Nasal pillow duration?

How long is a nasal pillow supposed to last? I'm fortunate, that my insurance covers two per month, but there is no way a single pillow will only last for two weeks. I've read about people using their same pillows for six months.

Also, what is the *worst* insurance replacement times?

I talked to one person that her insurance allowed replacement of nasal pillows......1 per 6 months.
That is pretty sad.

I am one of those people who get months of use out of my pillows. There is a discussion about how to prolong the life here in this thread.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=70138&st=0&sk=t&sd=a
If you haven't seen it you might see what we discussed.. do read the second page. Someone did try doing what I do and said it did seem to help. Of course YMMV but worth thinking about.

Pugsy wrote:I talked to one person that her insurance allowed replacement of nasal pillows......1 per 6 months.
That is pretty sad.

I can only replace my maske once every 6 months, it is the same for anything i may need.

jabman wrote:I can only replace my maske once every 6 months, it is the same for anything i may need.

While it is common for 6 month replacement schedule for complete mask... to expect a nasal pillow or other cushions or other parts to last 6 months is ridiculous. Even Medicare, being the tightwads they are, do better than that.

But some insurance will just offer the least that they can get by with. Sounds like you got one of those. So sorry.
I forgot to look at what mask you use but have you found a reasonably priced source for replacement parts if you need any? The cpapauction was a great place for stuff when it was available. We've lost that now. Some items can be found on Ebay. Just depends on the mask.

hmmm. I've never tried the longivity route. Maybe I'll leave it on, for as long as it takes to self distruct and see. I already know that they will last several months. Normally, I replace them every couple of weeks or so because provider sends more.

When I had insurance I started with BCBS of LA and then switched to BCBS anthem. They provided two pillows per month. Then my insurnace changed to Cigna...I got one pillow per month. Now I have no insurance...I try to get my pillows from ebay.

So there are some variations. BCBS was the most generous with supplies...CIGNA was kinda stingy.

I an say I do miss the CPAP auction.

Try boiling the pillows for 3-5 min. and allow to dry on there own.

I have had a couple that are over 2 years old . . . Note. I use lip balm on my nose for a better seal.

JUST a REAL CHEEP OLDFART and hate to throw anything out that might still be usable . . . I get 8-9 hrs of sleep per night and going on 4 years and only missed less than 5 nights . . . 13038.42 hrs on the machine

<<<< Don't recommend everybody treat their equipment like I treat mine -BUT- It's your HEALTH & Only YOU can be IN-CHARGE...>>>>>

My insurance allows 2 pillow replacements per month - I usually get one for each of the masks I swap between.

I do find new pillows seal much better and stay in place for the whole night, and boiling them does help firm the pillows up again.

On speaking with my DME supplier (an XPAP ONLY store), they commented that some brands of pillows last much longer than others, and that also depends on the individual as regards skin types, personal hygiene regimens etc.

Cheers,
xena