How often should I change my mask?

[70sSanO]

This is sort of a 2 part question.

As someone alluded to above, one part is how often your insurance company allows the mask to be replaced and the other is how often it "needs" to be replaced.

If your insurance company will replace a mask after so many months, you need to take advantage (so to speak) of their policy if you have a mask that really works for you (also stated in another post).

However, I rarely involve my insurance company in any maintenance purchases (cushions, filters, etc.) because I can't get them to work with an online DME and then the deductible is so high that it just doesn't make sense to pay toward a deductible that will never be met in a single year.

That said when I bought my S9, I was allowed a new mask every 3 months, so I have 4 of then. Three are in the closet and I am still using the original one (I have replaced the cushion); which has been in use for 3-1/2 years. This was a good way to build up an inventory of back up masks.

The second part is... I get 5 or more years out of the plastic, non-cushion, mask parts.

John

[palerider]

This is sort of a 2 part question.

I'm assuming you meant that it's a two part answer... because I didn't spot any question in there, just good advice

[70sSanO]

This is sort of a 2 part question.

I'm assuming you meant that it's a two part answer... because I didn't spot any question in there, just good advice

You are probably correct.

I initially wrote "answer", but then I thought about it and decide to couch the OP's question on my own as... should I replace when the insurance company says I can, or should I replace when it is worn out.

"Answer" is most likely a better choice of words.

John

[palerider]

This is sort of a 2 part question.

I'm assuming you meant that it's a two part answer... because I didn't spot any question in there, just good advice

You are probably correct.

I initially wrote "answer", but then I thought about it and decide to couch the OP's question on my own as... should I replace when the insurance company says I can, or should I replace when it is worn out.

"Answer" is most likely a better choice of words.

John

my view is that most of the "suggested replacement interval" is coming from people wanting to sell you overpriced stuff and fatten up their profit statements.

sure, stuff wears out, but new cushious every couple weeks? gimmie a break.

[Rastaman]

There's a world of difference between what you CAN do based on your insurance and what you SHOULD do. Most pillows follow recommended 30 day cycles and headgear follow 90 day cycle,s I think. That's what my insurance pays for a therefore what I take. I use at about half that rate so I'm building up a set of spares - one headset and five pillows since June.

Pillows are once a month huh? That's what my DME (out of town) told me when they called me. Actually, I think they said 2 - 3 weeks on the cushions and filters. I've been using my first cushion on my Eson for over a month now. I haven't washed it once. I suppose I should. The DME called and was able to send me 2 more cushions and 2 more filters and the chin strap since I've met my out of pocket for this year. I went ahead and said yes.

Should I change these out once a month?