MASK LIFE

[Frankieboy]

Other than leaks, are there any indications that a mask, hose, or pillow has died? I have been told that life expectancy is 3-6 months, but mine are well into their second year and seem fine. Also, while I clean them frequently with Ivory soap/warm water, I have noticed a certain mustiness coming through; any suggestions for eliminating this?

[TheDuke]

My experience has been that Masks themselves last a long time-I have been using my present mask and hose for perhaps three years. I do replace mask cushions maybe once a year-the plastic seems to lose some of its pliability. My present mask is an old style ResMed Activa and I like it very well indeed.

The Duke

[Sclark08]

I get a new cushion once a month. I have high pressures and cushion gets icky after a while and that's when I used to experience leaks. Luckily I have medicare who subsidizes . I never have a leak problem.

[Sheriff Buford]

As you can see, the responses vary. Some folks can get a year or more with a single mask, while some get less. I would think a person ought to get at least 3 months on a mask. My mask lasts about 3 - 4 months before the cushion starts to leak around my temples. But that's just me. I can wear the same shoes everyday, and they would last me a year. My son could do the same thing and the shoes would last only a few months. Go figure...

Sheriff

[allison@sleeplinks]

Hi!

A mask's life is typically 3-6 months. There are many reasons to change the mask that often. Because CPAP masks are constantly touching your face, especially your nose and mouth, they are easily covered in bacteria. Cleaning will help with the bacteria and removing some of the germs that are contained on it, but it will not completely. This puts you at danger for upper respiratory infections and not being able to get rid of it! Also, as far as cleaning goes, I would recommend a 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water solution to clean it with. This is much more likely to keep your mask clean while still being gentle on your skin!

Another reason to get a new mask every 3-6 months is the elasticity of the plastic which is used to make the mask. As the elasticity decreases, you will have to tighten the mask tighter and it therefore puts more pressure on your face just to keep a seal. If you really don't want a new mask, I hope you are still exchanging your cushions at least once a month! There is no way to clean them completely even with washing them every night.

Just some things to think about!!

Allison

[70sSanO]

I have had masks last 5 years. Cushions about a year and a half, maybe 2 if I am lucky.

There are a lot of factors that play into this...

I you use a humidifier, you will have to clean you mask more often; daily or every other day(?). I don't use a humidifier so I can get away with cleaning my cushion once a week and the mask every other week. I have been using ivory dish soap for over 10 years. It seems to be easier of the mask material.

Another factor is pressure. My pressure is down since I lost weight and so getting the perfect seal is not as critical as it is with high pressure. I can see if someone is running at 15 or higher, keeping the cushion constantly clean would be more demanding.

Headgear wears out and between that and replacing a cushion ,it is probably easier to just get a new mask. I don't use the headgear that comes with the mask so this is not an issue. I usually replace the elastic mask straps every other month. Once again higher pressure tends to force changing out at a higher rate.

John

[Wulfman...]

Other than leaks, are there any indications that a mask, hose, or pillow has died? I have been told that life expectancy is 3-6 months, but mine are well into their second year and seem fine. Also, while I clean them frequently with Ivory soap/warm water, I have noticed a certain mustiness coming through; any suggestions for eliminating this?

Do you also clean/change your filters?
Depends on what masks people use and how they do or don't take care of them. Some last a long time and some not so much.
I'm still using the ResMed Ultra Mirage Full Face mask I started with nine years ago (2005). Replaced the headgear in 2009 and the cushion in 2011.......forehead support in 2012 because I dropped it on a hard floor and that part broke. All the parts are replaceable. I'm a "minimalist" when it comes to cleaning and I've figured out how to make my stuff last a long time. I've purchased all of my supplies out-of-pocket and not relied on insurance to pay for them.......which also contributes to them lasting longer........it's MY money that's paying for this stuff.


Den

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[Denial Dave]

My Mirage Quattro is almost 18 months old & my headgear is 9-10 months old.

I find that I have to replace my mask cushions about every 2 1/2 - 3 months.

After 2 1/2 to 3 months of use, I reach a point where I have uncontrollable leaks with my higher Bi-Pap pressures.

Changing the cushion solves the leak issue.

[jencat824]

My Swift LT headgear was over a year old, but the cushions needed changing about every 3-4 weeks. My old IQ lasted FOREVER (about 3-4 years?). Some of the masks I tried after the IQ changed headgear on me probably would have lasted longer, but for reasons like leaks, strap marks, blisters, etc. they didn't work out. Currently I'm using the AirFit P10 & I've been using it about a month (first try of it didn't go well, but on the 2nd try its going great). I haven't changed cushions on the P10 yet, but they are over 2 months old now & going.

I think it depends on the mask & the person. Like I said my IQ's lasted several years, and I think the Swift LT headgear would as well. Those Swift LT cushions puzzled me, they would be fine one night, then when they went bad, it was a leaky, leaky night. Once I figured out, I started replacing at the start of the leaks. I'm amazed so far that the P10 don't seem to have changed any in structure, so hopefully they will be long-lasting.

I wonder if anyone else with P10's have seen signs of durability yet?