30965 HEPAtech Air purifier - daughter dropped... My daughter dropped popsicle sticks in side the

Question

My daughter dropped popsicle sticks in side the top of our Hunter air purifier. How do I open the top compartment to retrieve them? The top compartment seems to loosen as I pull on it - is there a trick for removing it? Also - The air flow will occasionally stop and then resume - is this normal? We keep it on cycle 2. I think it's due to being on cycle 2, my hubby says it's broken due to the popsicle sticks. Thank you!