Abstract: A sleeved filter apparatus prevents germs from becoming resident on both the interior and exterior of a breathing device. The sleeved filter apparatus includes a filter member and a sleeve member. The filter member is composed of a first and second enclosure half which are sealed on their interior ends. The external ends of the two enclosure halves have connectors for connecting the sleeved filter apparatus to a breathing device and/or a patient airway component. A filter element is disposed inside the filter member enclosure for preventing gases from flowing between the first connector and the second connector of the filter member without passing through the filter element. This filter member prevents germs from passing between the patient and the interior of the breathing device. The sleeve member is made of a flexible material, and has a first open end, a second open end, and a middle portion extending between the first open end and the second open end.