Worn mask cushion already?

[lindam0521]

have Mirage Quattro 4 and it's a little over 2 1/2 months and still struggling. easier falling asleep with some mild meds earlier in evening but tendency to wake up and not be able to fall back asleep. may have to watch caffeine intake more closely, will be following a weight management program under the auspices of a highly-rated hospital next month and it will be quite stringent because I have so much to lose. No caffeine on that plan so we'll see how that goes after the initial withdrawal

i have recently noticed that on the left side of my mask i will suddenly feel the mask lose suction on spot just under eye and stop near lip/mouth and the air is leaking out. i clean it per instructions and this just started to happen. would it be possible that my mask is worn out after such a short period or could there be a hairline tear or such i can't see?

i started on 7 cfm, went to 8 and now to 9. the 9 seemed to be working well when i made sure the mask was placed just right where i was getting good air flow into my nose.

thanks.

[Diplomacy]

Buy some more from CPAP.com!

[LSAT]

It is possible that the cushion needs replacing. I have had one that lasted about 4 months, but I usually replace mine at about 3 months. I find that they last longer if I only wash mine about once a week and use a citrus wipe daily.

[SnoozyQ]

Probably so.

I have the same mask and problems with leaks about 2.5 months in. I think they tend to need replacing around the 3 month mark....
Go ahead and find out what your insurance provider's supply schedule is. Some allow supplies "as needed" and some have time limitations, ie: every 3 months, 6 months,etc.

And if your DME is like mine, they need lots of reminders to send what you need (and get it right), so you may be stuck with leaks until they send a new cushion.

[lindam0521]

It is possible that the cushion needs replacing. I have had one that lasted about 4 months, but I usually replace mine at about 3 months. I find that they last longer if I only wash mine about once a week and use a citrus wipe daily.

thanks! i thought i might have not been washing it enough if i miss a day or two but i've been meaning to get some wipes.

[islandboy5150]

I've been wearing my quattro with the same cushion for three and a half years! Still holds a seal too.

[LSAT]

I've been wearing my quattro with the same cushion for three and a half years! Still holds a seal too.

This cushion belongs in the CPAP Hall of Fame

[BlackSpinner]

I used mine daily for 6 months, now only when I have a cold and it is doing well.
The straps need washing and they go limp though so it might be the head gear that is getting loser rather then the cushion being the problem.

[Wulfman...]

I've been wearing my quattro with the same cushion for three and a half years! Still holds a seal too.

Seems quite reasonable to me. You've obviously learned how to take care of your mask and the seals. I'm guessing it will last alot longer.

My original UMFF has over 5 1/2 yrs. of use on it and is still going strong. Other than replacing the headgear in April of 2009, everything else is still original. According to the leak rate numbers reported by my software (and how it feels), the seal gets better with age.

From my observations of reading posts on the forum, the seals that wear out faster are the ones which are washed too often and the ones that "insurance pays for".


Den

[GumbyCT]

I've been wearing my quattro with the same cushion for three and a half years! Still holds a seal too.

Seems quite reasonable to me. You've obviously learned how to take care of your mask and the seals. I'm guessing it will last alot longer.

My original UMFF has over 5 1/2 yrs. of use on it and is still going strong. Other than replacing the headgear in April of 2009, everything else is still original. According to the leak rate numbers reported by my software (and how it feels), the seal gets better with age.

From my observations of reading posts on the forum, the seals that wear out faster are the ones which are washed too often and the ones that "insurance pays for".


Den

I agree and think some soaps help to degrade the mask seals. Those who listen to the DME pay their rent

Den, tis good to see that you are still topside

[lindam0521]

thanks for all of your comments! i ordered a new cushion online and will get it tomorrow. didn't want to waste the time with the DME right now being the holidays and most places hear are on reduced hours at the very most. Will find out through my insurance the policy on cushion replacement. i will get a replacement via insurance as soon as i am able and at least be one step ahead of the game

Also ordered new headgear, they originally gave me a medium when my mask is x-small - they said it would be fine, chances are it's all they had in stock at the time. they only carry small headgear but it should be better, much less strapping to be pulling, setting and stretching out of shape.

the local DME office has been very helpful with assisting in my CPAP issues but the main office in the area can't be too bright--thought i had lost the forehead pad when i took it off one night, looking everywhere in the room for it, figured it had to be somewhere and popped off when i removed it in the morning, so when I asked the local office they called the main office that carries the equipment and they said you couldn't replace it that i'd have to buy a new full mask apparatus! Even the local office was puzzled at their comments, told me to call Resmed, but went online and found a replacement pad for $7.00! as it turned out i found the original behind the headboard of the bed that night!

tried using my Easy Life nasal mask I originally had and even though it didn't seem that bad at the time i got it i can't tolerate it now. very uncomfortable and while i thought i was keeping my mouth closed throughout the night before i have been waking up the last several nights with my mouth open. originally it appeared that i was mouth breathing while asleep. One night i must have shut off them machine in my sleep because i woke up during the night and wondered why i wasn't getting much air.

also ordered the citrus wipes. i think that overwashing might be part of the problem, i am going to try the advice of using the wipes daily and a full wash once weekly or so and see how that works. i didn't know how long they should last but 2 1/2 months seems a bit too short while years may not be feasible either.