Frequency for replacing accessories

[Baylie50]

I have been using a Respironics CPAP machine for 6 months. During that time I have had all the same mask, nasal pillows, tubing, etc. The only thing I replaced during the six months was the filters - once every two weeks.

Now the place where I got the machine says the former employee was not doing things correctly and that I will be receiving the following materials at the following intervals. I wanted to check with other users to see if this looks right to them. I can't believe I really need some of these things so frequently.

Filters and nasal pillows - twice a month
New Hose - once every three months
Tank - once every six months
New headgear - once every three months

All comments appreciated

[klockemy]

Looks like the common Medicare replacement list and sound right. But every state and insurance company is different, so I would check with them to make sure they cover it before you DME starts ordering a bunch of stuff.

[amos]

I just started to answer when I noticed Klock's reply. I agree.

amos

[Baylie50]

Thank you very much for your replies. I am not on Medicare and I was shocked by the bill I received. I just wanted to make sure they were not sending me things more frequently than I needed them. Again, thank you for the help.

[billbolton]

Filters and nasal pillows - twice a month
New Hose - once every three months
Tank - once every six months
New headgear - once every three months

I have to pay for all my CPAP accessories, so I don't replace anything until it is no longer adequately functional. I keep my CPAP kit clean and use distilled water at home (from a dehumidifier) and tap water when travelling.

• I replace filters every few months.
  
  I replace mask seals every year or so
  
  I have never replaced a hose.
  
  I replace head gear every couple of years or so
  
  I have never replaced a humdifier tank.

YMMV

Cheers,

Bill

[plr66]

I have been using a Respironics CPAP machine for 6 months. During that time I have had all the same mask, nasal pillows, tubing, etc. The only thing I replaced during the six months was the filters - once every two weeks.

Now the place where I got the machine says the former employee was not doing things correctly and that I will be receiving the following materials at the following intervals. I wanted to check with other users to see if this looks right to them. I can't believe I really need some of these things so frequently.

Filters and nasal pillows - twice a month
New Hose - once every three months
Tank - once every six months
New headgear - once every three months

All comments appreciated

Baylie50, let me start by saying that I appreciate your checking this out here on the forum--and that my response is in no way whatever directed toward you personally.

This replacement schedule is absolutely ludicrous! Our healthcare system is a disaster, and this is a reflection of one reason that this is happening. This schedule will allow you and thousands of others to go into business by collecting un-needed supplies to then sell to others through cpap auction or craigslist or ebay. You (anyone) will make lots of money selling stuff you didn't need and collecting on what the rest of us in this country paid for you to sap the system.

In my experience, you need to replace disposable filters once a month or so. If you live in a hugely pollen or dust-laden environment, then every few weeks. YMMV.
In my experience, nasal pillows can be effectively used for MONTHS.
Hoses can be used for nearly forever if not clawed by pets or pucntured with ice picks in moments of insanity (think one to five years?).
Tank should not need replacement for years either, if you do not take it apart repetitively to clean it. Refer to many posts here in the Search box which discuss the true necessity of taking the humidifier apart for frequent cleaning. Doesn't need to happen.
And Headgear every 3 months might be necessary if you practice no hygiene, but if you throw it in the washer every couple of weeks (those models and parts which are appropriate for this), then there should be no need for replacement every 3 months.

Folks, I believe we just have to get away from the throw-away mentality that is contributing to our current healthcare disaster, IMO. The schedules are in the interest of the DME's and those consumers who see a source of "free" income by collecting and selling unnecessary supplies.

Geesh. I keep sayin, don't get me started on this here, and am always impressed by how silent the responses become when the elephant in the livingroom is pointed out.

[Kantou]

you want to hear a ridiculous medicare story my dad needs a motorized wheel chair he is 85 years old has parkinsons and the dme charges the goverment 14,000 for the chair I can buy it on the web for 3200....now who is screwing who???? and people want goverment run health care????? I think not!!!!!!!

[Wulfman]

Geesh. I keep sayin, don't get me started on this here, and am always impressed by how silent the responses become when the elephant in the livingroom is pointed out.

No, I felt like I was the only one who griped about the "waste" (of money) in this area.
I'm just glad to see some others speaking up.

Been on therapy since 05/14/2005.
Same mask with the same seals (just recently had to change the headgear)
Same hose
Same foam filters (just rinse them out every other weekend)
I don't use the "fine" (white) filters.
Same humidifier (still looks like new)

I have lots of spares of "everything" (purchased out-of-pocket) for when I finally need them, but I'm trying to see how long the original stuff will last. The answer is.......a lot longer than the replacement schedules call for.


Den

[plr66]

No, I felt like I was the only one who griped about the "waste" (of money) in this area.
Den

Den, I did mean to mention that you are one of the very very few here who have voiced this opinion and stood by the reality that all of our equipment can be used for very long periods of time. Sorry I did not breathe long enough during my rant to include that recognition.

[Elbysmom2004]

you want to hear a ridiculous medicare story my dad needs a motorized wheel chair he is 85 years old has parkinsons and the dme charges the goverment 14,000 for the chair I can buy it on the web for 3200....now who is screwing who???? and people want goverment run health care????? I think not!!!!!!!

My mom had to rent a hover round while her chair was being fixed by the company and she was able to rent this for a month at $150.00. My mom liked the chair so much that she asked them if she could buy it since they sell equipment also and they said they would bill insurance. Since she has a chair insurance denied it but the store let her buy it for another $550.00 with a 2yr warrenty and another 3yr limited warrenty. She still got her other chair back but because it's bulkier and not as "user friendly" she doesn't use it that much.

So for a total of $800.00 she got a chair that was like brand new.

As far as the parts go my dog chewed my hose about 3 weeks ago while I was sleeping and wearing it. She got mad at me earlier in the day and I duck taped it where the leaks are. Works good as new.