I use both. the carbon pouch and a purigen pouch in a basket. I have a couple extra packs and usually put it in a bowl of 1/2 bleach 1/2 water over night and then just rinse it well before putting it in a sandwich baggie under the sink. The stuff smell horrible even after being bleached. I mean it is some nasty smelling stuff but it sure works great!
I change mine out every 2 weeks to a month