Have a 6 year Air-Way Signature series. I called direct to Air-Way and ordered 10 allergy bags but I’m not sure that is what I received. The bags came 10 to a package and they are brown on the outside and blue on the inside. There were no allergy stickers and the bags don’t seem as thick as the older brown bags. I know they made 14 and 28 layer bags. We always used the 28 layer bags. Now the web site only shows one style of bag.

Any explanation would be appreciated. Purchased the Air-Way 6 years ago tomorrow and it’s running strong.

Thanks in advance, Ken

Ken,

I'll be glad to share with you what I know about the bag situation at Air-Way as I am a distributor for them in Charlotte, NC.

The paper that was being used for the original 14 and 28 layer bags is not longer made in the U.S. Air-way found another manufacturer outside the U.S. but the cost was prohibitive and they actually took a loss on the last "batch" that was made.

They did find a paper, the new current blue color, that they assured me was of superior filtration over the wood pulp cellulose paper. I have not done any scientific testing and take their word for it. The new bag only comes in one layer type because of it's superior filtration.

Contrary to what may have been said or posted, it is NOT a filtrete paper but more of spun fiberglass type material and in using it in my own home seems to be just fine. Also, contrary to rumors, the equipment made to sew the bags is also NOT the reason they changed paper.

As with any large business, changes are bound to occur due to availablitly of product needed for manufacturing. Air-Way still makes one of the finest, (arguably if not the best), canister/tank vacuums available. As long as you continue to use genuine Air-Way bags and filters, the vacuum will last your lifetime...........unlike many others.

I'm not sure why your bags are two tone other than Air-Way is using up their inventory of the wood pulp cellulose paper. I was told that the double layer bags would no longer be available. I need to call Air-Way for ordering and will inquire. Also, I will ask about the stickers.

Hope this helps somewhat.

Air-waycharlie,

Thanks for the explanation on the bags. I’d just like to make sure I’m using the best bags possible for the Air-Way. The newly received bags are different than the old 28 layer bags and they are also different than the bags sold on their web site. The Air-Way web site only lists one style of bag. Looks like it’s blue on the outside. The stickers are no big deal. It was a nice touch but a piece of duct tape would do the same thing. Nice taking the bag out with-out a puff of dust.

I just want to make sure I’m using the best bags available as to keep the vacuum running for the long haul. Some earlier posts mentioned a Vita-Vac bag with more filtration but I could not find the sale of those bags on the internet. Prior to the Air-Way we purchased a brand name upright every 2 years because they just wore out. I’ve always been impressed by the performance and filtration of the Air-Way. It’s 6 years old and reached the break even point on its purchase (1 Air-Way for 6 years vs. 3 disposable vacs in 6 years) Ken

The Vita-Vac is made by Air-Way but badged/labeled under the Vida-Vac name. The bags are all the same. One nice about Air-Way is that the bag they presently use is the same design as the one used by their very first canister. Sure makes it easy for the consumer and the supplier!

Air-Tec makes a filtrete bag with a clear plastic ring at the top. It is used in Black Knight vacuums. I found the suction was excellent but there was some leakage. After testing them in my home, I will not be using them in the future. On occasion, an Air-Way bag will leak too due to stitching, not seated properly or just a defect in the bag itself. That is why the HEPA filter, charcoal filter and microbial filter are important.

Air-Way is closed this week due to the holidays but I hope to have more definitive answers after they reopen. I called and left a message and we'll see what happens. Their website is not always the most up to date.

I'm glad you like your Air-Way. I grew up with them and think they are wonderful vacuums. Additionally, they were and still are recommended by Allergists.

Very happy with the Air-Ways, they are built like a tank.

After we purchased the first one I bought a used one (no power nozzle) for the garage. I’ve put that to the test, dry wall dust, wood working, concrete dust, and all kinds of dry stuff I was to lazy to sweep up with a broom. I always used the 28 layer bags and just made sure I changed the bag fast after each rough use. We recently purchased a cottage and the garage Air-Way has been put back into house hold use. A new bag, 3 new post bag filters and ya can’t tell it was a garage vac. I’m thinking about buying a new/used hose/wand/nozzle for the old Air-Way. Have a rat tail cord to an old Kenmore wand/nozzle but the Kenmore nozzle has seen its better days.