CPAP equipment replacements

How often should you actually replace mask, hose and other accessories? I’ve used all the original equipment for a year now and it still seems to be working fine. I wash every week and take good care of it. I got a phone call about replacing stuff 2 months after I got mine... are suppliers just trying to rip people off?

Yes! Replace it when it fails to function correctly, leaks become excessive and cant be corrected. However, it pays to have two or three of each item so you don't get caught short. Jim

akhibhrat58 wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 21, 2020 7:52 am

How often should you actually replace mask, hose and other accessories? I’ve used all the original equipment for a year now and it still seems to be working fine. I wash every week and take good care of it. I got a phone call about replacing stuff 2 months after I got mine... are suppliers just trying to rip people off?

welcome to the zoo!

you have learned a valuable lesson. yes, they ARE trying to rip you off. most of the long time cpap users who come here know this and try to spread the word to others. so congratulations on using your native common sense!

as to how often i replace something, that happens when it wears out. the only thing i've replaced is the headgear for my P10. washing and drying returns some of it's tightness, but that process only goes so far. when it's so loose it won't keep my nasal pillows on properly, i buy a replacement.

OH! one caveat: you have a backup for EVERYTHING, because you never know when a piece of equipment will fail. and it seems to do so at the most inappropriate time.

Lots of people replace items just because the insurance will pay..not because the items are worn out. The DMEs love that. Just because you have insurance is not a reason to replace something you don't need. I have homeowners insurance...I wouldn't burn down my home just because the insurance would pay to replace it.

As soon as you are eligible for a replacement mask, cushions, hose, humidifier tank, order one of each. But continue to use your originals until they actually wear out.

Now you have a spare of everything.

Growing up, I was taught you use something until it breaks or wears out. Our mask frames are over three years old, the cushions we are currently using are around 15 months, and my hose is five years old and my wife's is three and a half years old. We have replacements readily available if we need them, but will continue to use what we have until they wear out or break. I had to change my water chamber about a month ago because one of the hinge pins broke off. I probably could have made it work, but since I had a spare, I simply changed it out. The nurse practitioner at the sleep clinic asked me if I wanted a prescription for a new machine since mine is five years old. I told her no, but if mine quits I will call and ask for one. I have a spare on hand if it does break.