>When I heard your complaint, I had to laugh. I have been tying and retying the little yellow straps for a while. I see now that the rubber strap is replaced by a elastic strap. I'm going to miss that little sting on my ears when the strap brakes. Now that the straps won't break, we can use them till the filter material clogs up....I wonder if we can wash them in the washing machine? I may never have to buy another one as long as I live.