The only concern that I had when I paid for my Oreck was the bag changing issue and the cost of bags. I paid 19.99 for a bag of 10 filter bags. Here's what I learned:
1. Oreck's filter bags are larger than the industry standard size -so they last MUCH longer than average. (the dirt drops into the bag from the top. that's another reason that the bags last longer)
2. The bags are treated with an antimicrobial that prevents the growth of mold, mildew and such inside the bag. Bagless vacs can't do that. The outer bag is also antimicrobial and since it's the HEPA filter, there are no filter replacement costs.
3. Instead of "poof" into the trash can, the bag self-seals (the hole where the dirt goes in closes by itself when you remove it), so there's no mushroom cloud of nasty particles from the trashcan (like with a bagless), dirtying up my air, floors, etc. What's the point in a bagless vacuum, especially one that's HEPA filtered, if every time you empty it all the junk you're trying to keep from breathing flies out into the air?
4. Even vacuuming every day, a package of 10 filter bags lasts me over a year. If I buy 2 and get one free at the oreck store, it costs me about $40 for a 3 1/2 - 4 year supply. Knowing that I can spend $80 and not have to buy bags for around 8 years (and knowing that Oreck has been in business over 40 years) makes the so-called benefits of a bagless vacuum moot.
Hope this helps!
John
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