MASK/HOSE LIFE

[Frankieboy]

How can I tell if a mask or hose needs changing? I have been using a couple of hoses and an Opus that I have used for about two years and they seem to be effective. Any problems with using them for long periods?

[chunkyfrog]

Nope.
It would be good to have spares--just in case.
Whatever you are doing for care and cleaning, it works; keep it up.

[Oughtsix]

I had one hose develop a bit of algae in it once... way back when. Now I flush my tubes with a mild solution of bleach... mild enough that I smell no bleach when using the tube.

I have used a Mirage Swift 2 nasal pillows for 5 years. I did change the pillows and head gear several times when they needed it. After the head gear and pillows are removed there isn't much left to the mask.

If the mask is working well then clean it well and keep on using it.

[RogerSC]

Haven't had a hose wear out yet (just a newbie, only 3 years *smile*, original hose), but occasionally my nasal pillows will stop sealing well. When they start keeping me awake making noise and I see it in my sleep data, I change nasal pillows...every 2 or 3 months in general. Also, after a year or so, the elastic strap on my Swift FX mask stopped being as stretchy as it should be, and at that point the mask (or just the headgear maybe) needs to be replaced. These vary for the individual, people have different skin oils, etc. I've read postings about people that have to change their nasal pillows once a month, and those that can go 6 months with the same pillows.

So just be conscious that things wear out, and watch for differences in the way that things feel and sound, and you'll catch it when it's time to replace.

[archangle]

Many people find the masks start to leak if the cushions get old.

Hoses stay wet, and are hard to clean inside. As long as it's not heated, they're pretty cheap to replace online.

I have several sets of everything, and wash the set I'm using really well once a week, and then swap so that my stuff gets a chance to dry out for a week every other week. I think this helps it last and stay clean.

[photonic]

Oracle mask at 7.5 months with no signs of wear except I change the fiber diffuser filter monthly. Heated hose working great and have never cleaned it, but use the HOZER hanging hose manager. No odor, wetness, or any signs that it needs cleaning. I wash everything else every morning with a dot of dishwashing detergent.