Product review (2 stars): The Filter Dilemma resolve!
Having two humidifiers (one Holmes and one Sunbeam) different numbers but same unit; the constant replacement of these filters becomes exasperating and expensive. Especially it seems the recent filters do not last as long as the original replacements. The first replacements usually lasted about a month, even longer if you rinsed them to clean them off. The recent replacements (this one included) stop wicking the moisture after a day or two. In light of that, I have come up with a solution that seems to work and will cost you very little.
My experiment:
I think you could use a wire mesh (a small piece of fence cut to size) or, an old coffee container. The large ones from Folgers or Maxwell house. I used a Folgers coffee container, cut out the bottom and it almost the same size as the filter. Then I drilled several holes in the sides trying to make a honeycomb pattern. I ended up cutting squares out to allow enough air flow through the filter material. Now, I used two washcloths as the wicking material. You can get a pack of these inexpensive white washcloths at Walmart  in packs of 10. Just the right size draped over the end, use a rubber band to hold them, turn the unit over drape the other end with rubber band and you are done. I have been experimenting with this for a couple of days and it seems to work very well..
So there is my contribution to this review, hope it helps.