When to replace mask cushions

[mike1953]

That's not nice Julie.

After looking at some of your recent posts you seem to have no clue so best to leave things alone before you really need help and receive none. If you do decide to read some information read this from our host http://www.thecpapshop.com/care-and-buying-tips

[Denial Dave]

Mine last about 3 months before I get uncontrollable leaks.

[Wulfman...]

ResMed among other companies selling the things! Or don't you read?

And the manufacturers have that ulterior "motive"....... $$$$$$

http://www.resmed.com/us/en/consumer/su ... ption.html

Will insurance plans even replace stuff that often? (as listed in the ResMed link)

I used my first UMFF cushion/seal for six years and the leak numbers were still very good.......I just had a stock of replacement cushions/seals I wanted to try for comparison purposes and I still have the first one stashed away for possible future use. The second one is going to be five years in a few more months and still has good leak numbers.
I can't figure out how they "deteriorate" for some people. I get "years" (at least four) out of my headgear, too.

I firmly believe that if people had to buy these "consumables" out of their own pockets instead of relying on the insurance to replace them, they'd figure out how to make them last much longer.


Den

.

[Christine L]

you seem to have no clue so best to leave things alone before you really need help and receive none.

Seems I was just threatened.

[Christine L]

ResMed among other companies selling the things! Or don't you read?

And the manufacturers have that ulterior "motive"....... $$$$$$

http://www.resmed.com/us/en/consumer/su ... ption.html

Will insurance plans even replace stuff that often? (as listed in the ResMed link)

I used my first UMFF cushion/seal for six years and the leak numbers were still very good.......I just had a stock of replacement cushions/seals I wanted to try for comparison purposes and I still have the first one stashed away for possible future use. The second one is going to be five years in a few more months and still has good leak numbers.
I can't figure out how they "deteriorate" for some people. I get "years" (at least four) out of my headgear, too.

I firmly believe that if people had to buy these "consumables" out of their own pockets instead of relying on the insurance to replace them, they'd figure out how to make them last much longer.


Den

.

Thank you Wulfman!

[mike1953]

ResMed among other companies selling the things! Or don't you read?

And the manufacturers have that ulterior "motive"....... $$$$$$

http://www.resmed.com/us/en/consumer/su ... ption.html

Will insurance plans even replace stuff that often? (as listed in the ResMed link)

I used my first UMFF cushion/seal for six years and the leak numbers were still very good.......I just had a stock of replacement cushions/seals I wanted to try for comparison purposes and I still have the first one stashed away for possible future use. The second one is going to be five years in a few more months and still has good leak numbers.
I can't figure out how they "deteriorate" for some people. I get "years" (at least four) out of my headgear, too.

I firmly believe that if people had to buy these "consumables" out of their own pockets instead of relying on the insurance to replace them, they'd figure out how to make them last much longer.


Den

.

Thank you Wulfman!

Oh my it seems like you do know how to read. Now think for yourself some people are able to preserve things due to the way they maintain the equipment. Just like anything follow proper maintenance (which requires you read the maintenance schedule) cleaning ect. and things may last. But sometimes even that does not allow the equipment to last. That is why there are replacement schedules that you and wulf seem to think are a ploy by manufacturers to get more money. And lets see, I think people pay insurance premiums which pay for these items so the People are paying for them using their insurance to do just that.

[Wulfman...]

ResMed among other companies selling the things! Or don't you read?

And the manufacturers have that ulterior "motive"....... $$$$$$

http://www.resmed.com/us/en/consumer/su ... ption.html

Will insurance plans even replace stuff that often? (as listed in the ResMed link)

I used my first UMFF cushion/seal for six years and the leak numbers were still very good.......I just had a stock of replacement cushions/seals I wanted to try for comparison purposes and I still have the first one stashed away for possible future use. The second one is going to be five years in a few more months and still has good leak numbers.
I can't figure out how they "deteriorate" for some people. I get "years" (at least four) out of my headgear, too.

I firmly believe that if people had to buy these "consumables" out of their own pockets instead of relying on the insurance to replace them, they'd figure out how to make them last much longer.


Den

.

Thank you Wulfman!

Oh my it seems like you do know how to read. Now think for yourself some people are able to preserve things due to the way they maintain the equipment. Just like anything follow proper maintenance (which requires you read the maintenance schedule) cleaning ect. and things may last. But sometimes even that does not allow the equipment to last. That is why there are replacement schedules that you and wulf seem to think are a ploy by manufacturers to get more money. And lets see, I think people pay insurance premiums which pay for these items so the People are paying for them using their insurance to do just that.

Actually, I DON'T follow cleaning "schedules".......and that may be why my stuff lasts longer than others'. However, I am diligent about cleaning the foam intake filter on my machine every two weeks.
Sucking the benefits out of the insurance providers is one of the big reasons our health insurance costs are becoming prohibitive. In my opinion, CPAP consumables are not in the same category as prescription medicines/medications.
Yeah, I paid insurance premiums for decades without needing or being able to claim any "benefits". I paid for the births of both of my children out-of-pocket......and lots of other stuff because I never met the deductible.
Under Medicare, I'm still paying a fairly healthy premium for my Supplemental coverage and do need some medications. For that, I don't feel too guilty. But, beyond my first CPAP and initial supplies, I acquired all of my machines and stockpile of supplies out-of-pocket in the subsequent years.


Den

.

[palerider]

That's not nice Julie.

are you just trolling people with your stupid posts, or did you just miss the clue train when it when whooshing by?

[AlabamaAl]

I have used this mask for about four months, and have noticed more leaks in the last few weeks. I have no problem ordering a new cushion for it (probably about as cheep online as an insurance deductible from a DME) Since this will be my first time to replace it, I thought some of the more experience users might give some tips as how to tell it is time to replace it. Thanks for your responses.

Other than cleaning wipes, is there a product that will extend the life of the silicone cushion? Perhaps like an armor all for cpap masks?

[Suenyo]

I think this is getting off-topic, but I am interested in the side-topic of "Is it really true that you need to replace your mask or, especially, cushions, every month or so". I have been at this for only 4 months or so, and haven't replaced a cushion because I thought it leaky, but I am beginning to suspect that my N-10 is getting floppier. It is hard to tell because I too have an oily nose and I think it may be just "overlubricated" rather than worn out. I guess I'll try to experiment with washing my nose before bedtime and washing the cushion daily. Anyone know of a good non-scented product for cleaning cushions? Dawn unscented is not really unscented.

[ChicagoGranny]

"Is it really true that you need to replace your mask or, especially, cushions, every month or so". I have been at this for only 4 months or so, and haven't replaced a cushion because I thought it leaky, but I am beginning to suspect that my N-10 is getting floppier.

Mine last six months to a year and I wash them about every five days in liquid soap.

If the cushion is performing well, why replace it?

If it is not performing well, you certainly should replace it.

Do you keep up with your data - AHI, leak? If these numbers start to deteriorate and you suspect mask parts are the cause, replace the parts!

[AlabamaAl]

I think this is getting off-topic, but I am interested in the side-topic of "Is it really true that you need to replace your mask or, especially, cushions, every month or so". I have been at this for only 4 months or so, and haven't replaced a cushion because I thought it leaky, but I am beginning to suspect that my N-10 is getting floppier. It is hard to tell because I too have an oily nose and I think it may be just "overlubricated" rather than worn out. I guess I'll try to experiment with washing my nose before bedtime and washing the cushion daily. Anyone know of a good non-scented product for cleaning cushions? Dawn unscented is not really unscented.

I use the citrus wipes like those sold on cpap.com. You can also get them from your DME or ebay. They have a light citrus odor.

[Wulfman...]

I have used this mask for about four months, and have noticed more leaks in the last few weeks. I have no problem ordering a new cushion for it (probably about as cheep online as an insurance deductible from a DME) Since this will be my first time to replace it, I thought some of the more experience users might give some tips as how to tell it is time to replace it. Thanks for your responses.

Other than cleaning wipes, is there a product that will extend the life of the silicone cushion? Perhaps like an armor all for cpap masks?

Have you tried tweaking the adjustments on your headgear?
Usually, washing and drying will restore their snugness, but if they start to get stretched, that's when I make some adjustments on my headgear.

Different bed pillows can also make a huge difference in keeping leaks to a minimum. Standard fiberfill pillows usually allow the head to sink too far into them and push the masks out of alignment.

On a side note, it was Armorall that ruined two dash boards in a couple of my vehicles. They had many years on them and were in near-perfect condition.......until my wife applied that stuff to them......and they cracked something terrible.


Den

.

[englandsf]

I replace my P10 pillows every 8-10 weeks and I think I'm going to use my new spare frame after 6-7 months.I get a new pillow every month and a new frame every 3 months on my insurance. I wash the pillow every day and the frame every week but I'm a sweaty oily old man...

[LSAT]

That's not nice Julie.

HUH?