Filtration Basics
Filtration Basics about LifeStraw
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LifeStraw Home Microfilter Membrane | Why has my LifeStraw Membrane Microfilter become clogged before the end of the filtration cycle?
Clogging can occur due to improper backwashing, cleaning, storage, trapped air bubbles, etc. It's important that the membrane filter stay hydrated and does not dry out. The membrane microfilter lasts up to 264 gallons and is based on a variety of fac
Can I use the filter for my CPAP?
Our LifeStraw Home pitcher is designed to reduce contaminants commonly found in tap water, including bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and some chemicals. However, it does not sterilize water and is not a substitute for boiling when sterile water i
Can I use LifeStraw products to filter other liquids other than water?
Since other liquids can clog or otherwise damage the membrane and render it unusable, filtering liquids other than water is not recommended.
Do LifeStraw products reduce hardness of water?
LifeStraw products do not reduce the hardness of water or remove minerals from water. You can always use a water softener in conjunction with our products which should help.
Is LifeStraw scientifically proven and tested to work? If so, where can I find these results?
All LifeStraw products undergo rigorous independent testing and are built to meet or exceed protocols established by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and NSF/ANSI International. We believe responsible manufacturing includes creating and m
What is the LifeStraw membrane made from?
The LifeStraw membrane is made from Polysulfone. Polysulfones are a family of high-performance BPA-free thermoplastics. These polymers are known for their toughness and stability at high temperatures, making them essential for filtration by maintaini
What is California Proposition 65, and why are there warning labels on LifeStraw products?
LifeStraw filters are rigorously tested to meet protocols established by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and NSF International/ANSI. Additionally, LifeStraw products are made from BPA-free, high-quality, food-grade materials. The Califor
What is the difference between a filter and a purifier?
Purifiers remove viruses in addition to bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and turbidity (silt, sand, and cloudiness), and filters remove the above contaminants except for viruses. The absolute pore size of LifeStraw membrane microfilters is 0.2 mic
Why do some products claim a 1,000-liter lifetime and others claim a 4,000-liter lifetime?
LifeStraw has constantly tested our products to perform in the harshest conditions. For example, before 2018, we tried our products against extremely muddy and opaque water that is not reflective of typical use cases and took a conservative approach
Do LifeStraw Filters Expire?
LifeStraw membrane filters do not have a printed expiration date. When stored properly and kept unused, the membrane materials are stable for long term storage. For best quality assurance and traceability, unused LifeStraw membrane filters are intend
Why is my TDS meter reading at higher levels?
This is an excellent question, around measuring water efficacy with TDS meters for our pitchers. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is a term used to describe the inorganic salts and small amounts of organic matter present in water. TDS tests do not test f
Recommendation for Emergency Filtration
It's great that you're planning ahead for your family’s safety in the event of a natural disaster. For emergency preparedness for a family of 6–8 over the course of a week (for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene), we recommend one of our high-capac