What is the average lifespan of a mask?

Organplayer · Post by **Organplayer** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 7:54 am

My DME called me to send me my regular scheduled new mask. While I am happy to have it, my present mask (Quattro) seems to be doing fine.

So what is the average lifespan of a full-face mask? Manufacturers say 4-6 months (resmed. in this case), but what is your experience?

Newbies want to know?

Kevin (slaving over the organ as Christmas is getting near.)

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 8:13 am

Interesting question, OrganPlayer. The "powers that be" seem to assume 3 months for the masks, 6 months for the headgear, and 30 days for the "cushions" given the allowed replacement schedule for Medicare and most insurances.

My Simplicity is the only one I've used more than 3 months before switching to another mask (I've only been on CPAP since Oct '06). Aside from 5-6 nights trying the Quattro and maybe another 5-6 nights w/a second Simplicity whilst traveling I've been using the same Simplicity since April of this year, so what? 8 months? It is still going strong and doing just fine. I haven't seen any change in my leak rate or comfort so see no need to discard it and switch to my second Simplicity. I haven't even found the need to readjust the headgear altho I've read that it can stretch out w/age and need a little tightening to compensate for the stretching.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 9:18 am

Organplayer wrote:My DME called me to send me my regular scheduled new mask. While I am happy to have it, my present mask (Quattro) seems to be doing fine.

So what is the average lifespan of a full-face mask? Manufacturers say 4-6 months (resmed. in this case), but what is your experience?

Newbies want to know?

Kevin (slaving over the organ as Christmas is getting near.)

This is one of the MANY reasons why your healthcare costs are out of control and ridiculous.
I'm still using the same UMFF that I started with in May of 2005 (with maybe about a month to switch with another UMFF and Quattro). It's still doing great and leakage is probably better than the first 6 months. Same headgear and same seal. I'm going to keep using this stuff till it falls apart, just to see HOW long it will last.
Also, still using the very same hose that I started with.
I have a "sufficient" quantity of spare parts, masks, seals and machines (that I purchased out-of-pocket).....but the first ones are like the Energizer Bunny.......

Den

sleepie · Post by **sleepie** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 9:21 am

lifespan is whenever your ins will pay for a new one---if you don't need it donate it to your pulmo-dr---to give to someone without ins--or someone here that don't have ins--some of us are in a better position than others-just my thought---pat

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 10:51 am

I would think that lifespan would vary .... if one has very oily skin, for example that could degrade the silicone faster from what I've hard (you'd want to verify this!).

Personally, I like to have a spare mask so once I now have 2 FF and 2 Nasal masks (only 2 from DME), I won't take any more until one gives out. That way I won't need to worry about whether I should take one at the 3-month time. Even though insurance covers my masks 100%, I don't want to get more than I need!

m

sthnreb · Post by **sthnreb** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 4:35 pm

I find the lifespan to be until something on it breaks that is irrepairable. I have 2 alike I have used for 5 years. Seems the headband may wear out first. If you Insurance gets you a new one, keep it until needed. Changing itself could be a problem.

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 4:45 pm

November I surpassed 1 year with my Soyala nasal, still NO signs of wear, same headgear, same cushion, still works like a charm. I have a brand new spare in my drawer still in the bag, when that one gets taken out of the bag I'll order another one and put it in the drawer.

I got 2 years out of my last UMFF, but I don't use that one any more.

I have NEVER purchased a replacement hose (been on therapy 7 or more years), only reason a purchased a aussie hose was because it was heated. I use it during the winter months (no heat on humidifier) and regular hose the rest.

of course I haven't kept a machine long enough to wear out a hose.

JeffH · Post by **JeffH** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 5:21 pm

I used my Adams nose piece for over eight years. I replaced all the other parts over those years, but the piece that holds the nasal pillows is pretty bullet proof.

I keep it around for a spare now.

deglorious · Post by **deglorious** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 5:45 pm

I've only had my quattro for 3 weeks so I can't tell you exactly how long the mask will last, but I can tell that the elbow joint DOES leak (just discovered that last night) and so I'll want my new mask as soon as the insurance says I can have one. I know there has been alot of discussion about that leaky elbow joint and that it is a defect in the mask. Hopefully they will have it fixed by the time I'm ready for the next one. In the meantime, I guess I'll have to go to Home Depot and buy that teflon tape to fix it (Sigh...).

Deglorious

annie123 · Post by **annie123** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 6:38 pm

I have used my F&P 407 for a year now, but ordered a new one for backup. I replace the cushion about once a month. I have 2 hoses one of which I have had for a year.

Perchancetodream · Post by **Perchancetodream** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 7:01 pm

I used the cushion and nasal pillows on my Hybrid for three months. I found a big improvement with the replacements, but I can't see any reason to replace the mask until something breaks.

My husband will probably order the Quattro as soon as he can get one with the headgear since the Hybrid isn't working as well for him. (Just gives me a set of spares!)

Susan

RiverDave · Post by **RiverDave** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 7:01 pm

Going on 7 months with current mask. I have replaced the cushion twice and have a spare, but all other pieces are holding together. I won't replace the entire mask until it breaks. I would echo what Den said - why have your insurance pay when you don't need it? It just inflates insurance premiums in the long run (example DME charge $140 for new cushion, online = $60).

Deglorious, I bought a backup mask (quattro) recently and the elbow still leaks

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 7:11 pm

The leaky elbow on some of the Quattros is a known and recognized problem by Resmed. They will replace it. Take it back to your DME supplier or contact the online supplier you bought it from. Some one at apneasupport posted a thread about this and this is what Resmed told them to do.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 8:17 pm

The mask seal lifespan equals 3 DME car payments. Jim

He has to have 10 or more costomers, for the math to work.

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 8:43 pm

Giggle. You are soooo bad, GoofProof.

Machine

Additional Comments: Resmed AirCurve 10 VAuto BiLevel with HumidAir

Mask

Additional Comments: Equipment isn't correct, S9 ASV w/H5i

What is the average lifespan of a mask?

What is the average lifespan of a mask?

Re: What is the average lifespan of a mask?