How do you know when to replace parts

Chelle25 · Post by **Chelle25** » Tue Aug 05, 2014 6:49 am

How often do you need to replace:

Mask cushion
Mask
Tubing
Filters for the machine

Craig-Tx · Post by **Craig-Tx** » Tue Aug 05, 2014 7:21 am

Chelle25 wrote:How often do you need to replace:

Mask cushion
Mask
Tubing
Filters for the machine

Ohh how this topic will be answered. There are so many varying degrees of what others do that I will only state my opinions.

Cushion:
I replace when I start having problem keeping a decent seal. Some masks I'll get about a year out of a cushion (Some more, some less). Medicare guidelines will allow the user to replace every two weeks (every month for a FFM) If however, you do a decent job of cleaning with non abrasive cleaners, they will last a LOT longer. I will say that once you go a long while and finally replace a cushion, you will notice the immediate difference in how well it seals.

Mask:
Never. I've never bought the same mask frame twice. I keep trying different masks, I have used the same frame for some masks for a few years and have noticed no issues.

Tubing:
This one is even more subjective. I've replaced them, but I really don't know that I noticed any difference. I use good filters on the machine and distilled water, so the tubes really stay clean. I don't even wash them. I do however keep a new tube as a backup in case a hole develops, the cats attack it, etc. but basically, they are relatively cheap. If you think it's dirty and you can't clean it adequately, replace it.

Filters:
Ok, this is where I DO replace stuff. (BTW, cpap.com has Filters on sale 1/2 off right now). I previously had a Respironics M-Series machine, so I'll talk to my experience with that. I always used both the black reusable filters and the white disposable filters. The black ones I would typically take out and wash every week or so. The white ones, I replaced when it became a moderate shade of grey. (Typically about 1month - 6 weeks) I never really replaced the black filters. As long as they still had a good shape, I continued to wash and re-use. (I know I had some for years). The filter life span will depend GREATLY on the air quality. At my house, a white filter would typically last 6+ weeks. When I went to Indonesia, the white filter was dark after 1 week.

Humidifier Chamber: (you didn't ask, but why not)
I NEVER have replaced one. I always use distilled water and wash it periodically. But like tubing, it's cheap, so I wouldn't hesitate to replace it if I felt it was needed.

hope this helps.

englandsf · Post by **englandsf** » Tue Aug 05, 2014 7:30 am

I use a ResMed S9 with P10 pillows. I think my pillows are flaking a bit at 5 weeks so I'm about to try a replacement. On everything else I'd have to agree with Craig - but don't forget - a spare never hurts and your insurance should pay for it (after meeting your deductible of course) so why not stock up at their expense anyway?

Don't expect your DME to volunteer this info - push them and check your prescription (which should contain replacement frequencies) and your insurance cover.

Welcome aboard BTW

library lady · Post by **library lady** » Tue Aug 05, 2014 9:31 am

My DME gave me the Medicare replacement schedule (for when they will cover a replacement). You need to use your own judgment, though. I've picked up a few extra filters to have on hand, and after a few months the end of my tubing got stretched out so I picked a new one up in case it broke. Other than that I've only replaced my cushion once. I think you need to use your own judgment; if humidifier cracks, obviously you'll need a new one regardless of the Medicare schedule. I have been on cpap for only 6 months, so most of my equipment is in good shape.

Denial Dave · Post by **Denial Dave** » Tue Aug 05, 2014 10:35 am

I replace the cushion in my Quattro FFM every 3 months.... its right about when the leaks become uncontrollable for me.

My headgear gets replaced once a year....just because it feels about the right time to me.

I'm on my 2nd climateline hose in 2 years... I had the replace the 1st one only because I stepped on it and cracked it.

I have 2 humidifer tanks in rotation... whenever I decide that I need to clean the one in use, I set it aside and use my spare until I get around to cleaning it. Having 2 tanks in rotation makes the cleaning process less annoying for me. LOL

Chelle25 · Post by **Chelle25** » Wed Aug 06, 2014 7:17 am

Thanks for the replies as I was not sure. I just ordered another cushion so I have a replacement on hand.

Tino2You · Post by **Tino2You** » Wed Aug 06, 2014 7:31 am

Hi Chelle,

My experience is very much like Craig. My insurance uses Apria as the DME. Apria is very good (to a fault) about reminding you when your insurance will allow replacements. Like Criag, I collected a bunch of new cushions and parts. I took the new mask, tank and hose when they allowed it because I bought a travel machine from mcdover (in this forum) and used those parts on it. I have since stopped the Apria calls and will call them when I need something. I often find it is almost cheaper to buy the items on CPAP.COM that pay the deductible after the inflated price Apria charges the insurance company.
-tino

How do you know when to replace parts

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