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How often should things be replaced?

Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2025 5:28 pm
by Rich Boston
My equipment provider is constantly reminding me that I need to replace things to maintain my health. Really?

I have a React Health Rio II full face mask that has a removable component mask that touches my face. The supplier says that it needs to be replaced every month since the silicone wears out. I've used 2 masks in 7 months and don't see any difference between a used one and a new one.

They also tell me that the rest of the mask needs to be replaced like every 3 months. I'm still using the original and it works.

What am I missing? It seems like their replacement frequency is a way to generate revenue.

Re: How often should things be replaced?

Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2025 5:56 pm
by Pugsy
Rich Boston wrote:
Sat Sep 06, 2025 5:28 pm
It seems like their replacement frequency is a way to generate revenue.
Bingo. Cash cow.

Funny how the "need to replace" schedule just happens to be how often/frequent that insurance will pay for something.

Keep a new spare of everything just in case something gets damaged and then replace only as you feel the need.

When I was using a nasal pillow mask that insurance will pay for a new cushion every 2 weeks.....I could get months and months and months of us and usually retired only because it started looking yucky and not because it didn't function well.

Re: How often should things be replaced?

Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2025 9:12 pm
by LSAT
Replace when things wear out...not necessarily when the dealer tells you to. Keep a back up of each item. If you are going to have a problem it will usually be on Friday night with no CPAP supplies available.

Re: How often should things be replaced?

Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2025 3:59 pm
by ChicagoGranny
Rich Boston wrote:
Sat Sep 06, 2025 5:28 pm
What am I missing?
Be sensitive to the plights of others. Your supplier has two mortgages, a boat loan, and a sports car loan to pay.

Re: How often should things be replaced?

Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2025 8:41 am
by Rich Boston
ChicagoGranny wrote:
Sun Sep 07, 2025 3:59 pm
Rich Boston wrote:
Sat Sep 06, 2025 5:28 pm
What am I missing?
Be sensitive to the plights of others. Your supplier has two mortgages, a boat loan, and a sports car loan to pay.
Ha !!! :lol:

Re: How often should things be replaced?

Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2025 6:10 am
by Sheriff Buford
ChicagoGranny wrote:
Sun Sep 07, 2025 3:59 pm
Rich Boston wrote:
Sat Sep 06, 2025 5:28 pm
What am I missing?
Be sensitive to the plights of others. Your supplier has two mortgages, a boat loan, and a sports car loan to pay.
Dang! I can get a boat outta this? :mrgreen:

Sheriff

Re: How often should things be replaced?

Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2025 6:17 am
by ejbpesca
Go by what rate your gear wears out. I would replace mask cushions every 2 weeks if I could afford it, while others get several months out of a mask cushion. Filters are advised to be changed at least changing a month, but for the rest, mileage will vary according to the user.

Re: How often should things be replaced?

Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2025 7:33 pm
by mlmollenkamp
I stock up on supplies once my insurance deductible has been met. I can get a year or more out of mask pillows depending on which ones. Humidifier chambers pretty much last forever if you don't put them in the dishwasher, even the ones you supposedly can. I wash them with vinegar and dish soap, a toothbrush to get into the corners. Hoses can also last a very long time as well. If I didn't have insurance I'd rarely replace much of anything other than headgear which stretches out.

Re: How often should things be replaced?

Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2025 7:46 pm
by MaineYooper
Uncle Nicko has a video in which he compares replacement schedules from ResMed for US and Australia. BIG differences. Curious, isn't it, how the schedules match reimbursement schedules?!!