White Filter Alternative

I'm a little late on this thread but anyway here it's my $0.02

I discovered that the withe filters are filters for very small particles like bacteria, so I use a flat type N95 surgical mask (do you remember avian flu masks).

N95 is a mask which has the same properties the withe filters have. I'm able to cut 11 filters from one mask which is around $3 or free if somebody from hospital can give you one or some of those. I need to say the dimensions of PRS1 filters is small and easy to cut from the masks; I had already used the N95 conical shape too but it depends on which size of filter do you need. For sure if you live in USA you will be able to find the original white filters at a very good price, other way you will be ask to pay a too high S&H or even refused to ship to your country.

I wont use a furnace or other kind of filter at least I know it's a N95, even EPA filters I'm not sure has the filtering capacity for bacteria as N95 I need to check it out. Furnace filters, air conditioning filters, etc have not the same filtering capacity of a N95 that's a fact. The reason why we use the withe filter is to catch smaller particles than pollen and dust.

Here is the link

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=52639&p=486494&hilit=+n95#p486494

I found the white filters on E Bay ( 12 pack for like $ 14.00 including shipping which if changed monthly gave me a years supply of filters. Much cheaper than DME prices!

LinkC wrote:I'd bet even the finest furnace filter doesn't come close to a white CPAP in terms of micron rating. And it's not something you can judge by comparing how they look.

Micron rating??? You've got to be kidding! Look at the the clearly visible holes through those things. We're lucky if they have a millimeter rating!

http://myweb.cableone.net/idahomtnboy/P ... filter.jpg

How dirty is your guys' air anyway? Here's my filter after at least two months compared to a new just-removed-from-the-bag one.

http://myweb.cableone.net/idahomtnboy/P ... ompare.jpg

I linked to the photos via URL because they are so large.

I am using the ResMed S8. After looking at the pathetic filter it uses, I decided to modify my machine and use a different filter. I ran down to the hardware store and picked up one of these.

http://www.mfgsupply.com/m/c/19-10183.html?id=Z6dNrX8Q

I cut it to fit the filter opening on the machine and simply stuff it in the hole. This gives me a filter that is 1 and 1/4 inches thick and totally fills the hole to eliminate the possibility of any unfiltered air passing through the machine.

An added plus is that this filter is washable, and I wash it weekly, and washed it prior to its initial use.

After installing the filter I compared the output of the machine to what it was with the paper filter installed, and there was no difference.

I now have a washable filter that does a better job than the paper filter. It cost me around $5 and I am able to cut several filters from one big one.

When I first got my machine I went on a few trips. After a week, I observed visible dirt and dust on the filter and this is why I decided to change the filter material.

While it may be considered a modification, I found myself in some dusty conditions that called for a change. I suppose a word of caution is called for. If the machine catches fire, the foam filter burning will most likely release more toxic fumes than the paper filter would... Also, if you never clean this filter, it has the possibility of plugging up worse than the paper filter can, and plugged up it would effect airflow.