Hello, thank you for your feedback. The replacement wicking filters have a blue pre-filter layer to filter out large particles and provide structural stability for the filters. As long as the replacement filter you received came in a retail box with the Honeywell logo, you have a genuine Honeywell replacement filter that is designed to work with your Honeywell humidifier. If you have any questions or concerns about the filters, please reach out to us at SocialSupport@HelenOfTroy.com. Thank you!