Seriously, how often do you replace your masks?

[BlackSpinner]

I am on year 3 with my Hybrid. The head gear is getting a little limp.

[mariejeanne]

find another job which offers insurance plans more to your liking.

Or sign up for one of those wonderful Obamacare policies.

Nope, you can't. If your employer offers only a shitty $5k deductible plan, you can't opt out and get Obamacare. (If I could, believe me I would!)

[RogerSC]

I've found that replacing the Swift FX once a year is helpful. The band around the back of my head is elastic, and loses elasticity after while. That makes it less comfortable for me, and harder to adjust. I remember that I used my first FX for 2 years, and then got a new one. The difference was so great in ease of adjustment and comfort for me, that I decided once a year should be about right. The DME wants to give me a new one every 6 months of course (maximum allowed by Medicare), so I have to slow them down. Right at the moment I have a backlog of supplies, so I'm on "don't call me, I'll call you" terms with them. This makes them anxious, but that's their problem.

[Cardsfan]

Your employer can force you to buy their insurance? How is that even possible? Automatic payroll deduction?

[Wulfman...]

I have always found myself resisting the 6 month replacement schedule recommended by my DME. Granted, the DME folks have a vested interest in keeping a steady income from our "supplies" but surely some objective clinical information has got to be available somewhere. I should point out that I am on year 6 of my current mask and while I clean the mask and change my filters regularly, I have never cleaned my hose in the 15 years that I have had my current machine. Should I be ashamed?...lol

As LSAT said, you're in good company.
Quite a few of us are pretty frugal when it comes to getting the full use out of our equipment.

I have four UMFF masks that I rotate.......3 in Large and 1 Medium (I have more "new/unused" in both sizes in storage for future use, including extra seals/cushions and headgear).

I got 4 years out of my first set of headgear. I used the first seal/cushion for 6 years before I put a new seal in it. Earlier this year, I decided to get that first seal out of storage and try it again. Still seals about as well as the "newer" ones.

I've purchased all of my extra machines, hoses, masks, cushions and headgear out-of-pocket, so I'm cost-conscious and try to make everything last as long as I can. The only thing that I wasn't able to continuing using is the first set of headgear........it was pretty well shot by the time I replaced it. I had to replace two parts on my original mask......the forehead support (broke when I accidentally dropped it) and the intake elbow/anti-asphyxiation valve when one of the retaining clips broke. Everything else I've been using for over 10 years is still available and usable.


Den

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[mariejeanne]

Your employer can force you to buy their insurance? How is that even possible? Automatic payroll deduction?

You have the right to opt out. However if an employer plan is available to you (no matter how shitty), you can't get Obamacare.

[The Choker]

If your employer offers only a shitty $5k deductible plan, you can't opt out and get Obamacare. (If I could, believe me I would!)

What is shi**y is a system where, traditionally, employers have provided health insurance. We got in this shi**y mess because of government wage controls in the forties and government tax policies that still exist today.

We would not be in such a mess if the federal government had stayed out of the market place.

[zoocrewphoto]

they are forced on you by employers

If you live in the U.S., it is illegal for an employer to "force" an insurance plan on you.

You have the legal right to resign and find another job which offers insurance plans more to your liking.

You make it sound so easy. While it may be legally possible to refuse my employer based insurance and thus save my premiums, it isn't that easy to go find another job that pays at least as well and has better insurance. Especially when you have 20+ years where you work.

And the government options? Crap. I looked into them 2 years ago when my contract was well past the date and the health insurance was the hold up. I looked at the plans offered, and my premiums would have been 5 times as much, and the deductible would have been $2000. In other words, without something catastrophic, I would never get to use the insurance for anything. I would just be paying 5 times as much for nothing (even with the subsidy). Had I lost my employer based insurance, I would have gone without insurance. I would be better off paying my "premiums" into an account and saving it for usage.

Fortunately, we got to keep our insurance, though the premiums went up, the HRA account got smaller, and the deductible went up from $250 to $750. I have not made it past my deductible this year, so I have not ordered any supplies. I did buy a couple mask cushions via ebay, but that was it. I'm avoiding the doctor too. I know I shouldn't, but during the deductible phase, a doctor appointment costs more than a week's pay. I just don't have that right now.

Our contract is up in May. I'm sure we will be taking another big hit. Not looking forward to that at all.

[curems]

I haven't hit a replacement time frame yet but as a newbie, I plan to take advantage of the schedule to begin with so I will have backups for when I need them. Once I have the backup system in place, I see no reason to keep replacing things just because I can. I'm not sure about how the DreamWear will hold up over time as the frame is all silicone, not plastic. (I've had cushions degrade over time leading me to think it was me that couldn't deal with the therapy.)

[The Choker]

And the government options? Crap.

That's Obamacare!

[SewTired]

I have always found myself resisting the 6 month replacement schedule recommended by my DME. Granted, the DME folks have a vested interest in keeping a steady income from our "supplies" but surely some objective clinical information has got to be available somewhere. I should point out that I am on year 6 of my current mask and while I clean the mask and change my filters regularly, I have never cleaned my hose in the 15 years that I have had my current machine. Should I be ashamed?...lol

Here is the problem. The replacement schedule is just a listing about how often you can replace items. There is no requirement that you must have new equipment that often, which is why I get annoyed that DMEs are pushing this as a REQUIREMENT. Ok, off soapbox. The schedule does help to accumulate some backup products, especially handy when you've forgotten your mask at Aunt Flora's home 3000 miles away.

Realistically, when should you replace cushions or pillows? That would be when they are uncomfortable or your AHI goes up or leaks are up. Regular washing removes bacteria, oil and grime that accumulates on the equipment. Small cracks can create skin irritation as well as provide areas for bacteria to hide, so I think it helps to use a magnifying glass periodically to check those areas that you've had issues with. If you see cracks, time to pitch and replace.

Note: none of the current cleaning recommended methods STERILIZE anything. So don't let someone give you crap about that. The only way you can sterilize your equipment at home is by boiling it. Not necessary to sterilize cpap equipment unless you see obvious mold or mildew.

[CaptainRaven40]

I dispose of my mask daily like daily contacts. Hoses get changed every 4 hours at night because they just grow mold in no time. I also bathe once an hour. I am not crazy though..... Right?!?!?!?

[Wulfman...]

I dispose of my mask daily like daily contacts. Hoses get changed every 4 hours at night because they just grow mold in no time. I also bathe once an hour. I am not crazy though..... Right?!?!?!?

RRRRRRRIIIIIIIGGGGGGGHHHHHHHTTTTTTT!!!!!!!

This is one thing I've always wondered about those OCD folks who feel the need to "clean" their stuff so often (like weekly or daily).........why not every hour during the night?
WHO KNOWS what speck of dust or germ MAY get into something, somewhere....... After all, it was hiding in your bedroom.


Den

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[highstick]

This is one thing I've always wondered about those OCD folks who feel the need to "clean" their stuff so often (like weekly or daily).........why not every hour during the night?
WHO KNOWS what speck of dust or germ MAY get into something, somewhere....... After all, it was hiding in your bedroom.

My second night on CPAP, I was getting all of these "puffs in the mask" and it was obvious that it was leaking...I done so good my first night, it bothered me that "what the heck is gonna go wrong now"?? I called my Home Health provider the next morning and described what was going on and she said "did you clean the mask"? Sheepishly, I admitted that I didn't after only one night of use...Cleaned it after the phone call and clean it daily(just soak in some warm water with a couple of drops of antibacterial soap, wipe the seal, and rinse.).


I have not had a problem since then. I did do the hose cleaning after a couple of weeks by submerging it in some warm water with the antibacterial soap and 2-3 drops of white vinegar. Did the same after a month with the humidifier tank.

I've gotten into a routine now so I don't wait until bedtime. Also, I'm a morning shower person unless I do something that needs the extra shower the night before. Washing my face at night was never a priority, but I'm doing it with a wash cloth and moisturizing soap. I know I sweat so even a little bit of oil from your face can impact the seal. Also use a little bit of a moisturizing lotion on my face. After 2-3 nights, that cured the "raw nose" in the full face mask..

[CaptainRaven40]

Hmmmm. Maybe I can take my mask and hose and humidifier tank into the shower with me. Just clean it while I clean me. Seems like that could work. A little soap for me and then a little soap for the CPAP.