A fluid filter element (10) comprises a pleated filter media (34) having spaced apart pleats (40) and an external filter media surface (38) comprising the external peaks of the pleats (40) and a flexible foam filter media sleeve (42) in contact with and extending between the pleats of the peaks of the external filter media surface (38). The filter media sleeve (42) maintains the spacing between the external peaks of the pleats (40) of the pleated filter media (34). The pleated filter media (34) is for fluid applications and includes fragile material media layers (74, 76) between wire meshes (70, 80).