Anyone using the HEPA filters in-line?

dllfo · Post by **dllfo** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 4:32 pm

In-line Outlet Bacteria Filter for CPAP/BiPAP (5 Pack) $29.90

I would be curious to see if they restrict our air flow.

Any users??

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 7:11 pm

No user, but they restrict flow, even the HH does a little, anything downstream from the sensor can act as a restriction. Jim

dllfo · Post by **dllfo** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 7:58 pm

I understand Jim, I should have worded it differently, but the company that built my unit built the filter, I can't help but wonder if they don't have something in their software that allows us to .....account for the amount of back pressure generated by such a device.

I try to filter everything around me that has to do with the air I breathe. I have some new efriends I can email....just hoping one of us had already tried it. I cannot afford to overlook any opportunities to filter the air going in me.

My bedroom has a 330 CADR HEPA filter that runs 24/7, so I have one clean room for breathing. And for those of you who wonder why...I can feel a difference when I walk into that room. I thought maybe it was my imagination, but who knows. I can sleep 8-9 hours a night most of the time, so I am doing something right.

Thanks Jim

Ms Piggy · Post by **Ms Piggy** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 8:11 pm

MORE ANSWERS ON NEXT PAGE UNDER "FILTERS FOR REMSTAR" ETC ETC. i CALLED ONE OF THE TECH GUYS A WHILE AGO, HE DIDN'T SEEM TO THINK ONE WAS NECESSARY, BUT DIDN'T SPECIFY ANYTHING ABOUT PRESSURE REQUIREMENT ETC. I THOUGHT THEY MAY BE A GOOD IDEA IN SPRING AS I DEVELOPED ALLERGIES THIS YEAR. BUT I DIDN'T BOTHER TO ORDER ANY.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 9:07 pm

I have a a standing fan HEPA Filter, I use in the cave, but I don't like the noise, heat, and power it uses. It does help, my problem is mold. I have carpet on the floor of the cave, when I feel better, I'll rip it out and paint the floor, that's got to be the source of the mold. Jim

SelfSeeker · Post by **SelfSeeker** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 9:13 pm

Hi,

I asked a question about the inline filter.

Here is the post about it.

viewtopic/t13747/Filters-for-Remstarfoa ... -HEPA.html

dllfo · Post by **dllfo** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 9:18 pm

this is what is written on CPAPTalk.coms website.

Manufacturer: Respironics

This filter cleans the air as it leaves a CPAP or Bilevel machine. It is used in conjunction with the machines built in inlet filters to provide very clean air. It is compatible with all CPAP and Bilevel machines. This Respironics outlet filter is unique in that it does not reduce the pressure at the mask. It installs easily on all machines. Five filters are provided.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 9:28 pm

If the HEPA filter was big enough not to cause a restriction and would fit on the intake of the unit, that would be great, but it doesn't, it's too small and fits on the output side of the circuit, after the pressure and flow controls have finished their jobs.

If it had a high enough flow rate, and you reset your pressure with a manometer at the mask, you would be OK for a while, as the filter get used the pressure drop increases, and you would need to reset it again. A lot of if and ans for the avg user. But a room filter is a good idea, except the A/C in my cave, pushes my filtered air out of my cave and I lose the good from it.

It's always something, no easy answers ever, we think there are, but you have to think all the way to the end. That's where the problems show up! Jim

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): manometer

Alisha · Post by **Alisha** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 10:19 pm

When I asked cpap@cpap.com questions about using the In-line Hepa Filter with the Respironics M Auto, this is the answer they provided: (I hope they will delete this if I should not share their response.)

"The manufacturer of the HEPA filters says they do not
interfere with the airflow, but that applies only when
they are clean. And these filters are easily clogged
since they offer such a fine filtration of even some
bacteria. Furthermore, it is not always possible to
see how clogged they are. Many CPAP machines offer an
option of ultra fine filters that do a very good job
for people with allergies, etc. without having to
resort to a HEPA filter."

dllfo · Post by **dllfo** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 10:33 pm

I can't seem to get over this naive streak in me, that people are good and honest and that Respironics wouldn't mislead me. DUH!!

I will email the DMEs I have contacted before, one of them was kind enough to get the Respironics tech to call me.

I will call my pulmonologist and insurance people to see if I can just buy them.

Apparently no one on the forum has ever used the HEPA filters. I will email Respironics too.

SelfSeeker · Post by **SelfSeeker** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 4:48 am

dllfo,

I like the idea of extra fitlration and even considered the online filters.

My one concern is if they are so good and trap bacteria, how fast will that bacteria grow in the hot humid air? Bacteria vapour may still travel into the mouth.

The other thing, with an AutoPAP, I would be more concerned then a regular CPAP, especially once it starts collecting the dirt.

I think I will stay with the ultra fine filters on the back of the machine.

For someone using a CPAP and plans to exchange the filters very frequently, it sounds like a good idea.

Bella · Post by **Bella** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 5:24 am

I use the in-line bacteria filters and have since the start, about 11 months ago. My DME put one on my rental machine, while I was waiting for my own. I got to see first hand how much they do catch - even with a HEPA filter in the room. I change it about once a month when I change/clean the other filters. Once you are used to them, you can visually tell when they are dirty even without disconnecting.

It seems reasonable that they would slow down the flow, but my LED screen shows that I am running at 13.5 or 14, which is my inspiratory pressure.

SelfSeeker · Post by **SelfSeeker** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 5:35 am

Bella does your BiPAP have an auto feature, or does the pressue run at the two set pressures?

My one fear is that the Auto sensing will not work.

At least you are a user and you can give your experience, thanks for posting.

Do you use ultra fine filters where the air flows into the machine?

Bella · Post by **Bella** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 6:04 am

Mine is set at the two pressures - I'm using the Synchrony S/T. I can see why you might be concerned about the auto.

I use the ultra-fine filters at the back too.

My DME doesn't really think that I need them, but I, like you, prefer that extra bit of help cleaning the air. If I'm going to be sucking it in for hours, it might as well be as clean as I can get it.

dllfo · Post by **dllfo** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 5:02 pm

Bella, thank you so much for posting. I have contacted Respironics, getting little more than the standard phraseology.

I argue with myself, go get them. Respironics designed them, they are specifically mentioned in the providers manual.

Then I think about the comment of have bacterial spores trapped in a warm moist climate...are the fumes passing through, THEN I think...AHA, I have it,
I will run two of them in a row! Wait, then a third one would catch everything,
right? Hmmmm.

I have started to order them two or three times. I run the other two filters.
If we watched them to see when they get dirty, they should do ok.

Decisions, decisions. I wish Respironics would call back so I could check with their techs. I will see my pulmonologist Wed, can order them then I guess.
No one local carries them.

Anyone using the HEPA filters in-line?

Anyone using the HEPA filters in-line?

In-line filtres

BiPap