My household has been using these filters (and pitcher) for over a year now. We live in an area with VERY hard water, so we go through about one filter per month. Overall, they work really well. Our water tastes nasty unfiltered, something we notice very well once the filter starts to wear out. I wish there was a better alternative since we have to go through so many. I also wish these were recyclable or disposable in some way that's more eco-friendly. As far as I know, you can't dismantle them. Anyway... Like I said, they work REALLY well. The water tastes so pure when a new filter is put in. Sometimes they don't filter right off the bat, but the water starts flowing through if I give the filter a decent shake.