Media Reactor -- Foam Pad use/replacement?

I have the Spectrapure Dual Media Reactor.



I have used it for almost 3 weeks now, and went to change my phosgaurd and I noticed that the foam pads smelled like algae and don't look like their longevity is very good. I cannot wash them...it looks like they will just disintegrate



Is it just a replaceable item and a normal added expense every few months, or do I even need them in the reactor? I noticed it has a fine mesh screen built in...



Opinions or advice?