I know this thread is old, but I'd like to add my 2 cents. I have a 2014 Mazda 5 and the directions given here apply to the second generation as well, though the part number is supposedly different. I found that putting the car on ramps was what I needed to do because I am 66, not very flexible and somewhat overweight. I couldn't fit between the passenger seat and the door pillar on my back, so I had to find another way. A stubby phillips is helpful in removing the top two screws. I found that if I held the top filter to the left, (rearward), I could slide the bottom filter in easier. My microvan has 44K miles in three years and the filters were quite dirty. By the way, I love my 6 speed manual trans., got one of the last ones!
Mark