Do you purchase a new mask every six months?

[Starlette]

Is it really necessary to purchase a new mask twice a year (every six months) due to bacteria? I have. However, I've questioned if its really necessary if if I'm cleaning it it every week. I sometimes wonder if this is the insurance company's scare tactic to getting our money.

Starlette

[builta]

Hi,

It is not necessary as long as it works, the head gear isn't all stretched out and nothing is torn. But, it is always nice to have a backup mask!

I've used the same mask for about a year now and I only clean it if it looks like it needs cleaning (like once a month or so).

I think that Wulfman has some kind of record for using the same hose and mask!

[Slinky]

Yes, I do. The mask cushion material does tend to "age" regardless how good the care. While my insurance does allow replacement cushions, not all local DME providers even bother to keep replacement cushions on hand and if you insist on just the cushion must special order them delaying their receipt. It also gives me a chance to try a new mask I might be interested in. I prefer to have at least one "backup" mask on hand at all times.

[Pugsy]

Replacing due to bacteria? With routine cleaning there shouldn't be any more bacteria at 1 week of use or 1 month or 6 months.

Insurance companies actually set the time schedules not to make more money but to limit the money they pay out when we file a claim for a mask. DME usually follows the insurance replacement schedule because anything else isn't paid for by insurance and with price of masks, not many pay that full price out of pocket.

Different masks will break down and become leaky at different rates with different people. Many people look forward to that 6 month time so they can try another mask type and can't afford to keep buying out of pocket.

Only time anyone might make much money off of the different insurance replacement allowances are the DME s if they routinely auto ship everything from hoses every six months to whatever and the user doesn't really need them or want them.

[islandboy5150]

I just replaced my quattro after four years, but not because it wasn't working or was bad in some way. Just was curious to how much better a new one would be compared to my old one. I think my old one seals better and feels more comfortable than the new one. Might just switch back and keep the new one for a back up.

[bayourest]

I have posed this question to my DME and to the very knowledgeable tech in the sleep dr's office. Both say emphatically yes, replace at 6 mos or sonner. They say it's because there will be tiny little tears in the silicone membrane that will affect the quality of the seal. These may or may not be visible. I think we all take care not to use petroleum products near the mask as they may break down the silicone too. What I do wonder is if you use a padacheek liner if that preserves the mask for longer than 6 mos. I would think it would.

[sleepycarol]

I am still using the same mask after 2+ years. I have lost count of the actual number of mask I own trying to find "the" one. After trying the Headrest I was sold and have used it since. I purchased it gently used from a forum member here so actually I am unsure how long the mask has been in use. I wash it infrequently and that works for me. I do wash more often if I am sick. Insurance paid for my initial mask and 1 other mask and the rest were out of pocket (my choice as I purchased them off from cpapauction, etc.). I recently purchased 6 of the Headrest Masks from on line dealer as I am afraid they will become impossible to find in the near future.

[jabman]

I am only on my second mask, having just replaced it last month after my six month of use with the first mask. I will ask my DME next time if I can just replace the cushion, I didn't this time because I wanted a backup mask. if they say no I will see if I can get them from cpap.com

[Madalot]

My insurance covers an entire new mask & headgear every 3 months. I HAVE gotten them on that schedule, mainly to get backups. I have found, with mine, that sometimes the silicone will wear out on me. Once, I had to get a new mask at 11:00 pm because my old one would not seal any longer. It had been okay the night before, but it was worthless the next night.

On top of that, I dropped my mask once while cleaning it. It hit the oxygen concentrator as it fell and broke.

In my case, I've gotten the masks on the insurance schedule to keep a "stash" for emergency situations.

[Komodo]

Ever since I found out I could get replacements for free, I've been taking advantage of it.

My insurance goes by the Medicare guidelines, and covers 100% of the cost from my DME. Apparently, neither my insurance nor my DME have come across patients who know their rights before. Both of them had to "check" to see if I was entitled to replacements.....I am!

[smsfire2003]

I have to admit, my insurance covers me for a new mask and tubing every 3 months and I take advantage of it why not, they're paying for it. Every 6 months I receive a new humidifier tank. I receive all the supplies on a religious basis, sometimes just to have some back ups and just to try a new mask.

[vette76]

Hello im in denver also.... Im pretty new but i clean mine in the shower everyday i wash it out with ivory dish soap it helps with the seal for me at night.

[theguest]

Been on cpap 12 years. On my second mask. Third mask is for backup.

[Wulfman]

Within the year or so after I started therapy, I had determined that the UMFF (that I started with) was the mask that would work for me......so, in 2006 I purchased several more identical masks and a number of extra seals......plus a Quattro and a Comfortfull 2......ALL out-of-pocket. I don't believe that the "consumables" should be purchased by/through insurance. In truth, THEY don't pay for them......WE do, through collectively higher insurance premiums. I also feel that if I'm personally paying for this stuff, I'll take better care of it. In the last five years, I also purchased six more machines.......all out-of-pocket.

I'm still using my original UMFF.......it'll be six years (of nearly continuous use) in May (with one change of headgear in 2009). The leak numbers are still excellent and generally below what they were in its first year of use.


Den

[pdean44]

After 6 months my headgear is worn and stretched out. the cushions have to be hammered by then.
I am still searching for the perfect mask so far i have tried a new style and will again in the next few months when i am able ot get another mask.