That works too ! :)

apparently the carbon ones are for cars WITH air conditioning?

Note Some have the paper frames. Some are a mix of the plastic/foam gasket.....I dunno if it matters, as I've gotten both. I replace them often enough. I'll have to dig my order history but I have definitely returned some *OEM* brands as the fit was just a little wonky.

Up from the bottom. When you pull the filter out...it should be obvious. The air entering the HVAC system must flow through the filter first. So if leaves, dirt, and heavy debris are on the bottom side of the filter...and the air ducts (plenums) that direct the air into the car are on the "clean" side of the filter...then the air must flow upward from the bottom...through the filter...into the HVAC system. :)

Using the diagram below to show how fresh air flows into the HVAC system:

1. Fresh air gets sucked into the left/right air inlets in item #4
2. The fresh air inlets (#5 & #6) channels the fresh air to the plenum area below the air filter (#2)
3. If any water flows into the fresh air outlets and down into the plenum...it is drained out by #10 & #11 (thus keeping the microfilter dry)
4. Fresh air is sucked up THRU the microfilter and into the HVAC system through the upper portion of the microfilter housing (#3)...and on through the openings (#11)

I always have to blow or vacuum out the bottom of that air chute - it gets full of leaves