire(metal not plastic) to the size of the filter, and place it in the filter slot before you insert the white filter. This will help keep the white filter from distorting under high pressure. This is the season for ragweed and goldenrod. If you are highly allergic, the white filter might keep you from stuffing up as bad during sleep.

this would be what's called "bad advice".

Enlighten me as to what makes this bad? If it is a worry about wire fragments, cut a little longer and wider than the filter, turn down the edges and put a small strip of tape around the edges, making sure the tape doesn't cover the intake hole. Better yet simply substitute small mesh hardware cloth, which is considered screen wire in the south...

AlabamaAl wrote: Enlighten me as to what makes this bad? If it is a worry about wire fragments, cut a little longer and wider than the filter, turn down the edges and put a small strip of tape around the edges, making sure the tape doesn't cover the intake hole. Better yet simply substitute small mesh hardware cloth, which is considered screen wire in the south...

taping up the edges of your backup screen would reduce the filter area leading to reduced flow and premature clogging.

the proper fine filters for the respironics already have a stiffening support structure built in to them.

at best, your idea will do nothing, at worst?

have you calculated the flow rates at what you're calling 'higher pressures" vs what the flow rate is for a mask off situation (the highest possible flow)?