A system for subatmospheric pressure therapy in connection with healing a wound includes a wound dressing adapted for positioning relative to a wound bed and a subatmospheric pressure mechanism. The subatmospheric pressure mechanism includes a housing a vacuum source in the housing and associated with a vacuum port a collection canister defining an internal chamber in fluid communication with the vacuum source through the vacuum port and with the wound dressing for collecting exudates removed from the wound bed a hydrophobic filter in fluid communication with the vacuum source and the internal chamber of the collection canister and a screen disposed proximally of the filter. The filter is adapted to prevent exudates from reaching the vacuum source while allowing passage of air to the vacuum source.
