Does Filter Type Affect AHI?

Would cutting down and using a larger white fine filter with the plastic backing affect my AHI? It's not a significant increase, but since I did that my AHI has been consistently closer to 1.9 instead around 1.0 or under. I was using a gray foam filter. Since I'm thinking down this path, does using a filter not made for a particular machine affect how the machines senses other things, like pressure?

Those are two completely different types of filters made to remove two different sized particles. I have used both together, from day one, but they are made for my machine. If you use what is made to use in your XPAP, and it is supported by the maker it works fine. Jim

kteague wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 07, 2019 6:42 pm

Would cutting down and using a larger white fine filter with the plastic backing affect my AHI? It's not a significant increase, but since I did that my AHI has been consistently closer to 1.9 instead around 1.0 or under. I was using a gray foam filter. Since I'm thinking down this path, does using a filter not made for a particular machine affect how the machines senses other things, like pressure?

I'm confused. your profile says you've got a Resmed, Resmed filters aren't foam, or plasticky.

Have you switched to a Respironics machine?

Excellent questions, and I have a few observations from 12 years of xpappery.

When I was using the PR machines, I found a slightly lower, but consistently so, AHI when I left out the foam filter. Yes, I know that the machines are made to compensate; and, I did try different pressure ranges.

Also, I also found slightly lower AHI when I change the white filter frequently. (Same comments as above apply here).

I now use the Airsense APAP 10 machine, and if the AHI creeps up, I change the white filter and...boom, lower ahi.

.

Captain_Midnight wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 07, 2019 9:31 pm

Also, I also found slightly lower AHI when I change the white filter frequently. (Same comments as above apply here).

I now use the Airsense APAP 10 machine, and if the AHI creeps up, I change the white filter and...boom, lower ahi.

.

Interesting, how often do you change it compared to manufacturer suggested schedule?

I am still using the same machine as is in my profile. I am quite haphazard about the filters. The foam ones I rinse now and then and reuse. The white ones I change if they no longer look white or the air smells stale. A few months ago I ran out of my purchased filters and decided to use up some from a bag of filters I'd been given. They also use a ResMed, so I assumed... So, does it matter if one uses a filter from another brand? Guess I'd better take the time to order some legitimate replacements.

kteague wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 08, 2019 4:39 am

I am still using the same machine as is in my profile. I am quite haphazard about the filters. The foam ones I rinse now and then and reuse. The white ones I change if they no longer look white or the air smells stale. A few months ago I ran out of my purchased filters and decided to use up some from a bag of filters I'd been given. They also use a ResMed, so I assumed... So, does it matter if one uses a filter from another brand? Guess I'd better take the time to order some legitimate replacements.

Well, you see, Resmed doesn't have foam filters.

They have a white course fibrous looking filter, and a very thin white fine filter (the hypoallergenic).

So, I'm confused about what you mean.

Proper filters should not affect the AHI, even if you use two of them like I do.

Here's some pics: viewtopic/t50807/ResMed-S9-filters--Sta ... ml#p467312

Is that what you have?

Also, they don't have plastic backing.

You can get filters from ebay and amazon for really cheap.

Plastic backing filters I have only seen on Respironics filters for PR S1 and older machines. It's probably not solid plastic but it feels sort of like a plastic.

Can you get us a screen shot of the filter(s) you are using?

Pugsy wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 08, 2019 9:12 am

Plastic backing filters I have only seen on Respironics filters for PR S1 and older machines. It's probably not solid plastic but it feels sort of like a plastic.

Can you get us a screen shot of the filter(s) you are using?

I'd say Respironics press cuts the fuzzy filter material with a heated die, melting it to form the plastic backing. The purpose is a one step process, that keeps the fuzzy part sealed shut so part of the fuzz from being sucked into the machine. Jim

Redone for clarity of thought. Jim

Maybe if Resmed made better products, their filters would stay in.

Goofproof wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 08, 2019 12:29 pm

I'd say they cut the fuzzy filter matetial or press cut it with a heated die, melting it to form the plastic backing. The purpose is a one step process, that keeps the fuzzy part sealed shut so part of the fuzz from being sucked into the machine. Jim

That's not how Resmed filters are made. there's no plastic backing.

Also, all the links in your sig are no good, sleep.tnet.com is gone. I think that Krelvin has passed on.