Mask Life Poll

Looking back (for fun!) at some of the earliest posts on the forum, saw this one about the life span of CPAP masks. So, I was curious about just how long a mask might last. And, I guess it might depend, too, on the type/brand/model, thinking some might last longer than others.

imacpappro wrote:Hello All,

The best or longest I would say is a year. 6 to 8 months is a standard manufacturer response. If you clean the silicone portion of the mask daily you should get as much as you can out of the mask. More importantly, you should look for signs of trouble after about 6 to 8 months of use.

Users usually don't associate a leaking mask as a sign of aging. The silicone wears, breaksdown and looses its sealing design. Plus the headgear could be stretched over time causing problems. Having to tighten your headgear tighter than normal, or tighter and tighter night after night means you are defeating the design and will end up hurting yourself and effecting your treatment.

Overall, my best suggestion is consider buying a new mask yearly. It is costly, but prices on the net are low and any experinced user will tell you effective equipment is key to happy and healthy treatment.

ICP

I selected "Longer than 3 years". My original UMFF is still going strong and approaching 4 years (original seals and headgear). The headgear is getting a little stretched out, but as long as I can keep adjusting it, I'll keep using it. The seals are still in good shape and my leak rate is as good or better than when it was new.

I said a couple of years ago, I wanted to see just how long I could use this one in its "originality".....since there's so much discussion suggesting (by the manufacturers) that these things should be changed every 6 months (or less).

With the UMFF, all the parts can be disassembled and swapped out if they break or wear out. Other than having to re-attach the seal a couple of times when the retaining ring accidentally came off, I have never taken the rest of the mask apart. I have always cleaned it fully assembled.

I have several extra masks (3 UMFFs & 1 Quattro), seals and headgear......waiting for the time they're needed.....and.....they're still waiting......

It's by far, the most comfortable mask I've used/tried.

Den

Just a thought: You've left off a selection for any of us who have actually found that their mask does not last as long as 6 months. My own experience is that the Swift LT nasal pillows have seemed to lose a bit of their "spring" and thus become more leak-prone after several months. I have never replaced the headgear, but am on my second pillow set since starting out 5 months ago. Just one example.

plr66 wrote:Just a thought: You've left off a selection for any of us who have actually found that their mask does not last as long as 6 months. My own experience is that the Swift LT nasal pillows have seemed to lose a bit of their "spring" and thus become more leak-prone after several months. I have never replaced the headgear, but am on my second pillow set since starting out 5 months ago. Just one example.

Thanks, plr66! I've added that choice, per your suggestion.

Update/Edit: Oh boy! Just realized that when I added that category to the poll, it removed the previous votes. So sorry! Didn't know it would do that. So, I'll not do that again!

Problem is......when you modify a poll, it erases all of the previous votes.

Den

Wulfman wrote:Problem is......when you modify a poll, it erases all of the previous votes.

Den

Never knew that!
Sorry, RipVW....

plr66 wrote:

Wulfman wrote:Problem is......when you modify a poll, it erases all of the previous votes.

Den

Never knew that!
Sorry, RipVW....

Well, I re-cast MY vote.

Den

I used my old original Adams mask over five years. There's really nothing on the shell to wear out. I went thru about three or four head gears and probably 25 sets of nasal pillows. The heart of most mask is not very prone to "wear" as far as I can see.


JeffH

Wulfman wrote:

plr66 wrote:

Wulfman wrote:Problem is......when you modify a poll, it erases all of the previous votes.

Den

Never knew that!
Sorry, RipVW....

Well, I re-cast MY vote.

Den

Thanks, Den! I live and learn!

I am using a Respironics Profile Lite Nasal mask and I had to replace it after a year. Nothing wrong with the headgear but the gel cushion lost its sealing capability. Wonder what other users of this mask have experienced?

I too must vouch for the UMFF mask durability. I am on my original UMFF mask (September 2006), and it seals better than the two NEW UMFF masks I have. I hope to get them broke in like this someday. I am going to use that bad boy until it actually gets inefficient - but for now it has a new one beat!

Tracy

I use the Swift-II and the Swift LT and the nasal pillows last about 6 months before the leaks get out of control. No problems with the head gear or the other mask parts.

My comfort lite 2 must be 2 yrs old by now, or almost, and it works better than ever! original pillows.

I have found if you don't like a mask it will last longer. I currently am using a ComfortGel Nasal the has a flawed high leak vent rate, My good masks of the same kind the strap ears break too often, this one that vents too much seams like it will last forever. Jim