Apparatus and methods of supporting and shielding flexible outer bags (110) of vacuum cleaners are disclosed. In one embodiment, a suport structure (101) includes a backing plate (100) disposed within the flexible outer bag (110), and one support member (102A, 102B) attached to the backing plate (100) and projecting away from the backing plate (100). The backing and support members contact and extend proximate respective portions of the outer bag (110), providing three-dimensional support to the outer bag (110). Alternately, a plurality of airflow apertures (104A-D) may be disposed through the support structure (101). In another embodiment, a shield structure (800) includes a backing member (806) positioned proximate to and extend over at least a portion of a rear panel of an outer bag (805) of a vacuum cleaner. First and second sidewall members (804A, 804B) are attached to and project away from the backing member (806). Alternately, the shield structure (800) may include top and front shielding members.