Abstract: A closely coiled multilayered element ("element") for use in filtration of gases, particularly with compressed air, is disclosed, which is a coiled cylindrically-shaped packing, spiralled about a common central axis where each successive layer essentially touches the previous layer. The materials of construction of the element are polyolefins, and, preferably for compressed air, polyethylene where the molecular weight may be as low as 2.5 million. The elements do not compress, thus keeping the void volume open in normal use for trapping both entrained solids and liquids, even if the liquids are dissimilar, such as oil and water. A method for manufacturing the invention which comprises cutting individual pieces of bed packing material from a solid core is also disclosed and the process of gas purification is described.