Equipment Questions after 3 months use

[Jane Jetson]

I have been using my cpap for 3+ months. I was diagnosed with moderate to severe sleep apnea. I finally did something after years of being tired. I took action because it suddenly became worse. I was taking long naps on the weekend and it limited my life.

I am unsure about when to replace equipment. My machine is the Air Sense f10 which contains a humidifier. My setting goes from 4 to 9 in 45 minutes. My mask is the air fit f10. (all my products are Resmed)

How often do I replace the tubing? It is fine for now but the rep said minimum every 6 months (which is what I suspect insurance will reimburse). Do I clean the tubing? It has an elbow joint at the top that goes into the mask and another joint at the bottom that goes into the machine. I have been cleaning it with a little shampoo once a week. I read about a sanitizer on Amazon and users said to use it once a week. The product sounded dangerous (caustic and could cause chemical burns) so I don't want that. I also don't want bacteria to breed in the tube, joints and mask which will make me sick. I don't clean my mask but it looks fine. Also, I have found bits of red coloring in the humidifier and cleaned it with a q-tip.

Next - how often do I replace the mask? The rep/insurance people said every 3 months. The problem I have is with the soft part of the mask (covers face and nose). It seems to get too soft too soon and lets air out. Is the cushion (I think that is what it is called) removable or do I need a whole new mask.

THanks for any help.

[Julie]

Dealers make money every time you accept replacements, and/or order something directly, so will try to get you to replace everything (tho' not machine) every few wks or months, but you do not need to take them except for a replacement set for your own back-up plan. Things need replacing when they wear out under normal use and cleaning, and that can mean weeks for some things (filters) and years for others, depending on how you take care of them. Hoses do NOT need replacement unless there's a puncture somewhere (and those often can be fixed with duct tape). They also do NOT need cleaning. Ever. The only thing that goes thru hoses is filtered room air in one direction - nothing ever goes back into the hose (unless you leave it lying open for critters to enter, but that's pretty rare). Machines themselves need only dusting. Ever. Do NOT fall for sales pitches saying they need any other cleaning inside or out. Filters keep dust out so replace them (rinsing every week) in weeks or longer, depending. Mask cushions may last for a long time with only baby wipes being used to clean them every few days, just depends on individual situations. Mask frames can go for years without replacement if you don't break them. Headgear will wear out eventually, but sometimes all they need is tightening up. And keep in mind that replacement stuff, most of it unnecessary in anything like the timeframe offered, will sit and not biodegrade in landfills forever.

[palerider]

the elbow that goes into the mask is NOT part of the hose, it's part of the mask...

[LSAT]

Utilize your insurance to get a back up for everything. After that replace an item when it no longer functions properly. A hose can last a year or more, a mask frame the same...cushions or pillows will need replacing based on need.

[palerider]

Utilize your insurance to get a back up for everything. After that replace an item when it no longer functions properly. A hose can last a year or more, a mask frame the same...cushions or pillows will need replacing based on need.

+1

[Cardsfan]

You don't have to buy expensive cleaners. Johnson's Baby shampoo or Dawn dish wash soap, the blue one, is fine. Also, baby wipes (non alcohol, non lotion) to wipe the mask.
I agree with the others on replacements. Take advantage of your ins. if you have met your deductible to get a back up of everything. What you will go thru the most is filters and nose pieces.

[Cardsfan]

Julie- I didn't know you can rinse filters?

[palerider]

Julie- I didn't know you can rinse filters?

she's right, foam filters are meant to be cleaned and reused.

[Jane Jetson]

Thanks for all the wise words. The only thing that seems to break down for me is the cushion around the mask. It is the soft plastic that surrounds my mouth and nose. The air can leak out when it gets too soft. I thought this was part of the mask. Is it possible to remove it and put a new one on? If I can do that I won't need to get a new mask.

I do appreciate everyone's comments.

[Julie]

Of course, that's THE 'cushion', but if you use baby wipes on it regularly it will help keep it less floppy for longer... but it is the part that gets replaced when you feel the need. Don't forget when you wear the mask though, that the cushion needs to inflate for effectiveness, so don't tighten down on the mask too much.

[LSAT]

Thanks for all the wise words. The only thing that seems to break down for me is the cushion around the mask. It is the soft plastic that surrounds my mouth and nose. The air can leak out when it gets too soft. I thought this was part of the mask. Is it possible to remove it and put a new one on? If I can do that I won't need to get a new mask.

I do appreciate everyone's comments.

I use the regular Quattro and my mask cushions last 9-12 months. I only clean it at about 4-6 weeks. I use baby wipes every night and I boil the cushions at about 4-6 months. They come out crystal clear.

[Cardsfan]

Can the filter for the Resmed Airsense 10 be washed? Because I have the same machine as the OP, and I don't think those particular filters can be washed.

[Drowsyhead]

No only black foam filters can be wash. All the white filters can not be washed. They are made to be disposable when dirty.

To the original poster's question. Only replaced things when they are no longer up to snuff. Meaning they aren't doing what they suppose to do. If they are working fine no need to replace. Doesn't mean you shouldn't have more lying around as backup especially if it's not going cost you anything out of pocket. Maximize your insurance benefits when and where you can. You can always sell the unused mask or give it to someone who needs it that don't have money or insurance.

[palerider]

No only black foam filters can be wash. All the white filters can not be washed. They are made to be disposable when dirty.

I'm guessing you'd be surprised at how well they DO wash if one takes a bit of grease cutting dishwashing soap and a bit of hot water to them.... almost like new, and that's certainly better than the alternative if you've got a dirty filter and don't have a spare to hand.

is it preferable to put in a new one? sure.