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I think some masks last longer than others. My IQ would go over a year, but the headgear went bad at around 6 mos. My current mask, the Swift LT seems the headgear is very sturdy, but the pillows were lasting around 2-3 weeks. Thanks to a forum member who gave me a tip, I'm on about 6 weeks with the same previously used pillow. The trick she told me was to use O rings - that did it, no more pillows wearing out.

I think each mask is different & you just have to work with the parts of your mask to see how long you can make them last.
Jen

i would think it would vary with pressure.

High pressure means more tightening

I would think that more tightening would shorten the lifespan.

cosmo wrote:About 3-4 months for me. Chinstrap needs a replacement around that time also.

Maybe if you didn't wash it so often they would last a whole lot longer.

I've had my Swift LT since I first got it about 5 years ago and it looks like it will last another 5.

My husbands head sweats really bad and his headgear is ruined in 3 months. I have to replace his bed pillows that often too. I think replacement time varies by individual.

DreamStalker wrote:
Maybe if you didn't wash it so often they would last a whole lot longer.

I've had my Swift LT since I first got it about 5 years ago and it looks like it will last another 5.

I have a few years worth of mask/mask parts. I'll manage

Had mine for 2 years now.

cosmo wrote:

DreamStalker wrote:
Maybe if you didn't wash it so often they would last a whole lot longer.

I've had my Swift LT since I first got it about 5 years ago and it looks like it will last another 5.

I have a few years worth of mask/mask parts. I'll manage

OMG! Are you starting a store?
Jen

cosmo wrote:

DreamStalker wrote:
Maybe if you didn't wash it so often they would last a whole lot longer.

I've had my Swift LT since I first got it about 5 years ago and it looks like it will last another 5.

I have a few years worth of mask/mask parts. I'll manage

cosmo: you sure are graphic...
Sheriff

In preparation for govt collapse/undead uprising/China war/etc. I'm hoarding everything, apap machines, ammo, etc. I just shove everything down in my cavern for safe keeping.

Good way to burn through Flex account.
Order new glasses first; then see how much is left, if any

chunkyfrog wrote:Good way to burn through Flex account.

If I remember right that's exactly what Cosmo did. It was either use it or lose it time and it was a big flex account that no one in their right mind would want to lose. I would have stockpiled everything I might ever need if I had been in his shoes.

I am interested in knowing how long do Oracle 452 masks usually last. My first one is around the 3 month mark, and looks like it needs replacement.

sleepapnea123 wrote:I am interested in knowing how long do Oracle 452 masks usually last. My first one is around the 3 month mark, and looks like it needs replacement.

Hey...If it looks like it needs replacement...replace it! There is no set time...when it loses function it's useless.

cosmo wrote:
I have a few years worth of mask/mask parts. I'll manage

Do unused masks deteriorate with time? Get brittle, turn yellow?

MyIdaho wrote:

LSAT wrote:I think most masks will last a long time...cushions and pillows definitely need replacements when they no longer make a seal. I have changed masks at 9-10 months but realistically I could have used them longer.

Morning LSAT. So you're saying you replace the plastic part of the mask every 9-10 months, correct? How often do you replace the cushion? I'm closing in on 6 months of CPAP therapy. According to the manual, I should be replacing the plastic mask, cushion and headgear in a week or so but my mask is working perfectly. I'm thinking about buying a full mask so I have a complete backup. Right now, I only have my first used cushion (3 months use) as a backup, probably not a great plan on my part... Do you buy the parts as needed or suggest a full mask as backup?

Thanks!

I started my cpap treatment almost a year ago. I changed the first cushion at almost 5 months. I really didn't notice any difference, so I'm not sure how long it would last. I figured it had been well past 3 months, so maybe I should go ahead and change it. I did keep the old one in case I needed it in an emergency. I changed the next one after 6 months, and I was aware that I was having more problems with leaks. That cleared up when I changed cushions.

I have not changed to a new mask yet, but I did just order one. I figured it was time to get a backup. I did order new headgear as the piece that goes across the top of my head seems loose now, and I cannot adjust that section. I will keep the old one as a backup. I am currently having no problem with everything lasting longer than the suggested replacement times, but I do like to go ahead and have a spare of everything. I got a new hose a couple months ago, and it is still sealed in its packaging. I wasn't sure if I could order a new cushion at the same time as a new mask. So, I just ordered a new mask. In a few months, I will order a new cushion, even though I don't need one yet.