Sure, no problem, after finding out what the Nissan dealer wanted for an air filter, I just stuffed the filter box with old socks, cotton makes a great filter.
I guess filtration would depend they were old socks with a holes in them, or a new socks. Ether case, be sure to inpregnate it with a 90/10 coating of GC/ARX and wash it at least as often as your own socks!!!
Not as bad and panty hose. There was a guy who used screen door mesh on the inside and outside of a layer of panty hose to fit around his turbos on the drag mustang.