Schedules for equipment replacement.

I am curious about the opinions/experiences of others on schedules for equipment replacement such as hose, filters, and masks.
Equipment suppliers ( in my case Lambert's health care in Knoxville, TN) give time periods for replacement with no explanation. Are these replacement periods for our
benefit or the benefit (profit/money) of the equipment suppliers? For example the air hose should be replaced when there is a problem with the hose not working?
Or do germs collect over a certain period of time? I would think that germs could collect over a period of a week as well as over a period of 8 months?

I think that equipment suppliers simply want to improve quantities of sales and profits??

Thanks H. Hampton.

You don't have to replace the equipment as often as they say. That's just how often the insurance company will pay for a new part. It's probably the result of the DME lobbying for more frequent replacement vs. the insurance company lobbying for less frequent replacement.

As far as how often you choose to replace equipment... Most people want some sort of stockpile on hand in case something breaks. My goal is to have a spare hose, mask, and humidifier chamber sitting on the shelf in case my current one breaks. So far I have a spare mask, and had a spare hose until my hose broke over Thanksgiving. I think I'm eligible for the spare humidifier chamber this month.

Another consideration is if you have a high deductible plan and have already met your deductible for the year. You might choose to order everything you're eligible for during that year, so you won't have to pay as much the next year.

But, just because they offer a replacement, that doesn't mean you have to take it. And just because you take it, doesn't mean you have to use it right away.

I've used the same hose for 5 years.....washed it once. My insurer replaces most things once a year except machines which are replaced every 5 years.

Normally the replacement schedule given by DME is just information on what your insurance company allows so you know when you can get new supplies. Even Medicare has a replacement schedule. DMEs will often use the opportunity to encourage buying something that may or may not be really needed. Like a new humidifier tank or long hose every 6 months. It doesn't hurt to have an extra hose or tank just in case something happens though. Along with extra mask or replacement parts (like when my dog ate one of my nasal pillows) if need should come up.

Up to you how often you are comfortable with using your hose. Until I recently bought a heated hose I was still using the long hose I bought in Aug 2009. Unless someone has a severely compromised immune system from something any germs really will not be an issue with minimal cleaning.

Filters (disposable white) I buy in bulk to save money because I can get 6 or more from online source for the cost of one from DME. Recently bought 24 from EBay seller (new and sealed) for $11.99 and that included mailing. I try to change my disposable filter once a month and wash the foam filter at the same time. Foam filters will last a long, long time.

Individual cleaning schedules and methods are highly personal and really just depends on your own comfort level with what you feel is needed. Same with replacement schedules for various equipment.

Agree with above. It does't mean you need one. It means your ins will pay for it. You still have to pay the co-pay which usually seems to be a fair price for the product.
I don't have to worry about the deductible so I get what I need to have one backup. I will probably get a full face mask when I can to prepare for winter stuffiness. As it is, if my nose is stuffed up, I can't go to bed. So the co-pay is worth it to me.
Some users can go for months on a set of pillows. I'm lucky if they last a month.
Machine filters should be replaced every 6 months. More or less depending on your situation.... pets, dust...
Hoses can be taped...
I would say if your DME wants to schedule replacements, that's a money game. Get what you need when you need it.

BTW, my S9 filter looks an awful lot like aquarium filter.

Lostteeth, please fill in your equipment on your profile and we can give you better info on your particular mask and machine. Look at the link at the bottom of this post for instructions.

I agree, take the replacements your insurance will provide until you have at least one set of spares for everything. We can give you better info once you fill in your profile. If you get spares, you can clean one set and let the other set sit dry for a week or so to keep down the germ growth.

The only thing that's critical to replace regularly is the air filters. Some mask parts like cushions simply don't seem to work for a long time and need replacement.

My DME posts their replacement schedule on a big sign at their shopfront, with the advisory that individual insurance companies' rules may vary slightly.

I was eligible for new tubing recently, but because the ones I have (3 regular slimline and 3 climateline) are in great condition, I questioned whether I SHOULD replace them.

We all know the DMEs are in it for the money, but I have a little more respect for mine in particular. I was told by the manager that unless I'd been sick, or the tubing was falling apart, it wasn't necessary for me to have new. They know I'm a clean-freak, so cleaning isn't an issue, but in the event I have a bad cold, flu or other infectious respiratory problem, they suggested I trash the hose and get a replacement, otherwise no need.

I do replace filters and nasal pillows monthly, but anything else is on an 'as needs' basis, and my DME never pushes me to take replacements.

Cheers,
xena