Upgraded to S8 Auto, Disappointed in available Filter

[gromittoo]

I have been on CPAP for 10+ years. I have had several CPAP machines, all of them Respironics. November 09, I had Jaw advancement surgery. I wasn't sure what to set machine to after the surgery, and I had a sleep study. I went from 19CM to 8CM.

After a while, I began to wonder if the level is correct. I decided Insurance be damned, I am buying an Auto machine. My research led me to chose the Resmed S8 Autoset II. In Febuary 2010, I bought one on CPAPAuction, and I am very impressed with the machine. Unlike what all the sleep doctors have been telling me, my pressure does vary, between 9.8 and 11.6 CM.

I suspected that the filter needed changing, and I was really surprised. I have always used Respironics Hypoallergenic filters, and I would change them monthly. when I looked at the original stock resmed filter, I was really disappointed. I am even more disappointed in the pictures I am seeing of so called "Hypoallergenic filters" being sold for the S8. They just don't look like they have enough material to do the job.

Last week, I ordered some universal filters that go inline with the hose. They look like they might actually do a good job, even if they are a bit awkward in actual use. I tried them last night, and my AHI and pressure went way up. I wonder if they are blocking too much

Are there any filters for the S8 that actually block enough dust that they need to be changed monthly? I suspect this persistent cough I have had since February could be because this machine is pumping dust into my lungs!

[falvesjr]

I use the regular filters for the S8 series, but I use two at a time. Stack them in the same orientation with the blue side facing out on both filters, stick them in the hole and put the cap back on. There's plenty of room in there for both filters and the machine works fine!

[joelrk35]

I have a three layered filter for my ResMed S8 Autoset II. It is blue on the outside, a foam like material in the middle and a white felt like material inside. My DME asked if I had allergies, which I do and he gave me a filter which is supposed to pick up more pollen or dust than the standard filter. However I'm new to CPAP and never know what is true and what is fabrication. However the filters do pick up allot of dust and turn slightly gray on the inside layer after one month, what ever that means. Will try and extend the change period down the road.

[gromittoo]

Thanks folks.

I bought a six pack of the "Disposable Hypoallergenic Filters for S8". They don't look as good at filtering ans the respironics filters I am used to. So I doubled them up as per falvesjr's suggestion. This is in addition to the in-line bacteria filter I have on the output of the S8 machine. I think I am covered now.