CPAP Filters: change interval & white vs gray?

[Rip Van Winkle]

hello everyone

I did a search on "Filter" and couldn't find what I was looking for, which is how often do you change yours? Also, I've seen some discussion on white versus gray filters - can someone clue me in - is gray not as good? Do most of you folks buy your filters online or a the local DME? Thanks for any responses.

[BleepingBeauty]

hello everyone

I did a search on "Filter" and couldn't find what I was looking for, which is how often do you change yours? Also, I've seen some discussion on white versus gray filters - can someone clue me in - is gray not as good? Do most of you folks buy your filters online or a the local DME? Thanks for any responses.

The white ones are HEPA filters. Change them whenever they start to look dirty (usually monthly, but that depends on how dusty the air is where you are). The gray foam filter is washable and reusable. The white filter is inserted first, with the "webbed" side facing the machine and the "fibrous" side facing out; then the gray foam filter goes on over it.

I get my filter replacements from the DME, as they're covered by insurance. But you can often find them online (from our host or on the auction) for less than what the DME charges. (What else is new? )

[Joe50]

The little video below is put out by Cpap.com and it shows how the filters in the M series are to be replaced.
CAUTION, the Video is rated DHMN for Disembodied Hand-model Nudity. I for one am just glad that THING got a job when his TV show went off the air.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6IlvnjI8d0

[BleepingBeauty]

The little video below is put out by Cpap.com and it shows how the filters in the M series are to be replaced.
CAUTION, the Video is rated DHMN for Disembodied Hand-model Nudity. I for one am just glad that THING got a job when his TV show went off the air.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6IlvnjI8d0

[Wulfman]

hello everyone

I did a search on "Filter" and couldn't find what I was looking for, which is how often do you change yours? Also, I've seen some discussion on white versus gray filters - can someone clue me in - is gray not as good? Do most of you folks buy your filters online or a the local DME? Thanks for any responses.

I've never used the white (fine) filters.......although I have a number of them that came with the machines. I've only used the gray foam filters and rinse/wash them out about every two weeks. Have not had any problems by not using the white ones.
I'm still using the original (gray) filters that came with my machines, but have a bunch of them if I ever need them. I've purchased all of my supplies from CPAP.COM (out-of-pocket). They do free shipping on orders over $99. So, when ordering additional machines or masks, I added extra filters, hoses and headgear to get that cost advantage. I now have enough extra "stuff" to last the rest of my life. Considering the amount of my insurance deductible (which I've only met one time, in 2005), I've saved myself and my insurance provider quite a bit of money by doing it this way. I also don't plan to need anything in the way of CPAP supplies after I go on Medicare (assuming it's still there and I'm still here by that time).

Just planning for the future.


Den

[Joe50]

hello everyone

I did a search on "Filter" and couldn't find what I was looking for, which is how often do you change yours? Also, I've seen some discussion on white versus gray filters - can someone clue me in - is gray not as good? Do most of you folks buy your filters online or a the local DME? Thanks for any responses.

I've never used the white (fine) filters.......although I have a number of them that came with the machines. I've only used the gray foam filters and rinse/wash them out about every two weeks. Have not had any problems by not using the white ones.
I'm still using the original (gray) filters that came with my machines, but have a bunch of them if I ever need them. I've purchased all of my supplies from CPAP.COM (out-of-pocket). They do free shipping on orders over $99. So, when ordering additional machines or masks, I added extra filters, hoses and headgear to get that cost advantage. I now have enough extra "stuff" to last the rest of my life. Considering the amount of my insurance deductible (which I've only met one time, in 2005), I've saved myself and my insurance provider quite a bit of money by doing it this way. I also don't plan to need anything in the way of CPAP supplies after I go on Medicare (assuming it's still there and I'm still here by that time).

Just planning for the future.


Den

I think you should at least try one of the white filters. Each month I get surprised by what gets by the gray one.

[Wulfman]

hello everyone

I did a search on "Filter" and couldn't find what I was looking for, which is how often do you change yours? Also, I've seen some discussion on white versus gray filters - can someone clue me in - is gray not as good? Do most of you folks buy your filters online or a the local DME? Thanks for any responses.

I've never used the white (fine) filters.......although I have a number of them that came with the machines. I've only used the gray foam filters and rinse/wash them out about every two weeks. Have not had any problems by not using the white ones.
I'm still using the original (gray) filters that came with my machines, but have a bunch of them if I ever need them. I've purchased all of my supplies from CPAP.COM (out-of-pocket). They do free shipping on orders over $99. So, when ordering additional machines or masks, I added extra filters, hoses and headgear to get that cost advantage. I now have enough extra "stuff" to last the rest of my life. Considering the amount of my insurance deductible (which I've only met one time, in 2005), I've saved myself and my insurance provider quite a bit of money by doing it this way. I also don't plan to need anything in the way of CPAP supplies after I go on Medicare (assuming it's still there and I'm still here by that time).

Just planning for the future.


Den

I think you should at least try one of the white filters. Each month I get surprised by what gets by the gray one.

Well, the other XX (about 17) hours during the rest of the day, I'm breathing straight (unfiltered) room or outside air. So, other than keeping dust particles out of the inside of my machine, I don't see the need for it.


Den

[Joe50]

hello everyone

I did a search on "Filter" and couldn't find what I was looking for, which is how often do you change yours? Also, I've seen some discussion on white versus gray filters - can someone clue me in - is gray not as good? Do most of you folks buy your filters online or a the local DME? Thanks for any responses.

I've never used the white (fine) filters.......although I have a number of them that came with the machines. I've only used the gray foam filters and rinse/wash them out about every two weeks. Have not had any problems by not using the white ones.
I'm still using the original (gray) filters that came with my machines, but have a bunch of them if I ever need them. I've purchased all of my supplies from CPAP.COM (out-of-pocket). They do free shipping on orders over $99. So, when ordering additional machines or masks, I added extra filters, hoses and headgear to get that cost advantage. I now have enough extra "stuff" to last the rest of my life. Considering the amount of my insurance deductible (which I've only met one time, in 2005), I've saved myself and my insurance provider quite a bit of money by doing it this way. I also don't plan to need anything in the way of CPAP supplies after I go on Medicare (assuming it's still there and I'm still here by that time).

Just planning for the future.


Den

I think you should at least try one of the white filters. Each month I get surprised by what gets by the gray one.

Well, the other XX (about 17) hours during the rest of the day, I'm breathing straight (unfiltered) room or outside air. So, other than keeping dust particles out of the inside of my machine, I don't see the need for it.


Den

No problem