Filter media

A filter element comprising:

• a base web containing wood pulp fibers, other plant fibers, or mixtures thereof, the base web being combined with at least a first additive and a second additive, the first additive being combined with the base web as a size, the first additive comprising a compound having one of the following structures:
• wherein R1 and R2 of the first additive comprise alkyl groups having a carbon chain length of from about 12 carbon atoms to about 28 carbon atoms;
• and
• the second additive comprising a polyether, monopropylene glycol, sorbitol, glycerin, or mixtures thereof, the second additive having been applied to a surface of the base web, wherein the second additive is present on the surface of the base web in a pattern that covers from about 10% to about 90% of the surface area of the surface of the base web;
• wherein the first additive is present in the base web in an amount of from 18% to about 30% by weight of the base web and wherein the second additive is present in the base web in an amount of from about 15% by weight to about 25% by weight of the base web;
• wherein the base web is gathered, crimped, embossed, corrugated, or combinations thereof, into a rod form;
• wherein the base web is free of synthetic fibers, wherein the base web of the filter element is continuous.