Replacement intervals?

[archangle]

By the way, the "bacteria" claim is simply scare tactics, unless you are really bad at cleaning.

If you're really paranoid, once you have spares, after it gets so old you want to throw it away, boil a big pot of water, turn off the fire, and throw the part in the water and let it sit for a few minutes. Then clean thoroughly. At worst, you damage it and throw it away.

Do replace things as they get damaged or worn out.

[Sasesusos Orinoco]

In case anyone is curious: I asked my primary care provider. I actually brought in my hose, just to be sure he had a feeling for the sort of equipment I was talking about.

HIS take was "hoses like this can develop cracks or pockets and bacteria can grow in them, and I think it's a good idea to replace them every six months or so. If your insurance will pay for it, I'd go ahead and do it." Since I'm convinced that he is at least neutral--he definitely has no business connection with my provider--I'm going to shrug and take his advice.

I don't know how much he knows about it--maybe he replaces hoses and such in the equipment in his own practice because he's been sold a bill of goods by his providers, and maybe this sort of thing is just one of the reasons why medical costs keep rising, but, no point in going to a doctor if you don't plan to take his advice.

Thanks to all who replied. I heard you, I appreciate the remarks, and my decision is to "trust my PCP."

[nanwilson]

I got my F&P machine in April 2010...I'm still using the same hose and I used the machine every night for a full year, now I have an M series and I use the F&P in my motorhome.....still the same hose. I wash it maybe once every two months, have NEVER seen or smelled any crud in it. I keep it attached to the machine and have a mesh wash bag over the face end so no bugs can get in. Same deal with my M series. Masks, I still have my original quattro and it still works fine, still the same cushion. I have 2 hybrids one in the mororhome and one in the house, I wash it every Sunday morning and its good to go. I've had one of them since January and I am still fine with the pillows and cushion. Some pillows like Resmed swifts, need replacement within a month so spares there are indeed and god send. I do have a spare hose for my m series as its kinda flimsy, but am still using the original one. I think that its good to have a spare or two of everything, but if you take care of it, it will all last a long time. Its all up to you if you think you are carefull with stuff and clean things as needed you should be good to go.