how often do I change filter?

catbirdgirl · Post by **catbirdgirl** » Mon May 12, 2008 1:25 pm

I have no idea how to tell when the filter in my cpap needs replacing. I take it out once in a while and knock some dust and cat hair off it, but I was thinking I should replace it soon, maybe.

I have a Resmed S8 Elite APAP. I think. With a white and blue filter.

Robin

BarryKaraoke · Post by **BarryKaraoke** » Mon May 12, 2008 2:40 pm

I just changed mine for the first time after 2 1/2 months of use and was a bit stunned at the amount of dust in it. I just bought a 12 pack and plan on changing it out every month from now on. They don't cost very much and your S8 can be configured to popup a filter change reminder on the screen as well.

xyz · Post by **xyz** » Mon May 12, 2008 3:17 pm

Foam (non-disposable) filter: rinse out with luke warm water 1/week to get the dust out of it. It must dry completely before using again. Also wash with a Free & Clear hand soap 1/month. (And, of course, this one goes on the _outside_ of the disposable filter.)

Disposable filter: replace 1/month. Or 2/mo if you have bad allergies.

Medicare and most commercial plans allow:
foam: 1 per 6 months
disposable: 2 per month

catbirdgirl · Post by **catbirdgirl** » Mon May 12, 2008 5:17 pm

huh?

you use two filters at once? I'm confused.

Claire · Post by **Claire** » Mon May 12, 2008 5:25 pm

Hi, I have the Resmed 8 Elite as well. I was told to change the filters every three months. Hope that helps.

CarrieS · Post by **CarrieS** » Mon May 12, 2008 5:39 pm

Probably more than once a year - oops lol. Thanks for reminding me it exists.

bigk · Post by **bigk** » Mon May 12, 2008 7:02 pm

The manual says every 6 months and that is also what the DME told me - unless you put the machine on the floor where it sucks in dust....

Darntired · Post by **Darntired** » Mon May 12, 2008 7:34 pm

The bigger issue is how much dust got passed the foam/paper filter. The foam/paper filter protects only the machine NOT YOU! All lint that gets by machine filters goes directly into your lungs.

I recommend using a bacteria filter inline with your hose to minimize the fine lint from being inhaled. Its amazing seeing the white bacteria filter turn black after a month usage.

Besides, the filters are cheap!!

xyz · Post by **xyz** » Mon May 12, 2008 9:58 pm

> you use two filters at once?

Yes, many machines are designed by their manufactures to use two filters. The outer one is a foam filter that is designed to catch larger particles. It is washable. The inner one is sometimes cotton, sometimes other things. It has a finer mesh to catch small particles. It is disposable.

I started to say to ask your DME, but ... that's not always going to get you the right answer. Check your manufacturer's web page. Then check https://www.cpap.com.

And while some appear to take some sort of, uh, perverse pride in how long they can use their cpap supplies, from a health point of view you're better off in the long run by replacing them on a regular basis.

Medicare and most commercial plans allow:
foam: 1 per 6 months
disposable: 2 per month

catbirdgirl · Post by **catbirdgirl** » Tue May 13, 2008 12:52 pm

I'm still a bit confused, as my machine only came with the white and blue filter, which definitely needs changing for sure.... I don't know anything about the disposable ones.

sleeplessinaz · Post by **sleeplessinaz** » Tue May 13, 2008 2:07 pm

I agree with catbirdgirl---the S8Elite comes with only a disposable filter that is blue on one side and white on the other. There is not any room to insert a second one. Which machine do you have that uses two filters? please explain to us newbies--you are scaring us!!! LOL!
Carrie

sleeplessinaz · Post by **sleeplessinaz** » Tue May 13, 2008 2:10 pm

Oh it is me again--I just looked on CPAP.com ---this is what they say about filters:

When replacing these with your old filters, the blue/yellow side faces OUT and the white side faces IN.

The S8 line of CPAP machines does not use reusable foam and disposable filters, like other machines. This filter is the only one you need.

These filters, depending on the lot when purchased, can be blue or yellow. The effectiveness or quality is the same regardless of the color.

hobbs · Post by **hobbs** » Tue May 13, 2008 2:14 pm

My old Respironics machine had the (2) filters. I do not think any of the Resmed machines take (2). The Respironics filter system LOOKS like it would work better, but I assume Resmed knows what they are doing? I still change my S8 filter once a month.

Pineapple · Post by **Pineapple** » Tue May 13, 2008 2:19 pm

The Remstar M-Series uses 2 filters. 1 disposable "micro-filter" which they recommend changing every 2 weeks (I don't know if it's just because I am such a poor housekeeper, but mine is filthy by 2 weeks ) and one gray foam filter that they recommed washing at least once a month, replacing after 6 months

WNJ · Post by **WNJ** » Wed May 14, 2008 10:06 am

hobbs wrote:. . . but I assume Resmed knows what they are doing? . . .

Did anyone ever tell you what happens when you assume?

One more reason (among a long list of reasons) to be happy that I have a Respironics machine.

Wayne

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