Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

A few weeks ago, I purchased a new Eureka Smart Vac, the "Pet Lover" version, as I do have a lab that sheds constantly, and I wanted the turbo brush to use on her bed, and the sofa in the den that she is allowed to get up on.  I had a Smart Vac years ago, when the model first came out, and was pleased with it, but gave it to a friend, who was out of work and in need of a decent vacuum.

The new Smart Vac came with a synthetic (Eureka's term) HEPA bag that was made with Arm and Hammer odor elimination.  Anyone have any experience with these bags, or thoughts about them? 

I really don't care for them, due to the way that they are shaped.  While the regular type RR bags are top fill, and of a fairly good size, these HEPA bags are pillow shaped, and because of that, the collar that attaches to the vacuum is on the back of the bag, not the top  Due to this design, the top fourth or third of the bag goes unused.  I vacuum daily, and found that the bag fills quickly.  I have gone back to the regular Filteraire bags offered by Eureka.

Has this new bag been a problem for others?

It has been quite a while since I was last a member of any vacuum forums, but I have been annoyed about this bag design, and wondered if anyone else had similar observations.

Thanks,

Joe

Hi:

Thanks for the replies.

I checked the Arm & Hammer site, and sure enough, the graphic there shows a top fill bag.  Unfortunately, the bag fitted to the machine by Eureka was a side fill bag.  Looks like a money maker to me, as there is less bag to fill due to that design.  Couple that to the fact that I have a dog that is always shedding, and I would be going through bags like crazy (I vacuum daily).  I am not complaining, as a bagless vacuum is out of the question for me (and that is another story).

Yes, I am sticking with Filteraire bags, as they fill from the top, and while difficult to install, are easier to use than the side fill ones look to be.

Joe

Hello Joe:

FWIW, I'll share my experience with the 3M Filtrete cloth/paper bags style Y for my HOOVER Windtunnel.  The bag is a back side mount collared bag.  The 3M Filtrete are more expensive than the HOOVER Allergen paper bags.  Smaller too.  Much like the pillow shape you describe.  But the 3M Filtrete last just as long as the much larger HOOVER allergen paper.  I have a yellow English lab that sheds year around.  My Wife has allergies and sinus issues year round.  I vacuum daily too.  And originally used the 3M Filtrete in my HOOVER WT.  Worked fine.  I eventually transitioned to the HOOVER Allergen w/o any problems for my Wife.  But for the most part the smaller pillow like 3M Filtrete bags last as long as the larger Allegen paper. 

I suspect the EUREKA "synthetic HEPA" bags are comparable to the HOOVER 3M Filtrete cloth/paper.  The cloth allows longer and better air flow through the bag than the larger paper despite the same/more amount of the dirt contained within, especially with dog hair which is light.  Hence the smaller size and more cost.

I use a HOOVER TEMPO now which takes the same style Y bags as the WT.  Still using the Allergen paper.  But will switch over to the 3M Filtrete again just for comparative purposes. 

Carmine D.

Carmine:

That's interesting, that the cloth bags allow better (and longer) air flow.  Does it have to do with the fibers attracting and collecting the dust and allergens, rather than having them all just pile up against the wall of the paper bag?

Joe

Hello Joe:

Yes, you've said it perfectly.  It is my opinion that the cloth/paper bags filter better than the plain allergen paper.  Allowing better dirt containment with better air flow/filtration through the bag pores.  The latter results in peak suction levels as the bag fills and lets the motor run cooler to prevent overheating.

Carmine D.