Replacing Mask Components

[Bergie51]

How often do you replace components of your mask? My DME supplier recommends replacing the nose pillows, head strap and hose much more frequently than I think is necessary. I'm not yet sure if insurance covers replacements that frequently or not. I'm thinking of making replacements when I feel they need to be replaced, whether that's every month or two months...or six! Thoughts?

[Wulfman...]

How often do you replace components of your mask? My DME supplier recommends replacing the nose pillows, head strap and hose much more frequently than I think is necessary. I'm not yet sure if insurance covers replacements that frequently or not. I'm thinking of making replacements when I feel they need to be replaced, whether that's every month or two months...or six! Thoughts?

For me, it's "years". Four to six years for headgear or mask seals.
About a year ago, I put my original seal back on my original mask (approx. 11 yrs. old) and it's still sealing just fine.
I've purchased everything out-of-pocket......mostly from online sellers like https://www.cpap.com
I figure that if it's my money, I'll take better care of everything and it will last longer. And it has.

As far as hoses go, I'm still using the same ones from when I started almost 11 years ago.


Den

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[LSAT]

Once you have a back up on everything you will find that components last a long time. DMEs are anxious to sell you items as often as possible.

[Janknitz]

Some components last longer than others. Here's my advice to a newbie:

1. Collect a spare for every part, by asking for a replacement for each part on the schedule your insurance company permits. You want the following spares:
mask cushion or nasal pillows (one or two spares are good to have)
head gear
frame
hose
water chamber for the humidifier

2. Ask for filters on the regular replacement schedule--according to your machine manufacturer. You can usually stock up on those in advance.

3. When you come up for a new complete mask, get a full face mask if you don't already have one--they are handy if you are having cold or allergy symptoms.

Now, once you have at least one spare of everything, you don't need to keep getting each item on a regular schedule.

Nasal pillows sometimes last months, and sometimes they DON'T. It seems that there is a lot of variation even within a brand. I could get months out of some Swift FX nasal pillows, and barely a few weeks out of others. So having a few on hand is a good idea.

Don't let someone else's assurances that their mask cushion lasted "years" dissuade you from having spares. There are many variables that dictate how long a mask cushion will last, and the older ones seemed to last longer. Having spares means you won't have to sit up all night trying NOT to sleep because you can't use your CPAP for want of a new hose or cushion.

[Wulfman...]

Don't let someone else's assurances that their mask cushion lasted "years" dissuade you from having spares.

I never said or tried to imply that.
I have many spares and backups stockpiled.......equipment and supplies.......purchased out-of-pocket and over time.
I have at least a dozen masks that I can wear. At least that many more sets of cushions and headgear (most are new and unused) and lots and lots of extra spare parts for the masks.......and 8 hoses of various lengths (most of them are new and unused). Extra filters, extra HH tanks and units, power cords, etc., etc.


Den

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[Cardsfan]

Another thought- if you have insurance and have met your deductible--stock up. Last year, I had met my deductible early, and purchased items every time my insurance Co. would allow it.