Is your Lifestraw membrane microfilter floppy or stable in the cap?

Posted by machesta @machesta, Dec 31, 2024

I just changed out the membrane microfilter in my Lifestraw pitcher. I don't use the carbon filter. The previous microfilter was stable in the cap and didn't move around. The new microfilter is floopy and moves around. Does anyone else have this problem? Additionally, I watched the water drain out of the filter housing (I removed the top of the pitcher) and observed that water empties around the microfilter. That would lead me to believe that not all the water is being filtered. Has anyone else observed these two problems?

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irenea8 | @irenea8 | Jan 7 8:21am

In reply to @positivethinking "Thank you for passing this info along. Now I am very frustrated since I thought I..." + (show)

I thought Dr F had approved the Lifestraw pitcher.

positivethinking | @positivethinking | Jan 7 9:30am

In reply to @irenea8 "I thought Dr F had approved the Lifestraw pitcher." + (show)

I’m hoping that maybe Lifestraw’s pitcher has a better carbon filter that isn’t subject to the NTM growth. I emailed the company and I am waiting for a reply. I will probably change the filter monthly instead of every two months

rbl | @rbl | Jan 7 10:17am

In reply to @positivethinking "Thank you for passing this info along. Now I am very frustrated since I thought I..." + (show)

I feel the same way, just when I think I’ve got things figured out I find out it’s not right. Having trouble finding sodium chloride, trying to figure out what nebulizer equipment to order and if using baby bottle sterilizer nightly is okay. So happy I’m not on antibiotics anymore but figuring out nebulizing, drinking water and trying to stay safe is frustrating and exhausting. It’s comforting to know I’m not the only one going thru this, and I know things could be worse…

positivethinking | @positivethinking | Jan 7 10:27am

In reply to @rbl "I feel the same way, just when I think I’ve got things figured out I find..." + (show)

Yes, I really can relate to what you are saying. If it helps, I get my sodium chloride 7%, from Walgreens and use Good Rx for it. Pay $10. something for it. I’m on ready fill so they know I need it monthly and have it ready for me. I’m also looking into a new nebulizer Stuck between Ombra and Pari Max. Going to National Jewish Respirstory Institute (Mount Sinai) on Thursday in NYC so I’m going to see if they prefer one over the other

scoop | @scoop | Jan 7 11:14am

In reply to @rbl "I feel the same way, just when I think I’ve got things figured out I find..." + (show)

So frustrating indeed. Figuring out the "systems" seem part of this disease process. I hope that once you settle on a plan it will be become as routine for you as it has for me. Still, a pain all around but manageable.

FWIW, as recommended here I use the Bololo baby bottle sterilizer as my main sterilization method. I timed the sterilization time (13 minutes) and temperature (over 212F). I use the life straw pitcher for drinking and try to stop drinking it 2-3 hours before I lay down.

formergardener | @formergardener | Jan 7 1:52pm

In reply to @positivethinking "Thank you for passing this info along. Now I am very frustrated since I thought I..." + (show)

I believe that Dr. Falkinham addressed this concern. He explained that the water first goes through the 0.2 micron filter and then passes through the lower carbon filter. Therefore, the NTM is filtered out of the water before it reaches the carbon filter. You should feel safe when using the Lifestraw pitcher, but you do still need to disassemble it periodically and thoroughly clean inside, placing the filters to the side while you do this. I usually place mine on paper towels, add Dawn to the main pitcher reservoir along with very hot water (tap), thoroughly wash, then rinse and dry with paper towels.

I believe that, realistically, we will never be free of any and all bacteria in our environment, but the goal is to reduce exposure as much as possible.

positivethinking | @positivethinking | Jan 7 1:56pm

In reply to @formergardener "I believe that Dr. Falkinham addressed this concern. He explained that the water first goes through..." + (show)

Thank you for this. I feel better about it 👍

formergardener | @formergardener | Jan 7 2:02pm

Good! It is a lot to worry about, isn’t it?

positivethinking | @positivethinking | Jan 7 4:28pm

In reply to @formergardener "Good! It is a lot to worry about, isn’t it?" + (show)

Absolutely! Very overwhelming at times

bamaqueen | @bamaqueen | Jan 8 7:21am

In reply to @positivethinking "I’m hoping that maybe Lifestraw’s pitcher has a better carbon filter that isn’t subject to the..." + (show)

Going on memory, in a previous post about the LifeStraw carbon filter Dr. F said if the carbon filter is after the regular filter it should not grow NTM. It’s filtering the water after it’s been through the Main filter.
In the table top dispenser that is how it is. I believe someone said the water pitcher was the same way.
There were no replies when I added this, so sorry for the duplicate. I can’t find a delete button!