I am having a time trying to get hold of an engine air filter for my 2014 F56S that DOES NOT have the foam prefilter.

about 2 years ago I installed a Microgard since it was available without a Foam Prefilter but I just got back from the store and the new ones have the prefilter.

I contacted Ecogard and they insisted they had one that was just a paper panel .. ordered it and it had a prefilter.

Everything in my head the 1/2 of foam will introduce an air restriction. I obviously want engine protection but in 47 years of driving I never had an air filter with foam.

Do I/Can I just pull the foam off without damaging the filter? Am I worried over nothing and the car will feel just as peppy with the addition of 1/2 of foam prefilter? Is there some brand that doesn't cost a fortune that actually is just a paper panel air filter?

I would spend the extra on a K&N but I had them on several motorcycles and cleaning and oiling them is unpleasant. I just want to chuck in a new cheap air filter once a year with an oil change.