Do I need to replace an old but lightly used mask?

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
pjbrownva
Posts: 7
Joined: Mon Feb 15, 2010 11:30 am

Do I need to replace an old but lightly used mask?

Post by pjbrownva » Fri Jul 29, 2011 9:48 am

I have a few masks that I bought about 18 months ago, but I barely used.
My question is about replacing the mask cushions. Does the age alone (18 months) mean that
it's time to replace the cushions because they have likely deteriorated?

Being a CPAP novice, I don't know if the mask seals wear out because of the amount of use, or if once you use it, it will need replacement
simply because of the passage of time (even if you stop using it).

Also -- which may or may not be relevant -- I stored the masks in a zip lock bag in my attic... so they have been exposed to the summertime high-heat temperatures of an attic (in case that impacts aging).

All advice is welcome.

-Philip

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OutaSync
Posts: 2048
Joined: Sun Sep 23, 2007 8:49 am
Location: Virginia

Re: Do I need to replace an old but lightly used mask?

Post by OutaSync » Fri Jul 29, 2011 10:12 am

I guess that the only way to really know is to try the mask and see if you get a good seal, presuming that one ever got a good seal from that same mask when it was new.
Diagnosed 9/4/07
Sleep Study Titrated to 19 cm H2O
Rotating between Activa and Softgel
11/2/07 RemStar M Series Auto with AFlex 14-17
10/17/08 BiPAP Auto SV 13/13-23, BPM Auto, AHI avg <1

nanwilson
Posts: 3463
Joined: Tue Apr 13, 2010 10:35 am
Location: Southern Alberta

Re: Do I need to replace an old but lightly used mask?

Post by nanwilson » Fri Jul 29, 2011 10:16 am

I've had a quattro for 16 months & keep it in a ziplock bag, take it out and use it every once in awhile...mind you I do use a padacheeks mask liner, not had any problems.
Started cpap in 2010.. still at it with great results.

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archangle
Posts: 9293
Joined: Sun Mar 27, 2011 11:55 am

Re: Do I need to replace an old but lightly used mask?

Post by archangle » Fri Jul 29, 2011 11:29 am

Stop storing the mask parts in the attic, but it probably doesn't hurt them.

As for masks and mask parts, I say to find out when your insurance will buy new ones, and get yourself a spare or two of each mask, cushion, humidifier tank, and hose you use. Every so often (weekly, monthly, whatever), clean the one you're using and put it away in a clean, dry place. Use your backup parts for a while.

I never throw anything away due to age, if it looks or feels bad enough, or doesn't work well any more, I'll get a replacement and throw it into the "used" pile.

_________________
Mask: Swift™ FX Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control
Additional Comments: Also SleepyHead, PRS1 Auto, Respironics Auto M series, Legacy Auto, and Legacy Plus
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