Respironics "Fine" Disposable Filters: Worth it?

[Fscott]

Quick question: How many ppl using Remstar M-Series machines use the disposable white filters as well as the grey filters?

For those who do use the white filters, do you find they make the machine run harder? Help during allergy season? Etc.

Thanks mateys

[ww]

I use both filters. Hopefully the foam filter keeps the bugs out and the fine filter gets the rest. I just checked both today and washed the foam filter, but the fine filter after 30 days was extremely clean. I order a set of each at the absolutely redicious price of $13.95 for 2 foam and $13.95 for 6 of the fine white filters. I figure that will hold me for a year. I think insurance would pay for them if you have the patience to deal with them. CPAP.COM gets them here in 1 day. I am sure the fine filter takes a little more pressure drop across the input, but all CPAP machines seem to be designed to use them.

[WearyOne]

Can't say whether or not it helps to use both, because I've always have. I have allergies and problems with my sinuses, so I thought using both was the best way to go from the beginning.

[rested gal]

I use only the washable, reusable dark colored foam filter. But I don't have any allergies that I know of. My nose is stuffy often..one side or the other, but when I start up the machine (with humidification) I can breathe clearly enough to sleep well.

[danw61]

Same here, I have allergies so I've always used them. My insurance pays for them.

[Goofproof]

The more stuff I can keep out of my rock filled lungs the better, I'm afraid to use much HH, for fear it will mix into concrete. Jim

[newbie 101]

Hi

I have used them since the start of Xpap therapy. I am confident that they help keep out crud as by the end of 25 days or so they have greyed.
I too have a ton of allergies so anything I can keep out of my lungs the better.

They are definately worth the price

[Guest]

I only use them during the spring and summer when many of the fields near where I live and around my home are being cut for hay.

TM

[wlenz]

I have allergies and found out the hard way that passover mode in my humidifier makes a big difference. My DME did not supply the white filters, guess my doc did not think they were necessary. I told him about my allergies but perhaps he believes passover mode is all that is needed. Anyway, I purchased 6 filters and they should be here in a day or two. If they help, great, if they don't, this will be my only purchase.
Bill

[CRMW]

I don't use them. The Respiratory Technician that I dealt with when I bought my machine told me the Respironics rep. reported a higher incidence of premature machine failure when using both the foam and the white filters. He left it up to me, but I figured that I don't use filters for the air that I breath when I'm awake so the grey foam filters alone would be good enough for sleeping.

Chris

[bap40]

I use them both also. We live in farming country and flat land and that all contributes to a lot of dust and allergens floating around. When I do change them they are grey so they are "catching" things in the air that I don't end up breathing in.

[DreamStalker]

I use both ... white fine one doesn't get all that dirty so I replace it about every 3 or 4 months.

[Gerald]

I use both....and will continue to do so. I find that my sinus drainage is less now that I'm breathing filtered air at night.....and I believe sinus drainage is a major variable in sleep disordered breathing (apnea, hypopnea, etc.).

The cost is low.....the benefits (in my opinion) far outweigh the cost.

Gerald

[RachelM]

I use both the gray and white filters. The white filters get pretty gray with 3-4 weeks use.

I was interested in the post on the comments that originated with a Respironics rep regarding the possibility of diminished lifetime of the CPAP with the fine filters. Anyone else out there with comments on this?

[Wulfman]

I use only the washable, reusable dark colored foam filter. But I don't have any allergies that I know of. My nose is stuffy often..one side or the other, but when I start up the machine (with humidification) I can breathe clearly enough to sleep well.

This is exactly how I would describe my situation (with "pass-over" humidification). I wash out my foam filter every other weekend and have never used the white/fine ones. I have a number of them, but it always seems so crowded in the opening when they're both in there. I figure I'm getting a bit more air flow with just the foam one.

Den