Does anyone use In-line filters?

I am curious if anyone uses the Hepa type in-line filters that go between the machine and mask. If so,do you find them to be beneficial?

I don't really see how they would be necessary as long as the machine has a fine filter on the input (the white filter on Respironics, Puritan Bennett, and DeVilbiss machines) and the humidifier is kept clean. I would be concerned about the filter causing a pressure drop in non-automatic CPAPs.

If you wear one all day, might as well use one on the machine, but it might cause treatment to drop. most of us just breath room air in the day, with whatever is in it, so it doesn't matter if we get super clean air at night. jim

I purchased one just because I was also curious, but I havnt tried it.

After it arrived, I got thinking about it, and ... wouldnt this thing absorb all the moisture my humidifier is trying to get to me?

Thanks guys for your input. I too have asked some of these same questions and I am glad there are others sharing my same concerns. That in itself answers any questions I may have had. Thanks again.

Those filters can not be used inline after a humidifier, but can be used between the machine and the humidifier if you have separate pieces. The sleep lab I go to has separate pieces and they use these on their machines. The put a new one on for each pt.

I would think the built in filters would be good enough.

Gerry

Gerryk wrote:Those filters can not be used inline after a humidifier, but can be used between the machine and the humidifier if you have separate pieces. The sleep lab I go to has separate pieces and they use these on their machines. The put a new one on for each pt.

I would think the built in filters would be good enough.

Gerry

In a sleep lab enviroment they would make more sense, as more germs rare there to be traded around. the machines probably aren't too well cleaned, if at all. whither they help that much, is subject as the other parts hose, masks, ect are probably more of a problem.

I know they clean the masks in an auto clave but don't think the hoses would make it through them. I would also think the humidifer chamber whould be run through the autoclave.
The machines don't look like they are moved very often. I don't know how you would clean them other than wiping them down.
Gerry

During my sleep study, I remember thinking that the clinic mask they gave me smelled like someones bad breath. Didint make me feel too comforatable.