Optima Filter Question

[Max78]

I have had an Optima since Sept of this year.  About a month or so after I had it, I noticed that the white plastic band that went around the center of the pleated filter had come loose and part of it had fallen off.  Now it seems the rest of it has become detached and is now gone.  I clean my filter weekly and wondered if this was normal or if the white plastic band really served any purpose.  Is it necessary in the performance of the filter?  Thanks for any input.

[stuart]

No it is not essential to filter. It does help hold the pleats open a bit but I've yet to see one that stays over time....

[stuart]

BTW, this could mean you have a PH or Alkaline issue. You might check it out....

[Brewman]

One of my filters did the same thing.  The strap is still there, it just popped open.  The other filter we swap with it is still intact.  I can't see much difference in the two filters performancewise, and for the money I spent on the thing, I'm sticking with it.  Our PH and alk or usually in range, so in our case I'm thinking it's just a little sloppy QC.
Brewman

[tony]

I have the same issue as Brewman with my two filters..one band has broken, the other is fine.  My filters are two and a half years old.  I expect they both will last a good deal longer.  My dealer agrees...don't worry about the strap.