Replacing Parts on CPAP Mask

How often should the rubber around a full-face mask be changed? The supplier company is trying to sell me one now; I have only beein using it since March 22, 2013.

Guest wrote:How often should the rubber around a full-face mask be changed? The supplier company is trying to sell me one now; I have only beein using it since March 22, 2013.

You should buy a replacement before you need it. A few people can get them to last for a long time others much shorter time. You just need to keep a spare until you find out how long they last for you.

Most insurances allow a new FFM seal every month. My first one lasted a little over a month before i boiled it. I got another month out of it and boiled it again. I agree on the extra seal. Try to get a spare as soon as possible. I didn't realize that my mask sliding into my eyes was due to a worn out cushion at first. I came close to sending the mask sailing into the wall a few times till I got that resolved. Not only that.. these things can get damaged.. eaten by the dog... who knows. Never hurts to have an extra.

Guest wrote:How often should the rubber around a full-face mask be changed? The supplier company is trying to sell me one now; I have only beein using it since March 22, 2013.

I use the Quattro and normally replace the silicone cushion every 3-4 months...although my current cushion is over 5 months and I still have a good seal. Don't let the DME decide when you need a replacement. You will know when you are having leaks. I should add that you always want a back up cushion in case of emergency.

LSAT wrote: I use the Quattro and normally replace the silicone cushion every 3-4 months...although my current cushion is over 5 months and I still have a good seal.

Dang. That's impressive. What do you do to get them to last so long?

I'm now in the 3-4 month use range for my Quattro cushion.

I used to scrub the cushion 1-2 times a week & was lucky to get 2 months use out of one. Now all I do is wipe it clean once a day with a wet baby towelette. The rest of the mask parts get thoroughly cleaned once a week.

When I think the cushion is starting to fail, I do the boil trick and can get about 2 additional weeks of use out of a cushion.

Dave

Nooblakahn wrote:

LSAT wrote: I use the Quattro and normally replace the silicone cushion every 3-4 months...although my current cushion is over 5 months and I still have a good seal.

Dang. That's impressive. What do you do to get them to last so long?

Almost nothing......I use A wipe every night and wash it with liquid hand soap once every 7-10 days. I was boiling my cushions once a month but found that the hand soap did a good enough job. The older cushions seem to give me a better, softer seal than a brand new stiff one.

Thank you all for the advice. I will take it and buy a new seal before I need it.

Get a spare or two of everything as soon as the insurance will pay for it. Once a week or so, clean one set, and set it aside in a clean, dry, place so that it will dry out and help kill of the germs. Swap the parts around every time you clean. You want a spare anyway in case you break something.

Then order new parts as needed.

I order a new mask cushion every 2 months but I find they last over 3 months . I wash the oil off with dawn and every week- I treat with cap full of bleach to gallon of hot water. I wash my face each night to remove my very oily skin problem- it makes you feel fresh and improves the seal . My dermatologist says I'm lucky to have the oil ,so I count my blessings. I sterilize the old cushions and pass them on as they are still good . I share some of the new ones too. Who wants six or so in a drawer,