Do silicone mask parts have a "shelf life?"

We all know that we're supposed to replace mask seals, nasal pillows, etc., occasionally, and I've learned that if I don't do so, those silicone parts start to get softer and they don't seal as well. Does anyone know if those parts will do the same if bought new, never opened, and kept on the shelf for a year or more?

They don't seem to deteriorate in storage. I stockpiled mask cushions on eBay over two years ago, and I think the seller was another CPAP patient who stockpiled them.

KSMike wrote:We all know that we're supposed to replace mask seals, nasal pillows, etc., occasionally, and I've learned that if I don't do so, those silicone parts start to get softer and they don't seal as well. Does anyone know if those parts will do the same if bought new, never opened, and kept on the shelf for a year or more?

I went six years on my original UMFF seal/cushion (2005 - 2011). The leak rate was actually getting lower when I swapped it out. But, I decided to "retire" it (in April, 2011) to backup status and put on one I had purchased in 2006. I've now got over three years on that cushion and it's leak rate is also getting lower over time (I keep stats). Of course, some of that depends on the headgear and the appropriate tension adjustments.
Back in 2006, I purchased two additional (complete) UMFF masks and have left them in their sealed bags in their original boxes and are stored in a large cardboard box with the rest of my spare masks, parts, etc. (the prices were much lower back then) So, after reading your post, I went back to check one of them and it still looks like "new" (which it is). They're now about 8 years old, but I have no idea how they would "deteriorate". They're silicone, they've been sealed and kept protected from any kind of light source.

Over the years, and about every year, I've purchased about 2 or 3 seals and 3 sets of headgear at a time to take advantage of the free shipping on orders over $100.00. I now have quite a few sets of seals and headgear stockpiled for future use. All are in sealed bags and kept from light sources. So far, I've only taken one of those seals and one set of headgear from the "stockpile". I get "years" of use out of each one and don't plan to change my replacement routine anytime soon. It's "replace as needed".
By the way, I can use both the Large and Medium size masks and have stocks of replacement parts for both sizes (but the Large is just a tad bit more comfortable).

So, I'm thinking it's another one of those "Your Mileage May Vary"......if yours are actually deteriorating. Mine aren't.


Den

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Quite interesting Wulfman. I find that my mask seal starts leaking more readily after about 7-8 months of use. I do have to keep my headgear very tight, which might be the biggest factor, but I've found that when I replace the seal things get a lot better immediately.

The reason for the original question is that I'm thinking of stockpiling parts too, now that I think I've finally settled on a mask that works for me.

KSMike wrote:Quite interesting Wulfman. I find that my mask seal starts leaking more readily after about 7-8 months of use. I do have to keep my headgear very tight, which might be the biggest factor, but I've found that when I replace the seal things get a lot better immediately.

The reason for the original question is that I'm thinking of stockpiling parts too, now that I think I've finally settled on a mask that works for me.

I keep reading that by others. My cleaning regimen is "minimal" (usually throw the headgear in with a load of laundry about once a month and clean the mask/seal....."whenever"......a few times a year) and I wear my mask fairly loose (so it floats on my face), and use my bed pillow to help keep it against my face.
The only mask I've found that works for me is the first one I started out with.....the ResMed Ultra Mirage Full Face. Over the next subsequent years, I tried a couple of others, but nothing else measured up. I actually started stocking up on spares and supplies about a year into my therapy (2006) and tried to see just how long I could make everything last (since I've bought all the "consumables" out-of-pocket).


Den

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Wulfman... wrote:They're now about 8 years old, but I have no idea how they would "deteriorate". They're silicone, they've been sealed and kept protected from any kind of light source. All are in sealed bags and kept from light sources. So far, I've only taken one of those seals and one set of headgear from the "stockpile". I get "years" of use out of each one and don't plan to change my replacement routine anytime soon. It's "replace as needed".

I think Den made a good point about silicone being in the original packaging and unopened. They'll probably last longer than any of us As far as 'on your face' every night usage, who knows? Skin oil can break down silicone pretty fast from what I understand. < cheers from ResMed engineers and designers on receiving big annual bonuses>

Silicone is normally considered to have a long shelf life.

You might improve the lifetime a bit if you keep it someplace dry, cool, in the dark, and in an airtight package. However, anywhere out of sunlight will probably work pretty well.

Well, 1) I wash mine religiously every morning and 2) my skin tends to get slightly oily at night, so maybe that's why I get less than a year out of one. I think I'll buy extras when the time is right and plan on keeping them in the dark, as I always have. Thanks everyone.