I have a vacuum that has been using them since 2001 and have since bought this exact product (same make and model of Hoover Z bag) for it. These new pockets let ash and dust through while the old ones didn't let through at all. I checked the connection between the bag and the brush and it is a good seal. You can clearly see the bag's ash/dust color change and you can see a slight haze with use as you remove the secondary filter which now needs to be cleaned and replaced much more frequently. The sad thing is that I don't think there is a better option on the market.