I really find them better than the original filters from my Roomba 960. I say this because over the pleated filter is a layer with a more flat surface which makes it can be cleaned better and not all the dirt / dog hair gets stuck in the grooves of the pleated filter. A small brush is also included for brushing. I clean my filters every time I use the Roomba, but I think they clean more easily which could result in slightly longer filter life, not sure.