Shelf life of almost unused mask

I'm using nasal pillows, but also have an FFM that I got for the titration study and used for the first few days of APAP. It has a total of about 10 days use. I'm keeping it in case of a really bad cold that forces mouth breathing. My main backup for machine or mask problems is Provent, but that would be useless if my nose were on strike.

Will the FFM degrade with time sitting in my supplies box? Do I need to check it periodically, and if so how often and what should I look for? Any maintenance while it is not being used?

Can't speak to the fate of your FFM, but I think they're all made from the same medical silicone elastomer these days, so YMMBTSAM (Your Mileage Might Be The Same As Mine).

I have a Swift FX that I use occasionally. It's 18months old and still like new. My Opus 360 is 2 years old and still like new, though the short hose that coupled it to the long hose holed. And I have an Aloha pillows mask that I've been using off and on for about 6 months.

Over the last couple of years there have been lots of threads started on this forum in which people have said their nasal pillows fall apart, get squishy, etc. after only a few months. I haven't noticed that at all in any of my 3 nasal pillows masks. When I'm not using them, they live in the nightstand drawer. I don't even bother cleaning them, other than to wipe the accumulated K-Y jelly (which is used to help the pillows seal to my nostrils) from time to time.

pats wrote:I'm using nasal pillows, but also have an FFM that I got for the titration study and used for the first few days of APAP. It has a total of about 10 days use. I'm keeping it in case of a really bad cold that forces mouth breathing. My main backup for machine or mask problems is Provent, but that would be useless if my nose were on strike.

Will the FFM degrade with time sitting in my supplies box? Do I need to check it periodically, and if so how often and what should I look for? Any maintenance while it is not being used?

It's my opinion (and experience) that if they're sealed in some type of zip-lock style bags and stored so they're not exposed to light, they should be able to be stored "indefinitely" (a LONG time).


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If you use an airtight bag, I would suggest a dessicant packet, to help prevent mold.
Slarty's dark, dry drawer may be better--unless there's 'wildlife' within.

Mute point, as you do not know how long it has sat in the manufacturers stash and then the dme's stash. So...as long as it is in a sealed bag and in a dark place it will last indefinitely. Just my 2cents worth

If you want really long storage time, put it somewhere where no sunlight (even outside light) or fluorescent lights will hit it.

I'd get it clean and let it dry really thoroughly, then seal it in an airtight bag. Maybe put a packet of desiccant or even some uncooked rice wrapped in a paper towel.