Another "I cannot believe the DME I have" story:

beneyw · Post by **beneyw** » Sat Jun 10, 2006 1:24 pm

I am away from my home area for the summer and have supplies mailed to me from my DME. Since I have obtained a news mask (Mirage Swift) since leaving his area, I requested a new nasal pillow sleeve. since my insurance indicates one can be replaced each month. He indicated the one he was sending was a 'bit discolored' whatever that means.

Anyone have a clue as to what could cause discoloration other than exposure to heat or sunlight? Should I make use of the 'sleeve' when I receive it or to be safe not use it and proceed further with this? How often should a 'sleeve' be replaced?

Thanks ....

MaskedMechanic · Post by **MaskedMechanic** » Sat Jun 10, 2006 2:38 pm

I have seen this discoloration in many different Resmed mask parts even if contained in unopened original Resmed packages. They never come from Resmed discolored. I have noticed this most often when the products have been in a delivery vehicle for some time and exposed to summer heat. Sunlight will certainly discolor but is not required to cause discoloration.

With the part you mention, as long as the part is cleaned before initial use, I see no risk or any related performance issue. Any discolored mask cushion or seal should be thought of as prematurely aged and often will not work as well or as long as a true new part.

tooly125 · Post by **tooly125** » Sat Jun 10, 2006 4:13 pm

beneyw,

I am into scuba diving and any of the clear silicone parts like the part of the mask that touches my face will discolor if i store it next to any of the rubber hoses.It will turn a yellow color.
Its harmless in my case but I wouldn't buy a brand new mask that has that condition unless the dealer is going to cut me a deal!

NightHawkeye · Post by **NightHawkeye** » Sat Jun 10, 2006 4:31 pm

beneyw wrote:Anyone have a clue as to what could cause discoloration other than exposure to heat or sunlight? Should I make use of the 'sleeve' when I receive it or to be safe not use it and proceed further with this?

Benyw, I received a Swift mask with all three pillows slightly yellowed, and didn't realize that wasn't normal until getting another pillow a couple of months later. The newer pillow was a little more supple which I think translates into being a little more comfortable. Not a big difference perhaps, but a difference.

Regards,
Bill

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Sun Jun 11, 2006 8:05 pm

I agree. I have seen slightly yellowed pillows (in my short time doing CPAP) and they seem to be less flexible.

brasshopper · Post by **brasshopper** » Sun Jun 11, 2006 8:28 pm

Cool. The dyes will leach from one piece of silicone rubber to another when they are stored in contact or even next to each other. They will also sometimes leach from non-silicone rubber into silicone rubber.

The coloration from black plastic or rubber will turn the item yellow.

This sort of thing could happen if the item was stored in a black or dark green plastic bin for example. I've never noted it to decrease the usefulness of the items.

Now, someone noted that they had seen discoloration that had decreased flexibility. I have no doubt that some silicone is made harder than other silicone - and that those chemicals can migrate with the dye - so if you believe that your discolored plastic is less than completely flexible, you should complain.

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Sun Jun 11, 2006 8:35 pm

Just wanted to note that my sample size is small. 2 discolored 3 very clear so I don't know how scientifically vaild my data is.

NightHawkeye · Post by **NightHawkeye** » Sun Jun 11, 2006 8:55 pm

Exactly my problem, Snoregirl, sample size of one was too small to know that if I should even complain, especially when I just got the mask. Now, if I do buy any replacement pillows for it and they come in discolored, then I'll complain.

Regards,
Bill

john5757 · Post by **john5757** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 4:26 am

NightHawkeye wrote:Exactly my problem, Snoregirl, sample size of one was too small to know that if I should even complain, especially when I just got the mask. Now, if I do buy any replacement pillows for it and they come in discolored, then I'll complain.

Regards,
Bill

I noticed that the older Swift pillow I have out of three is more yellow that the others and less flexible. It does leak more so I stopped using that pillow. Medical silicone does not have the preservatives that the silicone that you would use in a calking gun for example. Usually if the package is well sealed and kept in a cool dark area it should aged very slowly but many plastics bags do leak some air from the outside and can cause some of my other plastic parts like vinyl tubbing that I use in ear molds to yellow and harden. Normally the platics parts I used do not start to aged until it is out of the bag.

Another "I cannot believe the DME I have" story:

Another "I cannot believe the DME I have" story:

Re: Another "I cannot believe the DME I have" stor

Another diver!

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