Product review (4 stars): Does the Job Well
This filter element does the job well. I needed the humidifier when recovering from pneumonia, it mad a huge difference once I started using it.  I used distilled water at first, but figured out that our soft water works just as well, preventing mineral buildup, plus it still has the chlorine that comes in tap water to ensure that it is pretty much bacteria free when refilled.  This filter element is also available at Walmart stores for a little over six bucks, and they sell the bacteria stat solution for a little over three bucks should you desire to use that. I have ignored the meter on the humidifier because it shows that the filter needs replacing after installing a new filter.  The filter changes colors when it needs to be replaced.  Using soft water and bacteria stat solution will extend the life of the filter. Mine lasted most of the winter.