How frequent to purchase AEIOMed Headrest (Aura) cushions?

RestInSeattle · Post by **RestInSeattle** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 6:07 pm

I'm getting ready to purchase my Headrest Nasal interface from AEIOmed on cpap.com. My local DME's don't carry it and suggested the internet too, oh well it's their loss.

On my Mirage Swift, I'd replace the pillows once a month. Does the Headrest cussion, pillows or whatever you call them last much longer? Should I look at replacing them in the same timeline?

The only real concern is the difference in cost. I'd have to pay out of pocket and then get reimbursed where as my provider covered the DME.

Rested Gal and etal.. thank you so much for your earlier advice, I'm looking forward to my Headrest soon.

Take care.

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 9:47 pm

Why are you having to replace your Swift pillows so often? Are you just a super clean freak (j/king) or are they wearing out? If they are wearing out, then you might want to review your cleanser, etc. No way should these pillows be wearing out that quickly.

That said, I've been using the Aura pillows since the end of January. I did trade an extra set for an extra set - so now I have 2 sets of size large pillows. I switch them out when I wash them - which is only every 2 or 3 days. I just wash them as if I'm washing my hands with soap and then rinse them with hot faucet water. Mine show no wear yet. So, I would say they wear very well.

So, providing you are not using a harsh cleanser, the Aura pillows should last at least 6 months (would be my guess).

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 10:37 pm

I've been using the same pillows assembly with my "Headrest"/Aura for, I guess, almost a year now. They are still soft and supple...still work fine. I don't do any rigorous cleaning of the pillows. I just wipe off the outside of nasal pillows occasionally with a soft cloth, mild soap and lukewarm water. When I do that, I might (or might not ) slosh some soapy water inside the pillows assembly and rinse.

RestInSeattle · Post by **RestInSeattle** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 10:55 am

Guess I replaced those pillows sooner than needed. Sometimes the seal wasn't as good and the DME showed that the insurance covered monthly pillows replacements.

Perhaps they failed sooner as I'd needed some non-patroleum jelly based lubricant around the nares (not inside the nose) for comfort and improved seal.

Perhaps if the Aura seals well without that and is quite comfortable, I'll also receive long use before needing to replace.

Thanks!

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 12:05 pm

I've been called "hard-headed" all my life, but never "hard-nosed". I have never used any sort of lubricant with the Aura nasal pillows. For that matter, I never had to use anything with the Nasalaire either. So maybe I'm a hard-nose.

To me, the pillows of the Aura are softer than the Swift pillows. With my deconstructed Aura, I never can tell I'm wearing it and never feel any air pressure up my nose. To me, it's extremely comfortable.

Wishing you good luck with yours, and please keep us informed on your Aura experience.

RestInSeattle · Post by **RestInSeattle** » Fri Jul 14, 2006 12:14 pm

Thanks Linda3032 and Rested Gal. You've satisfied all the concerns I had.

I'm going to be an AEIOmed Aura user real soon! I'll let you both know how it goes.

You've both been fantastic

Niteair · Post by **Niteair** » Fri Jul 14, 2006 2:54 pm

I have been using my Aura for about a year now, using AYR gel, washing the interface daily after use with a non antibacterial dish detergent. The parts are in the same condition as new. The same with my Activa that I switch off to occasionally, I hope this one lasts forever, since I refuse to buy anything more from Resmed , with their latest tactics. I think that as long as the masks work as they should, as shown by the daily software output that there is no good reason to buy more masks or parts thereof.

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Fri Jul 14, 2006 5:28 pm

RIS,

A thorough wash with a mild soap will revive the Aura nasal seals ability to seal to your nares.

I've also used the same seal for over a year with no signs of failing.