How to read a vacuum bag reference code
A vacuum bag reference is a short code the manufacturer assigns to one specific collar shape and bag size. It is printed on the card or plastic collar of the bag itself, and it is the single most reliable way to buy the correct replacement, more reliable than searching by your vacuum's model number alone.
The three parts of most codes
| Part | Example | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Brand prefix or family letters | GN, FJM, H30, s-bag | The collar shape and which generation of machine it was designed for |
| A number, where present | H64, C-20E | Distinguishes between several shapes sold by the same brand |
| A pack or part number | 2.863-006.0, AMC94KYZ0 | The exact retail SKU, useful for ordering the precise product |
Why the code matters more than the model number
Manufacturers change the internal bag holder every few years, but they keep selling and supporting older machines for a long time afterwards. That means a single vacuum brand can have several completely incompatible bag shapes on the market at once. Miele is the clearest example: a machine bought in 2003 and one bought in 2023 can both be called a Miele cylinder vacuum, yet they take entirely different bags. The model number tells you which machine you own, but only the reference code tells you which bag fits it.
What to do if you cannot find the code
- Check the sticker inside the dust compartment door, most manufacturers print the bag type there.
- Lift out the old bag before disposing of it and read the collar.
- Search your machine's model number, printed on a rating label on the base or rear of the unit, using the tool on our homepage.
- Check the user manual, which usually lists the consumable parts under a spares or accessories section.
Once you have the code, check it against the brand page for your machine on this site, which lists the exact fitment, capacity and material for that reference.