Signs that it's time to replace F&P Simplus cushion?

What are some more obvious signs that it might be time to replace my F&P Simplus cushion? I've been using the same cushion for over a year now (cleaning it regularly) and it seems to be fine, but then I read about people who replace the cushion every 3 months and I wonder if I should be replacing it more often? It doesn't have any tears or rips in the cushion and still inflates fine and keeps a good seal with minimal leakage.

I'm only 7 weeks on my first mask but my DME paperwork suggests 1 month but I'm pretty sure my insurance is going to say 3 months based on paperwork that my Sleep Dr gave me.

Also my DME gave me 2 extra filters, plus the one installed, for 3 months so I think I'm going to be getting a call around 3 months for a mask, they call it the cushion and more filters.

chartle wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 26, 2018 6:59 am

I'm only 7 weeks on my first mask but my DME paperwork suggests 1 month but I'm pretty sure my insurance is going to say 3 months based on paperwork that my Sleep Dr gave me.

Also my DME gave me 2 extra filters, plus the one installed, for 3 months so I think I'm going to be getting a call around 3 months for a mask, they call it the cushion and more filters.

Well, 3 months is (probably) how often your insurance will cover a replacement, not necessarily how often you'll need a replacement.

PaulKTF wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 26, 2018 7:00 am

Well, 3 months is (probably) how often your insurance will cover a replacement, not necessarily how often you'll need a replacement.

My thought was also the 1 month was a bit of "up selling" from the DME, maybe for germaphobes.

But so far no issues except i'll get outlier nights where I have too many leaks. I think its nights I sleep on my back and my cheeks slump back and I get face farts. Oddly on my side I bury my face in the pillow sort of with the mask smooshed a little and get no leaks at all.

There is no reason to replace the cushion unless it's not able to perform the way it should. The DME schedule is based on them getting money - whether it's from you, an insurance company, or the equipment seller/supplier.

chartle wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 26, 2018 6:59 am

I'm only 7 weeks on my first mask but my DME paperwork suggests 1 month but I'm pretty sure my insurance is going to say 3 months based on paperwork that my Sleep Dr gave me.

That's just how often most insurance will pay for a replacement anything and how often the DMEs see the patient as a cash cow.
Insurance companies themselves don't give a hoot how long you use something and in fact are pretty happy when you can use something for a year or years and it saves them money.

Insurance companies all about saving money.
DMEs all about getting as much of that insurance (and your) money as possible as often as possible. That's how they make money.

Now as to actually how long something might last. It's another one of those cpap things that come with a big YMMV sticker on it.
My insurance (Medicare) allows 2 nasal pillow replacements a month and I can even buy them in 3 month chunks so 6 pillows.
I know some people who say that they need those 2 per month and I know others who are like me and get months and months out of 1 nasal pillow. Why the difference?? I don't really know unless it's a combination of facial oils, cleaning routine and personal expectations in terms of leak or whatever.

Now someone new to this therapy...by all means use that replacement allowance schedule to get at least a spare of whatever you are using. Never know when having a spare might come in handy but speaking from experience..it's almost always on the weekend or a holiday when the DME is closed.
This includes a new mask package when allowed (mine is at 6 months) so that you also have headgear because you just never know when the headgear might break or have something happen to it.
Been there and done that...cat knocked the mask off onto the floor and the dog thought it was a new chew toy. Tore the headgear to pieces. Along with some other serious damage to the pillow and mask frame in general....again....happened on a Friday night.
Or when I dropped the water chamber and caused it to leak and I couldn't find a way to fix it...happened on a Friday night.

Murphy is alive and well and likes to show up at the worst possible time.

I would certainly replace them after a full year, at most! Time for a new one.