Connect
← Return to Portable water filters for travel
Discussion
Portable water filters for travel
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Nov 5 6:57am | Replies (39)Comment receiving replies
Other groups have suggested to remove the carbon filter on lifestraw products because "carbon filters are known to harbor bacteria growth". I inquired of lifestraw due to having BE and the worry about bacteria growth using the carbon filter and here was their response .... just in case anyone is wondering the same thing. I do love my lifestraw products. And yes, you do have to keep up with regular cleaning to ensure the best longevity for the filters. Hope this helps others
.
Hi Kate,
Thank you for reaching out to LifeStraw support regarding your questions. I'll be happy to answer.
I apologize for the discomfort this situation may have caused.
We do not recommend removing the carbon filter.
As a two-stage filtration system, both filters work in tandem to achieve enhanced performance.
LifeStraw activated carbon + ion exchange filters reduce lead and other heavy metals and chemicals such as PFAS, glyphosate, and chlorine while enhancing water taste.
The activated carbon has been treated with specific processes to open millions of tiny pores between carbon atoms.
LifeStraw uses a unique, advanced formulation made of fiber instead of granulated carbon, which improves longevity and performance. The filtration process works via absorption - contaminants get trapped within the pore structure of carbon and adhere to surfaces.
The ion exchange component contains a resin with cations that are bound to the fibers and are not harmful. When liquids containing other solvent ions pass through the fibers, the dissolved ions in the water (such as lead and other heavy metals) are exchanged for the non-harmful ions in the fibers. As a result, harmful elements are trapped, and non-harmful ions are released, making the water safer to drink.
These activated carbon and ion exchange formulations are carefully designed to remove specific chemicals and heavy metals that are dangerous to human health while allowing other healthy nutrients (such as sodium, calcium, and magnesium) to pass through. The LifeStraw Ion Exchange + Activated Carbon Filter also has a unique formulation that maximizes the contact surface with the ion exchange and carbon fibers, thus enabling highly advanced performance in removing chemicals and heavy metals, as shown in the results of efficacy tests against more than 30 contaminants.
I hope this information of helpful for you.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need more information or require further assistance.
Have a nice day!
Victoria
Customer Support Associate
LifeStraw | Make a Difference with Every Sip
Every LifeStraw product purchased provides a child in need with safe water for an entire school year.
Replies to "Other groups have suggested to remove the carbon filter on lifestraw products because "carbon filters are..."
Connect
@kate2025 When you say "Other groups have suggested to remove the carbon filter on lifestraw products because "carbon filters are known to harbor bacteria growth..." would you mind telling us who this is, and whether they have the qualifications to make such a recommendation? There are a number of NTM/MAC/Bronchiectasis groups that take a general idea about something (eg bacteria in carbon water filters) and generalize it to all filters containing carbon.
There is a danger in not recognizing the difference between single-stage filtering through a carbon filter and dual-stage filtering through carbon first and a .1 or .2 micron filter second. The dual filter catches anything that might be released by the carbon filter in the second one.
We use a 2-stage filter at our kitchen tap to eliminate the need for boiling all of our water. It is used for drinking, cooking, washing nebulizer equipment, washing food and cleaning water bottles.
To all - as for the "white" or mineral residue, the only way I know to avoid it is to used distilled water for steaming/boiling equipment.