Industry standard for changing tubing,pillows,mask,filters

[AVMO]

I am a Veteran who is seen at VA hospital...I've been on machine for 9 days now...I was informed by my Dr that VA changes tubing,mask and filters every 6 months...Isn't this way too long to go without changing things? Any Veterans here who use VA hospital for care and get things change on a more regular basis...I have no health insurance so VA is my only option for care.

I am doing ok with getting used to mask..I was advised to not take ambien.I tried but cannot get to sleep without it due to PTSD issues.I am taking 2.5 mg (breaking it in half) I have a sinus infection so with that added issue I think Im adjusting well to it..Im up to 6 hrs a nite...mostly due to my late hrs I keep..I uped humidity to 3 from 2 last nite and woke up with frog in my throat and cant talk...Can that be because of changed level? I will use it at 3 tonite and see if I get same results..I uped level because I felt I wasnt getting enough humidity..

I once again want to thank y'all for your help and inspiration...I could not be making this journey without you as the RT Clinic at VA here is very hard to get in touch with.

[LSAT]

I don't disagree with the tubing...I change mine once a year. The filters, however need to be changed according to the manufacturers guidelines...in most cases every 3 months. Masks, in my opinion, don't wear out, but the parts...silicone and pillows... need replacing at 1-3 months in most cases. I would assume that the VA follows Medicare guidelines which replaced items much more frequently that what your doctor is telling you.

[Mongo]

The VA normally follows the medicare guidelines.
Mask 3 months, pillows 2 per month, filters 2 per month, tubing 3 months, humidifier 6 months, headgear 6 months.
I've been using the Va since the beginning of the year and have not had a problem getting stuff. Some things like pillows or cushions take longer to get in the mail because they contract those out.

[RandyJ]

Manufacturers recommend 6 months on the tubing. I think this is wise; no matter how well you think you are cleaning it, tubing has a lot of crevices where bacteria can hide.

Masks can last longer than a year; it's the cushions that need to be replaced monthly or every 3 months depending on the mask. I've had the same full face mask for over a year and have replaced the cushion once. I've replaced the cushion twice on a nasal mask that I've only had since November, so it depends on the mask. I replace the filter in my S9 monthly, but PR System One machines have a washable filter that you replace less often.

Cushions (depending on the mask), filters and tubing can be inexpensive if you want to get them from cpap.com or ebay in between what your VA replacement schedule gives you.