is this a sign that I should get new mask cushions?

My vibratory snore numbers and leak rate have gone up a lot since Christmas. Does this mean I need to buy new mask cushions and nasal cushions?

I have a Respironics M series auto. My mask is a Mirage Liberty. I have not bought mask cushions or nasal pillows for over a year.

I have been cleaning my mask cushions and nasal pillows as usual, with non scented dishwater liquid (the same brand for five years) and then, when I notice the mask leaks going up, cleaning the cushions and pillows with the baking soda and distilled water heated in a pan. This usually restores the stickiness of both the cushions and pillows.

However, since Christmas, the leak numbers have been going up from 35-45 to 55-65. The Vibratory Snore numbers have been increasing from 3-7 to 10-20 with a 40 the other night.

The only thing I haven't changed or checked are the hoses, though I don't have any reasons to think they have holes in them.

Even thought my AHI numbers are still good, under 2, I was wondering if these other increased numbers are signs that I should just be buying new mask cushions and nasal pillows, and throw away the old ones.

Any input appreciated.

for me & my full face mask, any change in my leaks that lasts more than a day or two is a signal to change cushions.

Some folks here proclaim that they can get 6 months to years of use out of their cushions.

I'm happy if I can get 3 months between changes.

Most insurances (including Medicare) will pay for 2 new "cushions" per month.

I change my cushions no less than once a month.
More often if I notice any increasing leaks.

Has your weight been stable?

Yes, I think it's time. You were really lucky to get a year and a half! Mine last a month to six weeks at the most.

Here's an older thread about boiling cushions if someone is dealing with a tight CPAP budget and/or your insurance company is less than generous. I tried the cushion boiling with baking soda trick on one of my Quattro FX cushions and it seemed to double the life to two months. However, you can't boil a cushion like the Wisp and a few others because the hard shell that mounts to the frame will distort, or so I'm told.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=74686&st=0&sk=t&sd= ... iling+mask

from 3-7 to 10-20 with a 40 the other night

Anyone else sleep in the room with you? Could they tell whether you are snoring or not? How do you feel?



ChicagoGramps

I am the person who started this thread.

I have gained a little weight since the VS numbers and mask leaks have increased. No, there isn't anyone else in the room when I sleep, so I can't get feedback.

After reading the replies I think maybe I do need to get new mask cushions and nasal pillows.

Thank you to everyone that posted replies.

I had a resmed mask that was leaking around where the mask plugged into the hose. I wrapped a bit of wire around it and it stopped leaking there.