Seriously, how often do you replace your masks?

[sawmill]

I have always found myself resisting the 6 month replacement schedule recommended by my DME. Granted, the DME folks have a vested interest in keeping a steady income from our "supplies" but surely some objective clinical information has got to be available somewhere. I should point out that I am on year 6 of my current mask and while I clean the mask and change my filters regularly, I have never cleaned my hose in the 15 years that I have had my current machine. Should I be ashamed?...lol

[LSAT]

You are in good company...there are many of us that resist gouging insurance and lining the pockets of DMEs. Personally I feel that most masks can't wear out. They are plastic, I replace my cushion about every 12 months. I have never replaced a headgear. Hoses too. I never clean my hose, but I do replace it at about 15-18 months or when I need something to cover electric or computer cords. I use distilled water and wipe my mask with baby wipes every night.

[ChicagoGranny]

I am on year 6 of my current mask

[ChicagoGranny]

I feel that most masks can't wear out. They are plastic, I replace my cushion about every 12 months. I have never replaced a headgear. Hoses too. I never clean my hose

[Chilehead]

I'm new here, and haven't yet hit the schedule for replacement. Since my insurance sucks (I have a high deductible plan, which means I pay a lot before insurance kicks in), I probably won't be replacing anything if it's still functional. Plus there are the environmental costs besides monetary to consider.

I'm assuming the cost through a DME for replacement is higher than through cpap.com, so I'll likely pay for it myself vs going through my DME unless it's end of year and I've hit my deductible.

[Ladyflower]

I have been using the AirFit p10 nasal pillow mask for almost 2 years now I think. I did replace the headgear once a few months back because it had gotten quite stretched out. And I replaced the nasal pillow at the same time just because I found one cheap. I did buy both of these items from Ebay though ($30 total brand new) so I didn't have to go through my insurance. I just bought a new mask - the Dreamwear because I wanted to try something new. But, I would go back to my old AirFit p10 if I didn't like the Dreamwear. I'm really bad about washing my mask and parts. I've only washed my hose a few times and my nasal pillows a little more often (but not as much as I should! Lol!) I do agree with the person about the plastic parts of the mask not wearing out, but they can crack (I have a small crack in the plastic connector piece on the AirFit P10 mask short tubing, but the rubber seal connected to my main tubing kept it from leaking) and any fabric parts (headgear) can wear out or stretch.

To be honest, my DME has never once called me to see if I needed any new supplies. My husband's DME is much better about keeping in touch with him and he just got a new complete mask, hose, and humidifier tank that he really needed.

[Chevie]

Since my insurance sucks (I have a high deductible plan

Having a high deductible does not mean an insurance plan "sucks". I chose a high deductible plan because it saves me on premiums, and I have no chronic health problems which will run up my costs of deductibles.

Others have high deductible plans because it is all they can afford.

Insurance companies developed these plans because they had customers in both categories who wanted to purchase these plans. It's just another option. Nothing "sucky" about it.

[Chilehead]

Since my insurance sucks (I have a high deductible plan

Having a high deductible does not mean an insurance plan "sucks". I chose a high deductible plan because it saves me on premiums, and I have no chronic health problems which will run up my costs of deductibles.

Others have high deductible plans because it is all they can afford.

Insurance companies developed these plans because they had customers in both categories who wanted to purchase these plans. It's just another option. Nothing "sucky" about it.

It sucks because that's all my employer provides these days, when I used to have a really good plan where my co-pays were very small.

[mariejeanne]

Having a high deductible does not mean an insurance plan "sucks".

...

Insurance companies developed these plans because they had customers in both categories who wanted to purchase these plans. It's just another option. Nothing "sucky" about it.

Hugh deductible plans do suck when they are forced on you by employers who refuse to offer a better option. I should know, I'm on one. Bottom line, I'm not really insured unless something catastrophic happens; and for this privilege I pay through the nose. If that ain't sucky, I don't know what is.

[Goofproof]

I use the mask until something breaks, usually the forehead support now is the weak link. I still get masks when they come due. I keep spares of everything, but have shut down the supply line for most items. Jim

How do you do this? It took a creative resume, a lot of hard work under bad conditions, and the resolve to do we hat was needed at any cost.

[Okie bipap]

Being on Medicare, I can get a new mask every three months. Instead of doing this, I just pick up cushions as I need them. If I decide I want to try a different mask in between my three month visits to my DME, I purchase it from cpap.com.

[Chevie]

they are forced on you by employers

If you live in the U.S., it is illegal for an employer to "force" an insurance plan on you.

You have the legal right to resign and find another job which offers insurance plans more to your liking.

[The Choker]

find another job which offers insurance plans more to your liking.

Or sign up for one of those wonderful Obamacare policies.

[Goofproof]

they are forced on you by employers

If you live in the U.S., it is illegal for an employer to "force" an insurance plan on you.

You have the legal right to resign and find another job which offers insurance plans more to your liking.

That's exactly what I had to do, my family ins needs exceeded my jobs ins, I had to change indrusty especially to one that had the medical ins to cover our problems, for life. I paid for this change, with my health, that's ironic! Jim

[Cardsfan]

Chevie- most employer sponsored health insurance is an optional benefit. You can decline to take it. Most people take it because it is better than going without health insurance at all.
Our health insurance comes from my husband's job, which is very good coverage. We are very lucky to have it. We pay a small amount monthly as our share, and his employer pays the majority of the bill. We have about 8 different plans to chose from.
On the other hand, a different employer may only offer one plan, take it or leave it. Generally, employer based insurance is more affordable than buying it on your own.