I wanted to see if I could remove the filter material and mesh from a used merv 8 filter, to use the paperboard frame for another purpose. No way; it was like trying to disassemble a unibody car! No wonder these filters hold their shape so well. They're built like tanks
The only thing I can think of is would like to see a MERV 10. . I cannot use anything higher because my Trane unit tries to suck it up into the upper works.