Frequently Asked Questions

The Selfpress combines a water filter and a drinking bottle in one system. No external hoses or additional components are required. You fill it with water, press it through the filter, and can then drink directly from the bottle.

The Selfpress uses a hollow fiber membrane with a pore size of 0.2 µm and activated carbon. The hollow fiber membrane mechanically retains bacteria, protozoa, microplastics, and particles larger than 0.2 µm. The activated carbon additionally reduces chlorine as well as unpleasant tastes and odors.

The Selfpress offers limited reduction of viruses. If virus filtration is particularly important, such as on long-distance travel, we recommend our Squeeze or Straw. Both use a filter system that also effectively retains viruses.

The Selfpress is suitable for freshwater from natural water sources such as streams or lakes. Whenever possible, choose a water source that is as clear and uncontaminated as possible. Seawater and brackish water are not suitable.

Yes, in principle, the Selfpress can also be used for treating tap water while traveling. The hollow fiber membrane retains bacteria and protozoa, while the activated carbon reduces chlorine as well as unpleasant tastes and odors, among other things. However, the Selfpress only reduces viruses to a limited extent. If there is a possibility of viral contamination in the tap water, we therefore recommend our Squeeze or Straw.

When used over several days, the filter should be well-ventilated between uses. After use, push air through the filter 2–3 times and detach it from the bottle during breaks so that residual moisture can escape and the filter can dry as much as possible. When traveling, store it in an open, airy place whenever possible and protect it from frost and direct, intense sunlight. After your trip, let all components dry completely while separated.

The Selfpress 500 ml has a maximum filter capacity of up to 1,500 liters. The actual service life depends on, among other things, the quality of the water used. We recommend replacing the filter after 2 years at the latest.

If the filtering process requires significantly increased force and the water flow rate continues to decrease, the filter element should be replaced.

When stored optimally, the filter element has a shelf life of at least two years.

It is best to dry the Selfpress immediately after use. To do this, push air through the filter two to three times without water. This will press out most of the residual moisture. Then, detach the filter from the bottle and let it dry completely in a well-ventilated area.

Ensure that the water does not exceed the fill line of the outer container and that there is no air between the water and the filter element before you start the filtering process. Also check that the sealing ring in the filter element is properly seated and that the drinking spout remains open during the entire filtering process.

The Squeeze combines two filter technologies. An electro-adsorptive filter fleece binds even very small contaminants such as viruses through its surface charge. A hollow fiber membrane with a pore size of 0.2 µm mechanically retains bacteria, protozoa, microplastics, and particles.

Yes. Due to its surface charge, the electro-adsorptive filter fleece also binds very small contaminants such as viruses.

The Squeeze is suitable for freshwater from natural water sources such as streams or lakes. Flowing water is preferable to stagnant water. Highly turbid water should be pre-filtered beforehand, for example using a cloth. Seawater and brackish water are not suitable.

Yes, the Squeeze is generally suitable for treating tap water while traveling. Its two-stage filter system retains bacteria and viruses, among other things. However, the quality of the water source should always be taken into account: not all possible contaminants can be removed by a portable water filter. Especially in cases of potential high levels of contamination from chemicals, heavy metals, or other dissolved substances, the water should not be considered safe based solely on the Squeeze. We therefore recommend always choosing the cleanest possible water source whenever possible.

When used over several days, the filter should be kept as well-ventilated as possible between uses. After use, push air through the filter 2–3 times and disconnect it from the bag during breaks so that residual moisture can escape and the filter can dry as much as possible. When on the go, keep it in an open, airy place whenever possible and protect it from frost and direct, intense sunlight. After the trip, let all components dry completely while separated.

The filter element has a maximum filter capacity of up to 500 liters. The more turbid or contaminated the water used is, the faster the filter can become clogged.

If the flow rate decreases significantly and persistently despite proper maintenance and it becomes difficult to force water through the filter, the filter element should be replaced.

Yes. The Squeeze replacement filter element is compatible with both the 500 ml and 1 liter bags.

After use, push air through the filter 2–3 times to remove as much residual water as possible. Then, detach the filter from the bag and allow both parts to dry completely in a well-ventilated place. The filter and bag should also be stored separately from each other afterwards.

The Straw combines an electro-adsorptive filter medium with activated carbon. Electrically charged fibers bind very small impurities such as bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. The activated carbon additionally reduces unpleasant tastes and odors.

Yes. Due to its surface charge, the electro-adsorptive filter medium also binds very small contaminants such as viruses.

The straw is suitable for freshwater from rain barrels, canisters, buckets, wells, streams, or lakes. Flowing water is preferable to standing water. You should pre-filter very cloudy water, for example through a cloth. Sea and brackish water are not suitable. Also, avoid water sources near shipping traffic, sewage treatment plants, or intensive agriculture.

One end of the 70 cm long tube is connected to the filter, and the open end is placed in the water. You can then drink directly from the filter's mouthpiece without having to bend down directly to the water surface.

The Straw has a maximum filter capacity of up to 500 liters. The cloudier or more contaminated the water is, the faster the flow rate may decrease. If the flow rate is permanently significantly reduced, the Straw should be replaced.

When stored unused in a dry place at room temperature and protected from direct sunlight, the straw has a shelf life of two years.

After use, blow air through the mouthpiece to remove any remaining water from the filter. Then, disconnect the filter from the remaining components and allow it to dry in an open, well-ventilated area.

No. There is no separate replacement filter element for the Straw. Once the maximum filter capacity has been reached or if the flow rate is permanently significantly reduced, the entire Straw must be replaced.