why do we need to change mask if working? medical reason?

[williamco]

May I ask you, regardless insurance or paying out of pocket (my case), is there a medical reason to change mask every six months or every year if it is working fine? as well as changing tube?

Thanks

[Wulfman]

May I ask you, regardless insurance or paying out of pocket (my case), is there a medical reason to change mask every six months or every year if it is working fine? as well as changing tube?

Thanks

Not as far as I'm concerned. And, if there is, I'm in trouble.......I'm still using the same mask and hose that I started with five years ago. The only thing I've changed is the headgear on my mask last year......I got about four years out of that.

My philosophy......if it works, don't "fix" it.


Den

[plr66]

My philosophy......if it works, don't "fix" it.
Den

I sure do second that experience and opinion!

[donnafowler]

As long as your mask is working, I too, say stick with it. I did buy a second one to have on hand in case the first developed a problem, and after awhile I started alternating them. I have replaced individual components when they become worn or uncomfortable. I hate wasting money on something I don't need, and I hate the waste the masks would create by trashing them every six months.

[WilsonVilleUSA]

If you take care of your mask, hose, etc. I don't think there is a problem. There are a lot of variables that come in to play and some people are going to be naturally harder on their gear than others. At some point the materials will start to break down, but I think the most common reason for changing out is sanitary issues whether real or perceived.

For me, I have 3 masks I rotate through. When one wears out, I may try a new one that looks like it may fit better or be more comfortable with. I have made bad choices in the past and then had to live with something that was uncomfortable or didn't seal well until I could either afford out of pocket replacement or wait until insurance would cover it. I am just about at the 5 year year point and have had a total of 9 masks. 5 of those were in the first couple of years as I was sorting out what was comfortable and worked. I have now settled on what I like and they last about a year in rotation.

There is a thread about masks being sent around for folks to try, but I don't think it caught on or worked very well. I had tried to get in line for a couple of the masks offered but never saw one.

[Photomatt]

No need change a working mask. However, if my insurance company is kind enough to pay for a new one, I get one of a different type (just in case) or get the same kind to use as a backup (just in case).

[Janknitz]

If you have a great mask and you keep everything clean, you don't need to replace it. BUT you should always have a backup--you don't want a delay of several days if something happens. CPAP doesn't work when you aren't using it!

[Jettagram]

I just received a call from my DME on Thursday about replacing supplied as I am at the three month mark in treatment. The person I spoke to said she prefers that people change out their hose at three months due to "bacteria buildup" and she doesn't want anyone to get ill. I don't buy the "bacteria buildup" because washing the hose should take care of that. She didn't say anything about the mask, but I assume the reason would be the same.
I will, however, get the new hose, filters (mine are not washable...wish they were) and a new mask just so I can have spare equipment if needed.

[Goofproof]

Not much, except it's the American Way, The Grass is always Greener on the other side of the fence, (Why, That's the side the Bull is on). In the U.S., newer is always better, change is good, that's what is taught by business, but it's not always true. what is true if something is working well, all's well. Jim

It also is handy to have spares for everything, it makes life easier.

[Kevin G.]

5 years for the mask is about right. What wears out sooner are the gel pads for the forehead. They can be bought for less cost than the full mask. If you have a mask that works for you keep it until it breaks. Sometimes the older masks fit better.

If you take care of your hoses and clean them occasionally there should be no bacterial buildup. What is there for the bacteria to grow on. I believe that there is more bacteria in your mouth and throat. Remember the source of this bacteria is the same unfiltered air that you breath the rest of the day.

The salesman is trying to sell you something. They are interested in making a profit not on saving you money.

Check the manufacturers recommendations they probably will recommendation longer replacement schedules. These durations are still much sooner than needed in my experience. Have been using a machine for 18 years plus and during this time I have not always followed a rigerous cleaning regime, use tap water for the humidifier, have kept my hoses and masks for longer than recommended and have had no problems as a result. I am not recommending you do the same but I anm suggesting that under normal circumstances the recommendations are conservative. If you had certain medical conditions or were in a hospital it would be a different matter.

One set of spares is a good idea but more is probably wasteful. I kept my old machine and probably could get another month out of it if my new one breaks.

[WearyOne]

As far as replacing the hose every three months...kinda expensive to do if you're using a heated hose! I've had my three years.

[SleepyT]

I agree with everyone so far....in that there is no set reason to switch masks just because your insurance will provide you with another one. But my good cpap friend, Rebecca R, pointed out to me that our masks may stretch out or wear down and we just don't notice it. At any rate, it's good to have back ups...so I will be taking the free mask when I can!

[LSAT]

Most masks are hard plastic...they shouldn't wear out. The components will need to be changed periodically. I change my cushion about every 3 months because it seems to loose its seal around that time. My head gear is over a year old and still in good shape. I changed my hose at 1 year and I now use the old hose as a back-up. I do have a second mask as a spare.

[Roman Hokie]

I'm new at this and I think this is an on-topic question.

What equipment should I have backups for? Obviously a mask or mask components. What else? And where can I find cleaning guidelines? In the Wiki?

Okay, that's 3 questions. Thank you.

[SleepyT]

I'm new at this and I think this is an on-topic question.

What equipment should I have backups for? Obviously a mask or mask components. What else? And where can I find cleaning guidelines? In the Wiki?

Okay, that's 3 questions. Thank you.

Hello, Fellow Hokie (I'm thinking you went to Va Tech too?) Anyway...I'll take a stab at your questions. Question 1...I think you may want to have a backup hose, backup mask (maybe a full face one if you don't already have one for when you have a cold), backup parts, a backup battery (for power outages), and some folks even have a spare CPAP machine.

As for the cleaning...there is probably something in the wiki...and it is a subjective topic around here with many differing answers. All I can tell you is what I do. I occasionally wash my nasal pillow mask and hose in warm, soapy water (I use Ivory liquid as there is no scent). Then I occasionally dunk all the parts (including the humidifier tank) in a solution of Control 3 disinfectant (which can be purchased on cpap.com). It also has no scent.
Hope that helps!