how often to replace cpap filter and nasal pillow?

Hi, I got the replacement for the cpap filter and p10 nasal pillow on the mail. The DME says both need to be replaced every 2 weeks. But I checked the machine spec on line, says the filter can be replaced 4 to 6 weeks, and cpap.com says the pillow usually replace every 2 and 3 moth. So does the DME try to rid my insurance off? I mean even I don't need to pay for them directly, but it's in my medical equipment allowance eventually, correct? So what exactly we should do? I mean I can tell the pillow if it's useable or not, but the filter if it's still white not dirty, when it needs to be replaced? And how do you guys handle the DME keeping sending supplier may not need? I want to try a different mask after 90days, so really don't want to keep all the pillow supplier. Plus, they sent me the wrong size.

Is your insurance Medicare?

nope, I have the united health care choice plus.

The reason I asked about Medicare is that auto shipping is illegal when Medicare is involved.

DMEs will auto ship anything and everything they can so that they can get paid from your insurance per the supply allowance.
It's a cash cow for them that they keep milking.

Obviously this stuff will last a lot longer with common sense care and just because the insurance will pay more often for something doesn't mean it is worn out.

That said it is good to have a spare of anything but after that if you don't need it you don't have to stockpile it if you don't want to.
You can request "no auto shipping, please, I will contact you if I need something".

Most insurance companies follow Medicare replacement guidelines. You would need to check with your insurance to confirm but if they do this is what Medicare allows...but with Medicare patients we have to tell the DME that we need so and so because it is worn out or broken or whatever.
Your DME is just making money because they can...not because you necessarily need to replace something. I get months and months out of a nasal pillow and I get years out of a hose and have never needed a water chamber replaced.
Filters...like you...as needed...when they get dark...for me in my old house out in the country with dust and animals...it's about once a month but others it might be 6 months.

mibbim wrote:Hi, I got the replacement for the cpap filter and p10 nasal pillow on the mail. The DME says both need to be replaced every 2 weeks. But I checked the machine spec on line, says the filter can be replaced 4 to 6 weeks, and cpap.com says the pillow usually replace every 2 and 3 moth. So does the DME try to rid my insurance off? I mean even I don't need to pay for them directly, but it's in my medical equipment allowance eventually, correct? So what exactly we should do? I mean I can tell the pillow if it's useable or not, but the filter if it's still white not dirty, when it needs to be replaced? And how do you guys handle the DME keeping sending supplier may not need? I want to try a different mask after 90days, so really don't want to keep all the pillow supplier. Plus, they sent me the wrong size.

It's your money/insurance...Tell them to stop shipping unless you ask for something. You are in control.

mibbim wrote:Hi, I got the replacement for the cpap filter and p10 nasal pillow on the mail. The DME says both need to be replaced every 2 weeks. But I checked the machine spec on line, says the filter can be replaced 4 to 6 weeks, and cpap.com says the pillow usually replace every 2 and 3 moth. So does the DME try to rid my insurance off? I mean even I don't need to pay for them directly, but it's in my medical equipment allowance eventually, correct? So what exactly we should do? I mean I can tell the pillow if it's useable or not, but the filter if it's still white not dirty, when it needs to be replaced? And how do you guys handle the DME keeping sending supplier may not need? I want to try a different mask after 90days, so really don't want to keep all the pillow supplier. Plus, they sent me the wrong size.

the clinical manual for your machine says to replace the filter "every six months, or as needed" which means, "if it's not dirty, don't worry about it", it all depends on how much dust is in the air in your bedroom.

I've been using the same p10 pillow for nearly three years now, I've got a spare, I've tried swapping a new one in, and it made no difference, so I went back to the original, just to see how long it will last.

that every two weeks crap is someone that wants you to replace perfectly good things so that THEY make more money.

keep a spare of *everything* and replace things when they don't work as well anymore.

Thanks so much! I called the supplier, asked them to send when I call them. It's so great to have a support forum like this that help the new patient. Thanks so much and have a great weekend!

These numbers are MINIMUMS allowed,
If your skin chemistry allows you to use a pillow longer, the excess allows you to get a reasonable backup supply.
Some cosmetic products need to be thoroughly cleaned off before sleeping, as they may damage silicone.
Filters are another thing. Look at the old filter. If it looks soiled, it needs changing.
Soon we will be getting smoke from Kansas burning off the dry prairie grass (on purpose).
This is a nightmare for people with pulmonary problems and an annoyance for the rest of us.
It also dirties up my filters faster than usual. When I see the haze, I switch my filter change frequency.