CPAP Supply Schedule

[AfibApnea]

In my last trip to my (hospital) Sleep Clinic Group, they gave me their new "CPAP Supply Schedule". A CPAP Supply Schedule is a "Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Replacement Schedule for CPAP Supplies" and it contains the following:

Nasal cushion (insert) .................One every 3 months.
Nasal mask and headgear .................One every 6 months.
Tubing .................One every 3 months.
Chinstrap .................One every 6 months.
Disposable filters .................Two every month.
Reusable filters .................One every 6 months.
Humidifier chamber .................One every 6 months.

Considering this equipment is being used by a reasonably clean and responsible person, is there any medical basis for this kind of replacement schedule?

[JohnNJ]

Wear and tear. And germs.

[big_dave]

I just keep spares of everything on hand and replace them as necessary. It lasts longer if you keep it clean, especially the mask cushion. I get about 6-8 months out of my mask cushion. (I can make it last longer, but it becomes more difficult to clean.) I get about 6-8 months out of headgear and chinstraps before they become too stretched out to use. I'm still using the same mask frame I started with 2 years ago. You can keep using tubing until you step on it or the cat bites a hole in it. Filters really depend on how dusty your bedroom is. I get about 6 months, but some people get a month or less, for a disposable filter. The humidifier chamber lasts until it springs a leak or stuff starts growing in it. I get about 6-8 months, but mine has a design defect that causes it to leak. Other humidifier chambers last longer.

[Peter_C]

Hehe - Most/many of the old-timers will tell you to get the new equipment (if free) as often as possible (spare parts, new mask trials), but a lot of us use much older equipment. I can usually get 2-3yrs from a mask. I am on my second water chamber in roughly 5yrs. I 'wash' my filter monthly, and change when needed. I just switched to my second hose in +10yrs - just cuz it was old and I have spares.

Most medical people talk about daily cleaning of your mask. Sorry, I suck! Weekly if I am lucky...

[me50]

In my last trip to my (hospital) Sleep Clinic Group, they gave me their new "CPAP Supply Schedule". A CPAP Supply Schedule is a "Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Replacement Schedule for CPAP Supplies" and it contains the following:

Nasal cushion (insert) .................One every 3 months. You should get 2 cushions every month. What you should get every 3 months is the frame and cushion(s) depending on what kind of mask used.


Nasal mask and headgear .................One every 6 months.
Tubing .................One every 3 months.
Chinstrap .................One every 6 months.
Disposable filters .................Two every month.
Reusable filters .................One every 6 months.
Humidifier chamber .................One every 6 months.

Considering this equipment is being used by a reasonably clean and responsible person, is there any medical basis for this kind of replacement schedule?

Life of your machine, prevent infections, wear and tear on the supplies to name a few.