CPAP air filters keep getting smaller

Ive used many different CPAPs over the years and have noticed this, my latest CPAP, a goodnight 420G has a thin piece of sponge rubber about 2 inches square

older CPAPs had much bigger air filters, some could be washed

since CPAP repair men always say that a lot of the CPAPs they get for repairs are because of blocked air filters, everyone with a modern CPAP will need to check their airfilter often, also make sure it isnt missing and hasnt fallen out

it helps to position CPAP up off the floor, away from dust, dirt, dog hair, etc

any comments

Two comments -
1. The machines have gotten smaller too

2. DannyPh are you reading this? I wonder if this is how junk is getting inside your humidifier? ALL of the air must go right over the water in the chamber.

My first CPAP used huge oval filters and the foam filter was coarser than the foam filters on the newer machines. I think that the coarser foam let in larger particles than the newer foam filters do, so the white filter had to deal with more crud that the white filters on the newer machines.

harry33; The foam filters on the 420G can be washed, but the white filters are not washable. My old, big Respironics filters were the same way.

IMO...

1. The filter on the Fisher Paykel H234 and on the ResMed S8 Elite II (that I just received) provide about 2-3 square inches of filtration surface, and look like they were made from hardened spider web. Don't know about other mfgrs though.

2. Have you noticed how much the DMEs charge Medicare or other insurance for a filter?? Between $20 and $25!! I think that is a classic example of insurance companies ripping off insurance companies. My ResMed, for example, sells on the internet for around $600 with humidifier. My DME billed Medicare $995 for the same thing.

3. Finally, I don't understand why the mfgrs of CPAP machines don't use a HEPA filter, unless it is to guarantee making money on filters, and at $25 a pop, they must make a killing considering they recommend the filter be replaced every month or so...

Just my thoughts.