Oil Change questions from a Newbie

[sealpup]

Greetings all on my first Lexus forum post....

I've just purchased a genuine (Toyota) oil filter for my new-to-me 2011 IS250 F Sport. It came with the paper element and a large O-ring. Some vendors on eBay show an additional white plastic fitting like this:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/K-N-OIL-FILTER-PRO-SE-PS-7023-fits-LEXUS-IS-250-GSE20-350-/161759964647?fits=Model%3AIS250&hash=item25a9a52de7:g:r6QAAOSwKIpV-9mk

What is the purpose of this thing? Is it critical for an oil change or just easier?

Also, I've found this special oil filter housing removal tool on eBay:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/TOYOTA-CARTRIDGE-OIL-FILTER-REMOVAL-TOOL-6-Cyl-models-camry-lexus-/252049633915?hash=item3aaf54327b:g:xv8AAOSwjVVVxH2l

Is this tool necessary to remove the oil filter housing, or does it just make life a bit easier?

Thanks.