How do you get replacement mask parts?

[Hotdog Neck]

Hi, I'm a brand newbie here. I got a Philips Resperonics machine in late December 2010, and it has helped me sleep tremendously. I was told by the guy that brought the machine out and fitted me for a mask and showed me how to use it that my insurance covers replacement mask parts (comfortgel blue nasal cushion) 1 every 2 months and they would set that up and send them to me.

It appears I can't get that part to last 2 months, as after 4 weeks I started getting marks on my face where the cushion touches it. If I loosen the cushion, air leaks out. If I tighten it, I wake up looking like I got my ass handed to me in a bar fight!

I see places online that sell the cushions for $33 or so + shipping - that's a lot per month if I don't have to spend the money. Any suggestions, ideas? Thanks in advance!

[Guest]

If this is the only mask you have tried, I suggest trying others until you find one that feels better/doesn't make marks on your face. Depending on your Cpap pressure you can try nasal pillows where that kind of mask does not touch your face. They come with "booties" (material that covers the sides of the mask).

[cflame1]

have you tried remzzz's? Some folks here make their own.

[Komodo]

The guy who told you 1 every 2 months got it backwards. You can get 2 replacement cushions every month.

Check with your insurance company first, to make sure they go by the Medicare guidelines, which most do. Then call your DME and tell them to start sending the replacements on a regular basis.

I am concerned that you need to replace the cushions that often. I have the same mask, and the cushions last for 6 months at the very least.
Have you been cleaning your mask on a regular basis? If not, you should, if you do clean it, are you using too harsh a soap?

[DocWeezy]

Have you checked directly with your insurance company?

Some policies/insurance companies will allow for more replacement parts if the doctor states that it is medically necessary. If your cushions aren't lasting, it is then medically necessary that you get more than one a month. sometimes the DME doesn't even check with your insurance company and just tells you what is common. I had that happen with Apria and I am no longer buying any supplies from them because of it.

However, the others are correct about maybe trying different masks and finding one that won't leave marks. Even when the cushion is new, do you need to have it tight to where it is uncomfortable? That means it isn't fitting real well and there may be another mask out there that works better.

Weezy

[Hotdog Neck]

Guys, first thanks so much for all the replies!

I had an ACL surgery several days ago and have been otherwise occupied. (in pain! )

I re-contacted the company that delivered my machine today, I was told that starting in 2011 my insurance started doing monthly replacement mask cushions. It was 1 every 3 months in 2010. The cushion lasted for about a month, fit very well, and was comfortable and did not leave marks on my face. But almost overnight, the cushion just seemed to lose the flex and I had to start applying more pressure on the straps to keep it from leaking loudly. Hence, the face punch effect

She will be calling me back this afternoon ( I hope, I left them a message last month and they never called back, but at least I talked to a human this time) with all the info on what/when my insurance will cover replacement parts, and she will get me scheduled accordingly. She is also going to see if for my next replacement mask, if I can get a full face mask, so I can see if that mask works better.

As for the question of if I am using soap that is too harsh, I have only used anti-bac handsoap that's in the bathroom and warm water. I may have used slightly hot water once, but I am using my hands to wash the thing so it's not super hot ever.

[Tip10]

For what its worth....

I was told specifically to avoid anything anti-bac to clean mask and mask parts with since they all generally contain alcohol which would lead to degradation of the mask parts.

[Hotdog Neck]

What is a good, gentle soap that works on masks? We have a Cetaphil gentle cleansing liguid soap, I could try that.

[Tip10]

I use an unscented or lightly scented head to toe baby wash and shampoo.

[Hotdog Neck]

Cool, thanks for the info. It's possible I encouraged breakdown using that soap I have been using. I will make sure our gentle cleanser doesn't have alcohol in it. If it does, I will try the baby stuff too. Thanks again!

[Pugsy]

What is a good, gentle soap that works on masks? We have a Cetaphil gentle cleansing liguid soap, I could try that

I use Johnson and Johnson baby cleanser for bath, forget exact name, not shampoo though. Gentle and smells good. Since I use the nasal pillows the aroma gets right up in my nose and it is very pleasant. Doesn't take much at all, small squirt in hands, wash rinse and air dry in the AM and still nice aroma when I put it on that night.

[jdm2857]

Unscented or lightly scented dishwashing liquid (the kind for hand washing, not for the dishwasher) works well, too. Don't bother with the heavy duty or extra concentrated ones. I find that Ivory liquid original (it's cheap) works fine and leaves no scent.

[PaJoe]

When I first started using cpap about 10 years ago, I followed the guide lines for cleaning and found I was replacing foam cushions more often than I care to replace them. I bumped into a guy on line and he posted he cut back on the cleaning , especially the "soaking wet foam cushion" type of cleaning, just wiping the mask and seals etc may be all you need.

[BusyLyn]

I have the ComfortGel FFM, so I presume that your ComfortGel nasal mask cushion is similar to mine. When I got my first mask, I washed the parts every other day with a mild dishwashing liquid. Everything seemed fine for approximately the first 5 weeks, after which I started getting increased leak issues. I was told by my doctor that I was using too strong a cleanser to clean my mask, causing the cushion problem (blame the victim). I bought a replacement cushion out of pocket and washed the flap every 2 days with Dr. Bonner's castille soap and the new cushion only occasionally. The result with the second cushion was that the cushion began to leak more after about 5 weeks! Cushions wear out, and have to be replaced; mild dishwashing liquid is gentle enough.

As for cleaning, you should be OK so long as you use a gentle cleaning solution that doesn't contain alcohol.

The Medicare reimbursement allowance for full face mask cushions is 1 every month and for nasal mask cushions it is 2 per month. Many insurance plans follow the Medicare guidelines. Don't rely on the information given to you by your DME - they don't keep up with the ins and outs of every insurance plan. Call your insurance company yourself and ask them how often you are entitled to get replacement parts. In addition, some DMEs don't bother to stock replacement parts and will try to convince you that your mask will last six months (the replacement schedule for a complete mask with headgear). Stocking full kits is easiest and cheapest for them. The person who is most interested in the therapy that is most effective for you is YOU, not your DME. Find a DME that stocks replacement parts and is willing to have you order them rather than only the complete mask kit. Ask them to contact your insurance plan to get your specific reimbursement schedule. But remember, to ultimately save money, if the schedule says 2 cushions per month and cushions last you longer, replace your cushions only as needed.

Good luck!
-Lyn