Abstract: A vacuum cleaner apparatus (10) is provided which includes a vacuum motor (16), an air pervious membrane (26) and an air pervious material collection bag (22). The vacuum motor (16) is arranged to draw air downwardly in turn through the bag (22), the membrane (26) and the motor (16) so that, in use, the bag (22) retains material entrained in the air. There is also provided a spacing means (28) located intermediate the membrane (26) and the bag (22) for orienting the bag such that a first portion (35) of the bag is adjacent the membrane and a second portion (32) of the bag is spaced from the membrane.