CYBERBEANS Air Conditional Replacement with Activated Carbon for Tesla Model 3 Model Y HEPA Cabin Air Filter Accessories 2016-2024/2025/2026 Juniper Highland Upgraded Version

Why I swapped my Tesla’s cabin filters

I swapped the cabin filters in my 2023 Model Y on a Saturday morning after noticing the familiar “gym-bag” whiff when the A/C first kicked on. I picked up the CYBERBEANS HEPA cabin filter, a two-piece set designed for the Model 3 and Model Y (including the Highland and Juniper iterations). It combines H11-grade HEPA media with a coconut-shell activated carbon layer, promising better particulate capture and improved odor control. After a week of daily commuting and a couple of highway trips, here’s how it performed.

What you’re getting

The CYBERBEANS filter is a five-layer design that includes a melt-blown electrostatic layer, HEPA-grade fibers, and an activated carbon bed. The headline numbers are familiar for this category: capture of particles down to 0.3 microns with up to 99.5% efficiency. In practice, that translates to better control of fine dust, pollen, and brake/road particulate that can make its way into the cabin. The carbon layer is there to reduce odors from outside sources (diesel, smoke, fertilizers) and to tame the musty evaporator smell that can build up in humid climates.

It’s a two-piece set because the Model 3/Y housing stacks two filters on top of each other. This pack includes both. The sizing and tab orientation matched the factory layout in my car, and the airflow arrows are clearly marked.

Installation: DIY-friendly, with a few caveats

If you’ve never changed a Tesla cabin filter, budget 20–30 minutes and a bit of patience for the passenger-side panel clips. Here’s how my install went and what I recommend:

• Tools: trim tool (or a plastic pry tool), T20 Torx driver, flashlight, small vacuum or microfiber towel.
• Access: remove the carpeted side panel on the passenger footwell. The clips are stout; work from the edge with a trim tool and support the panel as you release each clip. Take your time—you don’t need to muscle it.
• Cover and screw: unplug the footwell light, then remove the T20 Torx screw holding the narrow cabin filter cover. Keep the screw somewhere safe.
• Old filters out: pull the top filter tab first, then slide it out; the second filter sits behind it and slides upward and out. Expect some dust—this is a good moment to vacuum the housing.
• New filters in: install the lower filter first (airflow arrows pointing down in my 2023 Y), then the upper filter. You’ll need a slight flex to get each filter past the lip; bend gently along the long edge, not sharply, to avoid creasing the media.
• Reassemble: refit the cover, reconnect the footwell light, and snap the side panel back on, pressing firmly around the edges to seat the clips.

Fit was snug, but the cover seated flush and the screw threaded normally. The hardest part remains the side panel clips; if you’re cautious and use a proper trim tool, it’s straightforward.

Pro tip: before closing up, run the blower on low for a minute to confirm there’s no whistling—an indicator of a misaligned filter or a trapped tab.

Immediate impressions: fresher air, less bite from outside odors

The first drive after installation had a faint carbon “new filter” scent that dissipated within a day. More importantly, the stale start-up odor was gone. On a city run with buses ahead and a bit of road dust from nearby construction, the cabin stayed neutral. The carbon layer doesn’t eliminate strong odors outright, but it blunts them noticeably compared with my outgoing filters. With ventilation set to fresh air, the exhaust note from traffic was reduced to a background hint rather than an intrusive smell.

Allergy-wise, my spring sniffles usually spike on high-pollen days; with the CYBERBEANS set in place, I found myself keeping the fan on lower speeds with no irritation. That aligns with what an H11-grade media should deliver: better capture of the fine stuff that triggers symptoms.

Airflow and HVAC load

Upgraded filters can add resistance, which sometimes shows up as extra fan noise or reduced airflow at the same setting. I listened closely from fan level 2 through 7. In my car, airflow felt essentially unchanged through the mid-range, and I didn’t notice extra blower noise until level 7–8, where there was a modest change in tone—nothing dramatic, and cooling performance remained consistent. For daily use, it’s a non-issue.

If your evaporator is already musty, a filter alone won’t fix everything. Consider running the A/C dry-out routine (turn A/C off, fan on, heat slightly up for a few minutes before parking) for a week, or use a proper evaporator cleaner if the smell persists.

Build quality and materials

Out of the box, the pleats were uniform, and the frame felt adequately rigid for a snug housing like Tesla’s. The edges were clean, and the tabs were firmly attached. The carbon layer is not loose or gritty; I gave each filter a couple of taps and didn’t see shedding. Still, it’s smart practice to inspect before installing—any filter with visibly loose media should go back.

The five-layer story matters less than how well the filter seals in the housing. With these, the perimeter seated nicely, and I didn’t hear any telltale whistles that would suggest bypass. After a week, there was no residual charcoal scent in the cabin.

Fit and compatibility notes

These are marketed for Model 3 and Model Y, including Highland and Juniper updates. I can only speak directly to my 2023 Model Y and a quick check-fit in a friend’s 2021 Model 3—both were correct. The stack height and cover alignment matched OEM. The housing requires a minor flex for insertion; if you’re too aggressive, you can crease any aftermarket filter, so take your time. Also, install both pieces—your car uses two filters, and running a single filter will compromise performance.

If your vehicle has had interior trim work before, be mindful that a previously bent or cracked side panel clip can make reassembly fiddlier. That’s not the filter’s fault, but it will color your installation experience.

Maintenance and lifespan

The guidance of 8–12 months or about 12,000 miles is sensible. I’d stay closer to the 8-month interval if you drive in dusty areas, near construction, or in regions with wildfire smoke or high humidity. A quick visual check at six months takes two minutes: pop the cover, slide out the top filter, and look for darkened pleats or odor return.

One benefit of a carbon layer is odor reduction; the trade-off is that carbon adsorbent capacity is finite. Even if the media still looks clean, odors can creep back once the carbon is saturated. That’s your cue to replace.

What I liked

• Noticeable odor reduction without relying on recirculation
• Fine particulate capture that feels kinder to allergy-prone passengers
• Clear airflow markings and familiar two-filter layout with a snug, OEM-like fit
• Reasonable install time for a DIYer with basic tools
• Good value as a two-piece pack

What could be better

• The passenger-side panel clips make this job feel scarier than it is; a simple printed guide in the box would help first-timers
• Initial carbon scent (brief, but present)
• Tolerances are tight; if you’re heavy-handed during the bend-and-insert moment, you can crease the media
• In very heavy traffic or behind older diesel vehicles, you may still sense a faint odor on fresh-air mode—this is normal for cabin-sized carbon filters

Who it’s for

If you’re looking to improve cabin air quality over the stock setup—especially for odor control and allergens—the CYBERBEANS HEPA cabin filter is a strong, easy recommendation. It’s also a good fit for drivers who spend time in urban traffic, around farms, or near construction zones where airborne irritants are common. If you prefer to never touch interior trim clips and want a guaranteed service experience, having a shop install an OEM set might be your path; performance will be good, though in my experience the odor reduction won’t be as strong as a carbon-loaded HEPA media.

Final recommendation

I recommend the CYBERBEANS HEPA cabin filter for Model 3 and Model Y owners who want cleaner air and better odor control without sacrificing airflow or adding fan noise. Installation is approachable with basic tools, the fit is correct, and the combination of H11 media and coconut-shell carbon makes a clear difference in day-to-day driving. Replace on a sensible schedule, handle the filters gently during installation, and you’ll get a fresh, neutral-smelling cabin for months at a time.