How long do spare backup masks last?

I usually buy 2 to 3 of a mask I really like, especially if I get it new at a deal. IN my case, I have 3 Swift FX masks, One I use & 2 just as replacements as the one I am wearing, wears out, say 6 months for mask & 3 months for pillows. Is there any issues of backup masks not being as effective over time, even though they are not being used? Could the silicone break down over time if not used?

Thanks ahead for your comments.

Rick

Good question. I'm interested in the answer to this as well.

It is tempting to buy more when you find one that really works. I worry that they might come up with something even better though and then I won't want to 'use up' what I bought in advance.

Elle wrote:Good question. I'm interested in the answer to this as well.

It is tempting to buy more when you find one that really works. I worry that they might come up with something even better though and then I won't want to 'use up' what I bought in advance.

That is funny, the reason why it's funny, is because I also have 3 Swift lt masks that I bought, because at the time, I liked it a lot, this is, until the Swift FX came out. Now I have 2 swift lt backups & 2 Swift FX backups.

Not to go off topic, but speaking of backups, I bought a hose on line for about $33.00. I ordered the resmed hose 2 meters. It arrived & I just put the package away. I opened it the other day & it says Romax Hose SAMPLE Series Grey.

ITs really good to check what you get before you put it away for backup.

I still have the quattro that I got in Apr/10, haven't used it all the time as I have tried other masks. I would say I used it steady for 6 months then periodically. Used it for the last three nights as my hybrid was bugging the indside of my nares.....my ahi was 0.0 night 1, 0.2 night 2 and 0.2 last night. So I guess you would say the silicone does not degrade...mind you I use a padacheeks liner with it. The silicone seems to getting a bit discolored in spots, but hey, still works great and its more than a year and a half old. Those of us that don't have insurance and little money, have to do whatever they can get away with....and ahi number like that for 3 nights certainly says something for the mask. I'm happy And by the way I have 4 hybrids all used by other members and 2 quattros, one from another member and my origingal, all work great.

I think we all know how fantastic it is to find a good mask. I didn't think anything could ever be better than my Mirage Activa....until they came out with the softgel cushion. I want to order a bunch of them but then remind myself that something even better might come along.

It is also interesting to me (speaking of the product 'breaking down') how a cushion can look just fine after a few months until you try a new one (same type) and see the difference.

Elle wrote:I think we all know how fantastic it is to find a good mask. I didn't think anything could ever be better than my Mirage Activa....until they came out with the softgel cushion. I want to order a bunch of them but then remind myself that something even better might come along.

It is also interesting to me (speaking of the product 'breaking down') how a cushion can look just fine after a few months until you try a new one (same type) and see the difference.

Yes, you certainly cannot tell by looking at it without something to compare it to. I started out using the Mirage Micro, it still looke good to me, but, I ordered the gel pads anyways. When I got them, I could not only see the difference, but I could see it as well. It is very hard to tell if the pads are not what they were, just by looking at it. At least it is for me. I need a new one to compare it with.

My original UM ffm is 3+yrs old and going strong.
My back up UM ffms are 3+yrs old and storing well.

I'll let you know whenever the original wears out.

I'll see you on the road.

red1 wrote:

Elle wrote:Good question. I'm interested in the answer to this as well.

It is tempting to buy more when you find one that really works. I worry that they might come up with something even better though and then I won't want to 'use up' what I bought in advance.

That is funny, the reason why it's funny, is because I also have 3 Swift lt masks that I bought, because at the time, I liked it a lot, this is, until the Swift FX came out. Now I have 2 swift lt backups & 2 Swift FX backups.

Not to go off topic, but speaking of backups, I bought a hose on line for about $33.00. I ordered the resmed hose 2 meters. It arrived & I just put the package away. I opened it the other day & it says Romax Hose SAMPLE Series Grey.

ITs really good to check what you get before you put it away for backup.

Red1, you might be considered a cpap hoarder!

Lizistired wrote:

red1 wrote:

Elle wrote:Good question. I'm interested in the answer to this as well.

It is tempting to buy more when you find one that really works. I worry that they might come up with something even better though and then I won't want to 'use up' what I bought in advance.

That is funny, the reason why it's funny, is because I also have 3 Swift lt masks that I bought, because at the time, I liked it a lot, this is, until the Swift FX came out. Now I have 2 swift lt backups & 2 Swift FX backups.

Not to go off topic, but speaking of backups, I bought a hose on line for about $33.00. I ordered the resmed hose 2 meters. It arrived & I just put the package away. I opened it the other day & it says Romax Hose SAMPLE Series Grey.

ITs really good to check what you get before you put it away for backup.

Red1, you might be considered a cpap hoarder!

Lizistired, I think you are right. When I really like something, I want to back them up. Not just cpap stuff but just about anything that I really like, like certain foods, & I end up throwing so much away, or I find something, that I put away as a backup long ago & wonder why I ever bought it. Especially if I do not use that perticular item any more.

I just bought 3 softgel cushions on ebay from a guy in the US. Because I have to pay $30 freight i need to buy more than one so I hope they will be ok in storage.

ozze_dollar wrote:I just bought 3 softgel cushions on ebay from a guy in the US. Because I have to pay $30 freight i need to buy more than one so I hope they will be ok in storage.

I hear you. Even now, I am wondering if I should buy just one more Swift FX, because the guy I am getting them from in Canada, offered to replace the other two pilows in the package, with the size I use.

I really hope there is a long shelf life on silicone.

since I have to pay full price for may masks, Ive had 5 years from 1 and 3 years from another, the silicone does gradually harden, said to be from contact with skin oils but heat from face softens silicone enough for me to use

harry33 wrote:since I have to pay full price for may masks, Ive had 5 years from 1 and 3 years from another, the silicone does gradually harden, said to be from contact with skin oils but heat from face softens silicone enough for me to use

Wow, that is a lot of time. Do they still seal well for you? Do you go back & fourth between them or do you favor one over the other?