Ahh.. where to begin. First of all, parts are readily available, both from Aerus and on the aftermarket. Takes 'R' bags, 4-ply, not HEPA but very good filtration. The dryer sheet is just that and doesn't belong there. The after filter is near HEPA and primarily to for catching carbon dust from the motor and any fine particles that make it that far. Wands should separate by pressing the button, but I'll bet the springs are broken and there is enough grit between the plastic parts that they feel welded together and the metal contact pins are also likely corroded. Push the button and twist slightly back and forth while pulling apart, if that doesn't do it, there are plugs on the wands covering screws which allow the removal of the wiring cover and separate the wands into the component parts. A good cleaning and some wax applied to the connections (rub some waxed paper around them inside and out) and they are much easier to use. Attachments connect directly to the hose or wands and 'click' in place just like the PN. Brush rolls for the PN and SideKick are readily available on the aftermarket or from Aerus. (Buy on the aftermarket, it's MUCH cheaper for as good or nearly as good products). For the hose, shortening is usually not effective, because of the connectors and once the hose begins to get in really poor shape, it will just end up broken again rather quickly. You can remove the handle and try bending the contacts inside to make a stronger connection at the point of rotation, that and a good clean can often restore full functionality. Replacement hoses are available, both on the aftermarket and from Aerus.  The motor is much quieter than those you are used to and once cleaned will pull strongly. These are my least favorite of all Electrolux/Aerus tanks, mostly due to the look of them. They are good performers though. Msg me with parts you need and I can give you pricing, both from Aerus and  the aftermarket. I have access to wholesale distributors and will happily order and send you parts at cost. If you can be patient on delivery (10 days or less) I can keep shipping costs from the distributor to me and then to you way down.

I can get you a new complete hose for ~$75 + shipping. To remove the hose, just press the dark gray button down and pull out.

Owners manual is available online from Aerus. Link below, use the drop down menu under older models and it's near the top of the list. If the mechanics of the hose handle are working well, the hose can be replaced for ~$50.

Sent the manual to the email in your profile along with contact info in case you want to use it.

There is an air baffle under the blower port. It isn't a filter per se, but there to reduce vibration from the motor and to stabilize, support and fill the space between the components.  With the port door closed, exhaust is sent out through the filter under the attachments.

Nope.. the bags are pretty damn good. There is an optional carbon filter that goes between the bag and motor, but it's primarily for odor control. I have them in all of my older canisters and they have yet to have accumulated any dust if I use Genuine Aerus bags. Aftermarket bags, even the microfilter ones, aren't quite as good but even they only let through the finest of dust. Up here in the desert we have us some very fine, powdery dust, finer even than talc and that is all that gets through aftermarket bags.