Do I really need new mask cushion every month?

My DME has been bugging me with phone calls (about 3 this week). They said I'm due for a new mask cushion. My mask is barely 30 days old and works perfectly. Why do I need a new mask cushion every month? I told them I didn't need a new cushion yet. They keep saying Medicare pays for a new mask cushion every 30 days. They just want my money. They don't care about WASTING money. My co-pay for CPAP filters and mask cushion would be an additional $10 per month added to the $20 co-pay for machine rental. That's totally STUPID. On my old CPAP machine, I replaced my mask cushion about once a YEAR.

Never hurts to have a spare, or two - and to be honest, you'd be amazed at how well a new cushion seats on your face to minimize leaks.

I don't get replacement nasal pillows every month, just most months because I find they do get soft and squishy and don't 'bounce back' like new ones do. Due to allergies, I always replace my filters bi-weekly.

It's all personal choice really.

cheers,
xena

I'd rather have a total back-up mask than just the cushion. Medicare only gets you a new mask every 6 months.

I heard boiling the silicone cushion a rejuvenate it to like new.

VikingGnome wrote:They just want my money. They don't care about WASTING money. That's totally STUPID.

+1 to that! I wasn't real impressed with the DME I used but I did get an entire spare mask and some extra supplies from them at the end of last year because with my sleep study being performed last year, it maxed me out for my annual medical deductible and out of pocket expenses, so I got them all "free". I've been using my cushion 3 to 4 months now and it's still going strong. Most of the time I use a Padacheek liner too and I figure that should prolong the life of the cushion quite a bit since it's never in direct contact with your face and skin oils. I did read about and did do the boiling trick once a few weeks ago and it works like a charm. Clears up the cloudiness and brings back some tackiness.

Cushions should last 3 months or more...depends on how well you take care of it. I wipe mine with CPAP wipes almost every night and boil it at about 6 weeks....I rarely wash it. At 3 months I replace it whether I need it or not. Once you have a spare there is no reason to replace at 30 days....They just want the business. Just tell them that you will call them when you need something.

I'd prefer your problem to mine--my DME hasn't been able to come up with correct replacement nasal pillows for over three weeks now. The old ones have been going since November and getting floppy, so I'm using a set that's not quite the right size.

Carmen wrote:I'd prefer your problem to mine--my DME hasn't been able to come up with correct replacement nasal pillows for over three weeks now. The old ones have been going since November and getting floppy, so I'm using a set that's not quite the right size.

Why wait when you can order a set from our host...cpap.com for $30 ? You will have them in a few days.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/Nasal- ... Mask+.html

VikingGnome wrote:I'd rather have a total back-up mask than just the cushion. Medicare only gets you a new mask every 6 months.

I heard boiling the silicone cushion a rejuvenate it to like new.

I wouldn't go boiling it unless I had a spare in hand. You could easily make it worse then it was, it does happen.

No doubt a FULL spare is better but then there are times when just the right part will work too. Like someone mentioned make sure your DME will get the right part.

Mine has sent me parts I don't use; then a mask they thought was the same, it wasn't; then told me it was no longer available. Sooner or later they all stop making you fav mask; this DME was just mistaken. So there are unexpected delays.

The moral is IF the mask works for you and you like it, stock up now. IF you don't like it, try something else when you can. IF your mask isn't working you don't have to wait 6 months. Either use the 30 day replacement or have your doc script a new (diff) mask.

VikingGnome wrote:Do I really need new mask cushion every month?

No

I actually do need to replace it about once a month. The oils from my skin tend to break down the cushion quicker than average, I have to replace mine about 3 times as frequently as my husband. Depending on the time of year, I can sometimes get six weeks or so out of one.
Sharon

If you used a mask liner, would it last longer?

Somewhere I read that many facial moisturizers contribute to degradation of the silicone.
A good beauty habit can get really expensive. Just saying.
Lanolin is nice on both.

Coincidentally.... I just ordered a new mask ( it's been 6 months ).

I have Cigna and call CRAPRIA when I need supplies, even though CareCentrex is the real contracted DME with Cigna, Apria has an agreement with CareCentrex.

Anyway... in the past, I had always been told I could get a bew replacement mask once every 6 months. That's why I waited 6 months to order one.

But when I called Crapria this time, the Sales person said they would send me out 6 new cushions as well as a new mask as the rules have changed and I am "allowed" a new cushion every two weeks. After furhter prodding, she told me I could get a new mask every 3 months instead of every 6 months now.

She also kept wanting to send me a new water chamber for my humidifier. I declined the water chamber but did agree to let them send me the cushions. I don't think it necessary to change the cushion every 2 weeks, but once a month would be good in my opinion as my cushions get pretty worn out at the end of a month.

It seesm the rules for replacments really have changed... and for the better !

I am due for a new CPAP machine too since it's been close to 6 years since I bought my first one.... but I still do not trust Crapria and will be ordering a new machine from CPAP.Com.

Yes... it will cost me a 40% portion of the cost, but I'd pay 100% if it means I don't have to go thru another fiasco with Crapria like I did the first time around. I ended up buying my own machine 6 years ago too.

To this day... Crapria still refuses to let me see a RT since I did not buy my machine from them.

How long do we boil the thing for? I have a bevy of Quattro Pro masks that I rotate and rarely change the rubbers, if at all. They all work fine as long as I am laying down when I adjust them. And the forehead brace keeps me from having nose blisters. Love em.

But now I want to try this boiling the rubber thing. How long? And do I throw any veggies in with it?

Thanks.

torontoCPAPguy wrote:But now I want to try this boiling the rubber thing. How long? And do I throw any veggies in with it?

I've read to boil for around five minutes and then let cool. Some people like to add a little salt and pepper.