Is my cushion old?

The cushion for my AirFit N10 keeps leaking air in several places. I tried tightening the straps with no success. How do I tell if it needs replacing?

Do you use wipes (baby or otherwise, without alcohol or pet. jelly) on it? It seems to bring it back from being floppy. But I also imagine that a time comes for all cushions when they do need replacing, and you can do that for not a lot of money (see on Cpap.com under replacement parts for your mask).

The only thing I have used was Laniloh (lanolin) to try to make the seals better. It is less than 6 mos. old.

Some insurance schedules allow replacement monthly, or mask replacement with head gear on a 6 month interval. I have had nasal pillows go well over a year on a rotating basis. I'd recommend picking up one or more replacements to have on hand.

Try washing it with some Dawn dishwashing liquid or similar and water, then dry it with a paper towel. That usually works like a charm for me, and smells great.

Nasal cushions may need monthly replacement, a mask liner could extend that time significantly.
If you have gotten nearly six months out of yours, you have easily gotten your money's worth.

It probably is time for replacement but if you want to try Remzzz or Padacheek liners they helped my N10 leaks. I switched to P10 but use the N10 with a Padacheek liner as a backup. Also, if you get a new one they may protect it from face oils and help it to last longer.

Lanolin will soften it.. the idea is to stiffen it slightly.

I was told on this forum to use it to help with the seal.

Yes, but to keep leaks from getting worse (if you have any, Lansinoh or not) having the cushion be able to hold its shape rather than turn into spaghetti matters. I use wipes weekly or monthly and it makes a difference.

gsbuck wrote:I was told on this forum to use it to help with the seal.

I wonder if you might have misinterpreted.

typically, greasyness makes mask sealing worse, not better, which is why one of the things people using ffm's and nasal masks are encouraged to do is wash their greasy faces before bedtime.

and investigate mask liners.

most times I've seen lanolin recommended it was for tender skin, typically for nostrils and nasal pillow masks... though I'm by no means an expert on its other uses, I'm not even an expert on it's main use, just hearsay

Nope - you're correct about Lansinoh use PR!