How important is it to use the sponge filter that came in my cool air humidifier?

Question:The sponge has some black webbing on one side that started falling off as soon as I used it. The sponge is almost useless now, but I don't want to have to keep ordering new filters, since this one only lasted about a month.

Answers:
You should go back to the shop where you bought it , I´m sure they last longer than 1 month. I have one , I take it out every 3 -4 weeks wash it in warm water,leave to dry for 12 hrs, then pop back in again. I have had this filter for more than 2 yrs. I would check it out