Endura Max - cannot open the filer top canister

Just got my new Dirt Devil Max vacuum cleaner.  Tested it out and then followed the directions to clean the filer.  Emptied the bottom filter no problem...could not open the top filer.  Called customer service and all they could say was return the vacuum.  It's the weekend before X-mas.  The last thing I want to do is go back to a store.  And I bought the last one.  Just hate that everything takes at least two trips. Very frustrating.