CPAP Filters

[Sleep Deprived]

I am a pretty avid researcher when it comes to Sleep Apnea, ever since I was diagnosed with it 2 years ago. What I wasn't aware of is how crucial the filters of CPAP machines are to the performance and maintenance of the machines as well as to the health of the user. I have a Respironics Remstar Pro which comes with Ultra fine and pollen filters. I found this out after doing some research online. The ultrafine or white filter should be changed monthly. I could not believe just how dirty these things can get, which at least means the filters are working well.

The big issue is where to get these things? I found a number of different outlets in dot com places, but the filter prices are crazy, especially the shipping. I just wanted to share some info on what I think is the best site out there right now: www.cpapfiltersandsupplies.com. For one thing the shipping saves you $3.00 right off the bat and the prices are as low as I could find out of 20 different sites.

[Joe McManus]

Thanks for the heads-up. Only problem I see there is that they don't list the M-Series filters and they don't specify the shipping cost to the UK. Then there might be import duty and what not.

I have an air filter and sterilizer in my bedroom which takes out most of the dirt. That way my CPAP filters last for much longer than a month.

[MoutheBreather]

How long have you been using them for? Do they use the official filters? They picture a round one for mine though I'm pretty sure it's square. They seem cheaper than over here but we're used to that

[mart9012]

I found my filter on the S6 gets dirty very quickly despite my room being pretty clean! I get a little wheezy sometimes from something in the garden. pollen maybe and I sometimes use the CPAP machine to provide a filtered air stream to ease the irritation in my lungs. It works pretty well, but I don't think there is any actual pollen filter ability in what looks a very simple filter system.

Admin, I like the sound of sterilizing and humidifying your air. How effective is the humidification? I often wake with a dry airway, sore throat and wonder if a humidifier would help...

[Joe McManus]

My air purifier kills living organisms in the air. Airborne allergens, basically. It doesn't do humidification. Most CPAP machines can be equipped with a humidifier, if you find the air dry and uncomfortable to breathe in.

[Sleep Deprived]

CPAP Filters

I have been using them now for 5 months. The Filters for my remstar pro are perfect. They fit and must be doing a damn good job because they get so dirty I change them out 2 times a month.

[thebigfella]

The Sleep Specialist at the Hospital I visit each year suggested I wash my pollen filters! Well I think she has never tried this, as the filter just fell apart.

The best price I've found was about £10 for 3 plus postage and this about the average on most sites I've seen. Spares always seem very scarce and then when you do find them you discover they cost a small fortune.

I can't complain really as at least I still get some assistance from the NHS whereas there are many who don't get anything.

[Sleep Deprived]

Washing Pollen Filters

Pollen filters are made up of polyester or ester based polyuerathane foam and can be washed with warm water and a little mild soap about 3 times before the chemicals in the soap start drying the foam out and begin to make the filter brittle. The filters that are foam generally have a life of 3-5 months and should be washed out monthly.

The Sleep Specialist at the Hospital I visit each year suggested I wash my pollen filters! Well I think she has never tried this, as the filter just fell apart.

The best price I've found was about £10 for 3 plus postage and this about the average on most sites I've seen. Spares always seem very scarce and then when you do find them you discover they cost a small fortune.

I can't complain really as at least I still get some assistance from the NHS whereas there are many who don't get anything.

[unfitwestie]

can anyone confirm if you have been provided a machine by the nhs. will they then provide filters. i have not received my machine yet respironics are delivering on tue fingers crossed i will start to feel better soon. also does anyone know how long the masks are supposed to last for i have been given a respironics comfort gel type. where can i buy a spare mask from

[Joe McManus]

can anyone confirm if you have been provided a machine by the nhs. will they then provide filters. i have not received my machine yet respironics are delivering on tue fingers crossed i will start to feel better soon. also does anyone know how long the masks are supposed to last for i have been given a respironics comfort gel type. where can i buy a spare mask from

It may vary per NHS area but if your machine is NHS supplied they tend to also offer you filters when you need them. Worth asking/confirming though, when you pick up the machine.

With proper maintenance (wash your face before use, cleanse/wipe mask after every use) masks tend to last 9-18 months. Depends a bit how 'rough' you sleep (wear and tear) and your skin (toxins excreted eat into mask material).

If you put "CPAP mask" into Google UK, you will find the sponsor of our October prize contest as one of few CPAP mask suppliers. They are the only ones who do the mask you mention.

PS welcome to the forums!