[Equipment] Cheaper mask pillows!

[nestorian]

Hello,

I use a ResMed Mirage Quattro full face mask. It works well overall, but the mask pillows deteriorate quickly. Ideally, I would like to replace them every couple of weeks, but I can only get them at $30 a pop.

Anyone know of a way that I can obtain them at a discount - preferably a steep one, and also possibly in bulk?

Thanks!
Michael (aka Nestorian)

[SuperSleeper]

Welcome to Apnea Board, Michael...

$30 sounds like a pretty good deal... most of the online sources I checked are offering them for over $50. Short of becoming a DME (Durable Medical Equipment supplier) yourself, I doubt you're going to get them for less than $30.

Now, if you'd like to purchase something like 50 of them, you might want to personally contact your source and see if they could give you a bulk discount... and ask to speak to a manager instead of a front-line phone order-taker.

If someone does know of a DME source that offers these at less than $30, please PM Michael with the link, don't post it publicly here in the forum (due to our rules against commercial website links here).

Thanks.

[JJJ]

(06-19-2012 09:51 AM)nestorian Wrote:  I use a ResMed Mirage Quattro full face mask. It works well overall, but the mask pillows deteriorate quickly. Ideally, I would like to replace them every couple of weeks, but I can only get them at $30 a pop.
Anyone know of a way that I can obtain them at a discount - preferably a steep one, and also possibly in bulk?

I find lots of mask parts on eBay for around half what it costs at a DME or one of the online suppliers.

[SuperSleeper]

(06-19-2012 10:34 AM)JJJ Wrote:  I find lots of mask parts on eBay for around half what it costs at a DME or one of the online suppliers.

Yeah, forgot about that... good point, JJJ.

When buying from an eBay supplier, just make sure you check their ratings and feedback so you don't get swindled by someone. Many good sellers on eBay, but a handful of scammers, of course.

[archangle]

Those things are called either "cushions" or "flaps." Knowing the right term may make it easier to find.

"Pillows" are for the tiny things that just sit on your nose, not the cushions that go around your nose, or your nose and mouth.

How are the parts degrading? How are you cleaning them?

How did you end up with a FFM (Full Face Mask?) Did you try any nose only masks? In my opinion, FFM is always the wrong choice unless you can't make a nasal mask work.

[squid13]

Have you tried boiling them with a small amount of baking soda. I boil my nasal pillows all the time and they come out just like new, and use them again.

[zonk]

Mask cushions should last more than 2 weeks. Make sure you,re not over-tightening the straps so the cushion don,t get creased and mashed against your face and it would leak more.