I had this happen to a Miele S5 HEPA filter WITH the activated carbon layer also. Not a biggie for me as it came already fitted to the vac, and I was planning to substitute a standard electrostatic Air Clean filter when it was due for replacement anyway.
Had I bought the cleaner specifically for that feature, however, I'd have been none too pleased. Especially given the cost of the filter, and the fact the vac itself had an easy life being used in rotation with three others.