How do I know I when need replacement parts?

[PajamaGuy]

I read and hear CPAP parts (Hose, mask, flap, cushion, headgear, etc.) are replaced every 3-6 months. Why? How do I know when, and which parts need replacement? Other than broken, torn, leaking, obvious things of course.
I'm most interested in knowing when (and why) to replace mask parts.

Thanks!

[chunkyfrog]

The best way to know is to ask your insurer--it differs all over.
Some find they need new silicone every month, some can go longer., most other stuff, when it looks/acts old-ish.
If insurance is not an issue, use your best judgement

[midnight_skulker]

I began bipap treatment in January, 2012. I've used my original equipment since then with no problem. However, I also worried about the frequency that some people replace things and how often insurance will pay for replacements.

Since we are about to start a new year and a new deductible, I called my DME and told the lady I talked to to send me everything my insurance (Medicare) would pay for. We did not discuss individual items. Today I recieved via USPS a box containing a complete new mask and headgear, an extra face cushion, a hose, a humidifer chamber, and a filter.

I will continue to use my original equipment until something breaks, but now I have a complete set of spares.

[ChrisD]

Replace them when they stop working properly. I'm on going on 1 year with the original equipment issued to me. TrueBlue nasal mask and a PRS1 system. The silicone seal is starting to look weird so I will replace cushion and seal this time around. I'm still using the original hose, humidifier tank, and mask. I wash everything carefully once a week and let it air dry. I've replace the headgear when it loses its elasticity and the filters on the recommended schedule.

Remember that your DME makes a ton of money selling you replacement parts as fast as they can.

As others have said, keep getting replacement parts until you have two of everything in your spare parts tub. Then replace parts as they wear out.

Chris

[zoocrewphoto]

I started April 30 of this year. I have my orginal mask, and just got my 3rd cushion. I'm not ready to change to it yet, but I figured it was best to get the next cushion before the current one goes bad. And I also wanted to get it before the end of the year. I also got a new climateline hose. I have no idea how long they really last, but since I can get one after 6 months, and I would like to know that I have one in case the current one suddenly has a problem, so I got a new one.

Filters seem to last me awhile. I just changed to my 3rd filter. I have allergies, so I do like to keep it clean. I keep my machine in a drawer that is closed during the day and open when in use. The drawer is clean, so there isn't as much dust as if it were on the floor or out in the open all day. My mom has the same machine, and her filters get really bad, and need to be changed more often. She sleeps in the living room, and has her machine in a box next to her recliner. So, it gets exposed to a lot more dust than mine.

I think I am probably okay to order another complete mask, but I don't feel the need to. I like the mask I have, so I have no interest in changing masks. And I do have another mask that I can use if my current mask suddenly broke. And I could get a new mask quickly if that happened.

[JohnO]

... in knowing when (and why) to replace mask parts.

I've answered it for myself in two ways:

1) I'd like at least one spare of everything. Since the therapy is important, I'd hate to damage a piece of the system and not have the ability to use the PAP therapy that night.

2) Some parts do wear out due to use. The rate at which they wear out seems to very quite a bit. The elasticity in the headgear straps may start to go. The silicone that touches your face or nose might start to crack or be less flexible, leading to more leaks.

I started therapy in August of this year. I damaged my hose in the first couple of weeks, so purchased a second via our hosts at CPAP.com. I started with a True Blue Nasal mask, and used it for a month. By the end of that month, the silicone seal seemed to be leaking just a touch more, but I switched to an Aloha nasal pillow mask at that time.

Just last night I switched nasal pillows on the Aloha for the first time. I had used the other for 102 nights. It seemed to be working fine, other than looking a little "cloudy". WIth the new pillow it seemed the pillow sealed better, and didn't come unsealed as easily when I changed positions in the bed. Perhaps the very thin silicone that touched the end of my nostrils on my original nasal pillow lost some flexibility over those 100 days.

Since my DME was able to offer me insurance replacements recently, I opted to get a different style mask (a full face mask) to have just in case I have a night where I can not breath through my mouth.

When they next offer me stuff, I will likely decline everything except a new nasal pillow or silicone replacement. I'll just wait another few months, especially if I have not fulfilled my insurance deductible by then.

John

[archangle]

I recommend to get at least one spare for everything as soon as your insurance will pay. Mask, hose, cushions, water tank. You need a spare anyway.

Once a week or so, give one set a particularly good wash, and then set them aside somewhere and let them sit dry for a week while you use the other set.

Then, when any part wears out or breaks, order a replacement.

I also recommend watching craigslist or other places for a cheap backup CPAP machine. You don't want to be without the machine.