Mask finally wore out!

I was wondering what kind of mileage do you folks get with your masks cushions?

My Airtouch f20 memory foam mask finally started experiencing higher than acceptable leakage rates (according to my cpap machines) and it has essentially been 23 months on the cushion I started out with. The memory foam looks and feels new but after switching to a new cushion that the machine isn’t complaining about large leaks.

How long should a mask typically last? Any other Airtouch users here that can share your longevity stories?

Thanks

How do you clean the memory foam cushion?

I occasionally use cpap wipes to wipe the insides and the memory foam. I use a mask liner so the foam stays clean and oil free. It looks and feels new still but whatever it is the mask is leaky and yet on close inspection I can’t see where a hole or tear might be. It’s almost like the foam has become more porous and so it leaks. New cushion is the same tension on my face yet it doesn’t leak at all and last night using the new cushion I actually had a great sleep. Placebo? Maybe... but using a memory foam mask for 23 months is pretty good I think.

I am not an Airtouch F20 user, but will share my story of what I think is a long lived mask.

This morning I was wiping down my Dreamwear cushion mask when I noticed that it had developed a little split in it, so I finally replaced it after using that cushion and the headgear for almost a year and a half. On the odd few nights I might have swapped it out for another, but it was unusual for me to do that. So I would consider that to be quite a long lived cushion. Leak rate was good up until the end, with most of my leaks being mouth breathing.

I just wipe down the cushion daily with a Huggies wipe, and no harsh cleaning. I will be interested to see how long the new cushion lasts. Not hard to remember the date, Canada Day!

I think you did good with that mask cushion. I also think it depends on your face structure on how much mileage you get outta a cushion. I know folks here, like you, that can get years outta a cushion. At most, I can get 3 or 4 months outta a cushion. But keep in mind that I'm very good looking and I think that has a lot to do with it.

Sheriff

Sheriff Buford wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 01, 2020 7:12 am

But keep in mind that I'm very good looking and I think that has a lot to do with it.

Sheriff

I would love to get 23 months out of my mask. I use a Sleepnet IQ mask, discontinued about 5 or so years ago, no other mask works. My insurance pays for masks every three months, except I have to buy them myself, it lasts maybe 6 months, maybe a month or two longer after I tape the rips.

hev67 wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 01, 2020 1:42 pm

I would love to get 23 months out of my mask. I use a Sleepnet IQ mask, discontinued about 5 or so years ago, no other mask works. My insurance pays for masks every three months, except I have to buy them myself, it lasts maybe 6 months, maybe a month or two longer after I tape the rips.

i don't know what your cleaning routine is, but you may be cleaning your mask to vigorously. it's not necessary to clean them on a set schedule.

a good habit to get into is using an unscented baby wipe every morning when you take your mask off. then soap and water, nothing else, when you get around to it.

with this schedule, i had a p10 mask last me four years. the only reason i retired it is because i had an opportunity to score a free one(thanks kteague!) and took it. the original mask is still good.

ymmv, of course.

I've been using the AirTouch F-20 for more than a year. I usually change to a new mask every 2-3 months or so. No set schedule. They don't get grungy, I wipe lightly with a baby wipe. Never used a liner. But I do use moisturizer on my face so figure I should change it out. I have insurance and it ends up costing me only about $12 for a new one.

Of course it's a bit of apples to oranges with Quattro Fx and F20, but with the Quattro Fx I've used off and on for a few years I've found that wear and tear on the headgear is a big contributor to my leaks with that mask. Over time it becomes difficult to keep it snug enough due to headgear stretch. It creeps up on me too, slowly stretching over months. Cushion has about a 1-2 years years of actual use on it.