Replacement parts

Being relatively new to CPAP I'm wondering how often to replace parts. I get a call about every 3(?) months from the provider. The only thing I wonder about is the mask itself (nose ). How long do they last? Sometimes when I shift in my sleep the mask will leak. Does this mean it needs to be replaced or just readjusted?

If the mask shifts in your sleep (tho' you're apparently aware of it) then readjust it... it has nothing to do with whether it's wearing out or not, unless the headgear is very old and no longer holds adjustments for any length of time. The companies make money from your insce. co. when new orders are placed (or accepted), but that doesn't mean you have to take them beyond having an extra set of equipment for a 'rainy day'. Some of us keep masks for years (and the landfills don't get crowded with nonbiodegradable junk). Replace things when they need replacing, not because someone says you can get more stuff.

You definitely want to have one spare of everything. Just in case something breaks.
If you have good insurance, and have met the deductible, I would stock up for a rainy day while the price is reasonable.

My nasal mask lasts about 3 months. After 3 months the nose piece needs to be replaced. The headgear part is silicone so that should last until it breaks. The stretchy headband piece may need to be replaced when it gets too stretched out. Parts seem to last longer than the DME schedule says. But, they are in it for the money, so of course, they say replace it more often.

My filter seems to last about 3 months, and the DME says replace it after 1 month. The Resmed guide book says the filter can last 1 to 6 months.
On replacement parts, you just need to learn for yourself what the schedule should be. We don't all wear things out at the same rate.

I agree, spare of everything. How often you replace is entirely dependent on your usage. The schedule is based on the maximum that Medicare will pay for - but most people don't need replacements at that rate. I'm able to get a month out of my nasal pillows, 2 months out of the Airfit P10 ones, before I get a lot of leaks. I can sometimes extend their use by boiling for 5 minutes. If there are tears (you need a magnifying glass to see them), boiling won't fix 'em.

Hose - It's been 9 months and I'm still using my original hose despite rolling on it, dragging on it, cat laying on it (another cat chewing on it). It's my understanding that the first thing that causes the hose to fail are cracks on the ends. Clean your stuff regularly and there is no need to replace it until it is worn out.

Humidifier - I have a backup in case of breakage (probably dropping) or break in seal.

Headgear - that probably needs replacement before the mask itself. They stretch out and may not fit after 6 months to a year depending on the mask. [edited to add] Sometimes the DME has ONLY the mask/headgear combination pack. So, you are stuck with getting a mask/headgear every 6 months even when you only need one part.

Filters - I replace mine every month. In the summer, twice a month due to higher dust levels (windows open, construction, etc.). I am no longer getting these through Lincare (they only provide some generic brand anyway). Costs less to buy on Ebay than the 20% I pay for generic. I'm looking for a DME that will give me BRAND NAME Resmed filters. I've learned from all sorts of machines that better quality filters are better than the generic stuff.

I am switching providers after July, so am stocking up a bit on nasal pillows since paperwork always slows everything down.

My filters are hypoallergenic (HEPA--sort of), and I replace them at 3 weeks.
By then they are gray enough, and I can; so I do.
Same with my pillows, but I save them, in case of a disaster of some kind.

FlameOut wrote:Being relatively new to CPAP I'm wondering how often to replace parts. I get a call about every 3(?) months from the provider. The only thing I wonder about is the mask itself (nose ). How long do they last? Sometimes when I shift in my sleep the mask will leak. Does this mean it needs to be replaced or just readjusted?

Another possibility is your bed pillow. Some bed pillows were designed for or work better with this therapy. If your head sinks too far into the pillow, it may push the mask out of alignment and cause leaks.

The issue of how long the parts last is subjective and depends on how they're cared for. Nasal pillows don't last long (from what I've read.....never have used them), but many larger nasal or full face mask cushions can last much, much longer......like YEARS.

Be sure you have spares of whatever works for you.


Den

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Thanks all for the replies. I signed up for e-mail if there were any responses. Never got the e-mail and apologize for the late reply.