When to replace mask cushions

Other than the obvious rips or holes that cause leaks, what lets you know it is time to replace the mask cushion? Being a natural tightwad, I don't want to replace it before I have to, but i have been noticing more leaks as the cushion ages. My insurance company will not replace the cushions, but will replace the mask every six months.

AlabamaAl wrote:what lets you know it is time to replace the mask cushion?

DIY

I have been using the Quattro for over 5 years. The mask itself will not wear out. The Cushions may occasionally need replacing. I have had cushions last over a year. I have 2 that I alternate. I boil them about every 3 months. On a regular basis I clean them every night with a baby wipe. I never open the velcro on the head straps and I wash the straps...maybe twice a year.

Wipes keep the silicone from becoming too floppy over time, just don't use any that have either alcohol or petroleum jelly in them.

If insurance will not help (get it in writing in case of a lie), you do not have to buy this part locally.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... attro.html
Cushions can also be found on Ebay, Amazon, and CL.

I bought the Hybrid a wile ago,the large blue kit with all the sizes included called "Hybrid" with an under the chin feature in the cushion. I can honestly say I've never changed my mouth cushion, but I only wear it 30 days at most once or twice a year now because It's my vacation home mask, only . I don't want to travel with equipment anymore. I've changed the nasal pillows once. I've had this mask over two years. I use a little headband over my pillows and they never leak and hold nicely. I bought various cloth headbands at the drugstore and they all work over pillows to keep them in place. If you have a small head, shorten them to size. Simple and it's such a fantastic mask that it's worth playing with all the sizes they provide. At home, I also have the F& P (I'm pretty sure it's the Flexifit 431 because there's no hard foam inside the cushion) full face mask which I love and I didn't like the upgrade with the hard grey foam at all. It's a very good mask for full face and better than all the new full face masks out there, I think. I've changed that cushion once, but only wear the mask when I'm stuffed up and and too tired to do my ritual salt spray, as I've weened off steroid sprays. I'm, by nature, a nose breather so I really can get by with just my lightweight Aloha. My standard is the Aloha pillow and I get new pillows through my insurance every month. I have changed my Flexfit full face cushion only once since I bought it and didn't notice much of a difference between the old or new. Both flexfit cushions are old now and both are very usable. I've used various gel masks and I always had to replace them monthly or retire them. The gel cushions always start to "give" in at least one area and I'll start leaking no matter how hard I strap it all on. The gel also feels hard as a rock on my face after a few minutes no matter how soft the gel or foam felt coming right out of the box. I like a mask that I don't have to tighten, but just seals without leaving marks or the headgear making me feel as if I'm cutting off circulation in the back of my neck or major arteries to my brain (seriously). Nasal pillows need to be changed every month or two I think, but silicone cushions seem to last quite a wile, especially if you have an under the chin feature that supports the mask . I would never wear another full face mask without a chin feature that supports the mask . The under the chin feature makes all the difference on how lose you can strap that mask and still have a great seal and fit. Whatever you wear, you may be able to still get a new cushion or pillow set sent out to you every month for free if you have medicare or insurance. If you have to buy it, there about 20 dollars plus shipping.

AlabamaAl wrote:Other than the obvious rips or holes that cause leaks, what lets you know it is time to replace the mask cushion? Being a natural tightwad, I don't want to replace it before I have to, but i have been noticing more leaks as the cushion ages.

I got a MQ in 2009, reading the stories here of people replacing their cushions every few weeks, I bought a spare cushion on ebay.

after the mask frame broke where the elbow clips in in the summer of 2014, I bought another whole mask (got a good deal on it vs replacing just the frame). still have that replacement cushion unopened in it's package.

ymmv, batteries not included, tax title and license extra, and whatever other disclaimers you'd like to throw in here.

Most insurance companies will follow this CMS Medicare replacement schedule.

http://www.absolute-medical.com/files/C ... HEDULE.pdf

palerider wrote:ymmv, batteries not included, tax title and license extra, and whatever other disclaimers you'd like to throw in here.

Dealer add-ons $920
Documentation fee $585

I have an oily face and so go through cushions quicker than most. Don't pay too much attention to when I replace them, other than when I am waking up by leaks of notice it leaks easier than it should. Probably replace very 2-3 months.

bavinck wrote:I have an oily face and so go through cushions quicker than most.

Don't you think oil should help preserve the cushions???

Christine L wrote:

bavinck wrote:I have an oily face and so go through cushions quicker than most.

Don't you think oil should help preserve the cushions???

No actually it deteriorates the cushions that is why it is suggested we wash them and our faces before we go to bed!

mike1953 wrote: it deteriorates the cushions

Can you cite a source for that?

ResMed among other companies selling the things!

That's not nice Julie.