S9 Auto Set and Bacteria Filter

I notice many suppliers offer an after market bacteria filter to be installed inline after the machine to add an extra layer of filtration after the air passes through the machine. What do you think,will this type of filter possibly affect the operation of the AutoSet feature?

BigJohn2 wrote:I notice many suppliers offer an after market bacteria filter to be installed inline after the machine to add an extra layer of filtration after the air passes through the machine. What do you think,will this type of filter possibly affect the operation of the AutoSet feature?

Don't bother with it unless you have some special consideration like two people using the same machine. If you do use one, you have to replace it fairly often because it's in a wet environment. If it gets dirty, it may affect things like apnea detection, autopressure, exhale relief or bilevel.

BigJohn2 wrote:I notice many suppliers offer an after market bacteria filter to be installed inline after the machine to add an extra layer of filtration after the air passes through the machine. What do you think,will this type of filter possibly affect the operation of the AutoSet feature?

I wouldn't bother with the post cpap filters. They aren't meant to get moist and if you use a humidifier with your (A)CPAP (which most people should) all that will happen is that the filter will get moist and the filter will actually start growing bacteria. They are a complete waste of money if you use a humidifier and will likely make allergies worse.


If you are concerned about bacteria/allergies here is what I would do:

1. Purchase the (slightly) more expensive hypoallergenic machine filters for the S9 series CPAP's.
2. Purchase one or two (makes it easier to ensure one is always clean) of the dishwasher (top rack) safe humidifier tubs. That way you can make sure the humidifier compartment doesn't start growing anything.
3. Make sure to at least rinse out/wash hoses and masks every now and then. Having a climate line hose helps a ton in this regard as you don't have to wait for the hose to dry 100% before using it as the heat on the climate line will take care of the rest.

Best of luck

From S9 Series Clinical Manual

Antibacterial filters

Antibacterial filters are not compatible with the ClimateLine, ClimateLineMAX or SlimLine tubing but can be
used with the Standard air tubing.

Antibacterial filters increase resistance in the air circuit and may affect accuracy of displayed and
delivered pressure, particularly at high flows. ResMed recommends using a filter with a low impedance
(eg, less than 2 cm H2O at 60 L/min).

I think these filters are mostly intended for use for a night or two for things like use in a sleep lab.

A separate room air purifier may take up some extra floor space,
but will do way more than an inline filter;
But, is it really needed?

chunkyfrog wrote:A separate room air purifier may take up some extra floor space,
but will do way more than an inline filter;
But, is it really needed?

I would expect even the minimal CPAP filter to have a lot more effect on the air in your mask than any room air filter.