ResMed Bacterial Filters

Hi there,

My mother has a new ResMed Lumis VPAP 150 ST machine due to arrive today that her respiratory team want her to start using straight away.

We have never used a ResMed machine before so I was watching some videos on YouTube about how to set them up.

One thing that was mentioned is that you should not use the machine without one of the bacterial filters attached to the air outlet of the machine (picture attached) and if using the humidifier the filter would need to be changed daily.



Does anybody know if this bacterial filter is required/recommended as I believe the machine only comes with a standard filter?

Also, is it recommended to wash the machine components like the humidifier tray and tubing etc before using them for the first time or are they safe to use straight from the box?

Thanks all!

Zaiforce wrote: ↑

Sun Mar 10, 2024 4:15 pm

you should not use the machine without one of the bacterial filters attached

I would not use anything in the hose between the blower and the mask as this will obstruct airflow and can also interfere with the cpap detecting events.

The humidifier will cause the filter to clog.

Those filters were designed before the humidifier was attached directly to the cpap but again anything in the way obstructs the airflow.

You didn't need one with the Respironics, and you don't with the ResMed.
Your mother is at home, no special bacteria's you need to filter out - whatever there is in the air, she's breathing it in anyway while she's awake.

When I started CPAP therapy in 2005 (yep, 2005) the recommendation was to rinse new equipment before use, because there may be some production residue on it. I have relatively sensitive skin and my face reacted with red welts to a Respironics mask before I rinsed it.

So, ever since, I've been giving a quick rinse to new equipment before I use it.

As for the plastic smell: leave the new machine running for a few hours in a ventilated room for a few hours with the hose and mask attached; that will get rid of the smell.

Thank you both so much, we won't worry about the bacterial filter

ozij that plastic smell you talk about from the mask definitely would frustrate me, my mother's mask still smells strongly of plastic even after 5 months use and washing with soapy water every week, she says she doesn't notice it but i can smell it even just turning the machine on, but she is fine with it so no problems.

You've already been convinced you don't need a filter, but just one more thing to note is that if a heated hose were to be used, the filter would need to be attached at the mask end of the hose which adds to the bulk of the mask and may be a bit awkward rolling side to side. A filter at the machine end would not allow use of a heated hose due to the electrical connections of the hose.

Assuming your Mum will be getting a heated hose with the machine, the Resmed heated hoses tend to be a bit on the stiff side compared to the Resperonics heated hoses. For my Resmed heated hose I purchased a "SleepWeaver Feather Weight Tube" which attaches to the end of the heated hose and is very flexible. Probably hold off on this until your Mum tries out the Resmed hose and see how it works out, but it does help if one tends to roll side to side during the night.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GKBX88S?ps ... ct_details