I have use this vacuum twice , and it be awkwardly design - the hose and the cord be continually get in the way of each other . although I do not think the release lever feel like it would break off , it be very hard to manage - I could not release it with my foot - I have to bend down and push hard with my hand every time I want to release it . but my biggest gripe be that I can see puff of dust that it blow out the front . I check the bag twice , and it seem to be in place , but for a hepa vacuum , it be generate a lot of dust . what a waste of money !