A thinner layer would offer the same level of dust protection but provide you with nearly no loss to air flow when compared to no filter.https://unifilter.com/online-catalog/accessories/
Uni Filter - BF-1 BF1 12" X 16" X 5/8" 65-PPI Green Fine Foam
Uni filter ATV air filters keep out all the dirt, dust, and mud providing superior engine protection. The principle of how foam air filters work is simple, open cell polyurethane foam is wetted with specially developed filter oil. The sticky filter oil.www.amazon.com
Dust doesn't really worm its way into things, it settles. It's also extremely light. So when it hits the filter, other particles start piling on top. This is why even high flow vent dust filters are immensely thin.
Try something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Frost-King-C...86-a2a8-55ad98a90b64&pd_rd_i=B000BO68BU&psc=1