when do you know its time to change the mask seals?

[babon87]

Hi Everyone,
I wanted to ask if there are any usual time frame to replace the mask seals .
I am using a Quattro FX full face mask, I wash them every morning and wash my face before going to bed everyday, under these circumstances what are the normal life expectancy for the mask seals?
You guys are awesome ! I dont think I could have made it without this forum for the last two years !
Thanks everyone.
babon87

[LSAT]

Probably 3 months to a year...when it doesn't seal..replace it. Always have a spare on hand for emergencies.

[user from Singapore]

when it doesn't seal..replace it.

I have to admit I did not dare to post such an obvious answer

[jen4700]

I believe the standard for medicare (which most insurance companies in the US follow) is once per month.

[LSAT]

I believe the standard for medicare (which most insurance companies in the US follow) is once per month.

Just because the insurance 'will replace' does not mean it's 'time to replace'.

[archangle]

If you're on insurance, buy them whenever the insurance will pay for them until you have a couple of spares. Then order them as needed one you figure out how long they last for you. Rotate through the sets each time you clean them. I think they may last longer if they sit clean and dry for a while.

[torontoCPAPguy]

Replace the mask seals when they stop clapping and eating fish.

Seriously... I have been using my mask cushions on my Quattro FFM for between 1 month and 3 years at this point. If treated well, the silicon rubber cushions seem to last a long time. Not sure why Medicare would suggest changing them monthly unless you were not bothering to clean them. Facial oils and acids will deteriorate them for sure AFAIK.... so as I have said repeatedly, 'cleanliness is next to Godliness'.

See my posting on keeping your XPAP system clean and disinfected. Part of this process is a simple soak in warm soapy water (with some Control III germicide added if you are concerned about germs and bacteria as I am). I permit the mask bits and pieces to soak for up to 8 hours (i.e. while I am at work or away for the day), then agitate the nooks and crannies with a very soft paint brush (soapy) and rinse THOROUGHLY and air dry. Once dry I keep the masks, reassembled at this point, in a ziplock bag with a couple of air holes punched in them. I have five masks at this point and rotate them weekly with one spare that is kept in my travel kit mostly.

The amount of gunk and crud that you will find floating after the soak is pretty amazing. Breeding ground for bacteria gone down the drain.

My masks seal as well today as they did when brand new... and one of them is, in fact, brand new. No difference to the three year old masks.

Could it be a matter of how the mask and especially the cushions are taken care of?

Certainly when the silicon rubber loses its elasticity and fails to seal it is time to either try soaking in HOT soapy water for several hours, agitating a few times and rinsing thoroughly or simply replacing same. The cushions on my Quattro FFM are readily available online for in the $20 range. Complete masks are running in the $65 range. Go to your clinic or dispensary and they will be pleased to charge you $350, whic is what I paid for my first mask from MediGas.
This is the outfit that will not sell you an Everflo Q oxygen concentrator but, rather, wants you to rent it. The government pays 3/4 and your 1/4 share is about $125 a month for rent. Or you can just get online and find one for $650-$700 brand new with 5 year warranty (standard) and OPI.

Caveat emptor!

[-tim]

I think you should alternate between two masks every other day. That way you may detect the first signs that leaks are increasing. If you have an even one and and odd one, you can look back at your data to see and it will be easy to tell which one is failing.

[Guest]

Facial oils and acids will deteriorate them for sure AFAIK.... so as I have said repeatedly, 'cleanliness is next to Godliness'.

My quattro cushion lasted 1 year and a half. I rarely washed it just wiping it with a tissue.

It lasted until a crack developed in the nose bridge zone, (the thinnest part), I think it was from agressive wiping from the inside to the outside.
It sealed very good until the crack, and it resisted the facials oils very well, I usually wiped it just before using so it usually kept the oils for the entire day.

Despite the crack I still use it although now it leaks a bit from the nose zone sometimes (not sure if it is from the crack).