Cartridge filters are fabric or polymer-based filters that are affixed to a central core. They are usually rigid or semi-rigid and are disposable and easily replaceable. There are three basic types of depth cartridge construction: Resin-bonded, thermally bonded micro-fibre, and string wound. All three types have the same working principle—liquid under pressure is forced through the cartridge and exits through one end. Since the fluid moves from outside to inside, debris is collected mostly on the outside surface of the cartridge.

Bag filters are fabric filters that are generally made of three types of media: mesh, melt-blown, or needled felt. They are usually non-rigid, disposable, and easily replaceable. Bag filters catch all dirt inside the bag where it is completely removed from the filter vessel during a change-out. An advantage of using a bag filter is that they have a much larger surface area which offers a wide-open flow path in as compared to cartridge filters. Bag filters have lower start-up differential pressure, hence offering longer run times.