How long do masks last?

littlebaddow · Post by **littlebaddow** » Sun Feb 13, 2005 3:33 am

I've been on the hose for nearly 3 months and have one mask, a Resmed Mirage Vista, which I'm getting on well with.

How long can I expect the mask to last before it needs to be replaced, and what are the signs that it's reached the end of useful life?

Liam1965 · Post by **Liam1965** » Sun Feb 13, 2005 7:22 am

littlebaddow wrote:I've been on the hose for nearly 3 months and have one mask, a Resmed Mirage Vista, which I'm getting on well with.

How long can I expect the mask to last before it needs to be replaced, and what are the signs that it's reached the end of useful life?

I haven't been on nearly that long, but from what I've heard other people say.... Most people seem to replace masks every 3-6 months. Most insurance companies will pay for a new one at either 3 or 6 month intervals.

And I think you'll know when it's not working right any more. If it develops cracks, or won't form a good seal on your face like it used to, or if some obvious part of it breaks off.

Liam, who has obvious parts breaking off. But his MASK is in perfect condition.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Feb 13, 2005 11:28 pm

Mine lasted 15 months...the respironics gel mask...the little seal holding the parts together broke or I'd still be using it. I have to pay for my own equipment, so I am careful with it.

Dave Hargett · Post by **Dave Hargett** » Mon Feb 14, 2005 10:00 am

The general rule is about 6 months for insurance to replace the entire mask/cushion set up. Some plans will replace the mask cushion only at 3 months.

I find myself (after 10 years) that I should plan to replace at 6-9 months, even though I am pretty good about cleaning daily. I notice the mask start leaking a little more, so that I am getting annoyed with adjustments. Sometimes the headgear straps get a little stretched too.

I always recommend getting one at 6 months and keeping the most current used one as your emergency spare. If you pay out of pocket, I can understand stretching the usage, but there may be a point where that is a little counter-productive if you are not getting full benefit from it. At least replace the mask cushion if you're going to keep a mask for a year or more.

chrisp · Post by **chrisp** » Mon Feb 14, 2005 12:46 pm

I'm going on 3 years with my Resmed ultra mirage mask. I did replace the elbow. The quick release on the tube connector broke when I stepped on it. No plans to replace it .

Cheers,

Chris

johnnygoodman · Post by **johnnygoodman** » Mon Feb 14, 2005 3:48 pm

Howdy,

3-6 months is the standard reply.

You replace masks for two main reasons:

1. Wear and Tear Affects Treatment
2. The mask is frequently warm and wet. Warm + Wet = Eventual Sickness.

You hear of people going for 15+ months with a mask. This is risky business unless one is VERY careful to keep the mask sterile and to make sure it doesn't have any wear that affects it's usage. Make sure you are a true CPAP vet before attempting, even then - it may be easier to drop $90 bucks every 3-6 months and not worry about negative side affects.

At the end of the day, it's YOUR treatment, YOUR health and YOUR choice.

chrisp · Post by **chrisp** » Mon Feb 14, 2005 6:30 pm

Johnny,
I'd be glad to donate my 3 yr old mask to the cpap.com museum. What discounts are you offering ? I just say its like anything else. Take care of it and it will take care of you. I sleep with it. What are others doing with them ? Playing Rugby ! LOL. I just wash it ! I hope they don't "improve it".

Cheers,

Chris

Machine	Mask

Machine	Mask

How long do masks last?

How long do masks last?

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