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How often do you need to replace masks or pillows?
#1
How often do you need to replace masks or pillows?
This is a question for all you longer-term PAP users. I am a relative newbie, nearly 2 months on PAP, and I pay for all my equipment myself. I do that because I can afford it, and after investigating the health insurance/medicare/DME quagmire I decided the aggravation was not worth it. That said I don't want to waste money either.

I know most insurance allows for mask changes, updates, consumables at certain intervals, and i wondered what everyone thought about how often one should change theirs, especially if it is entirely out-of-pocket.

For example, I use a both F&P Simplus and ResMed P10, changing when i feel like it. How often would you replace the cushions on the P10, or the face portion on the Simplus? I clean them daily, which does help with leaks.

Thanks
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#2
RE: How often do you need to replace masks or pillows?
As far as I am concerned with my full face mask (I do have a Simplus too) I use mine until my leak rate shows an upward trend that is not changed by cleaning or new cushions. As far as the frame for the Simplus, I don't see why one could not use it until it breaks. Replacing the housing along with the cushions should keep down any potential bacterial build-up except for the elbow and the anti-asphyxiation valve.

I do not have a feel for the P10 although some folks use them for extended periods before replacement. A lot of it is dependent on your sensitivity to pathogens both perceived and actual.

Best Regards,

PaytonA

Admin Note:
PaytonA passed away in September 2017
Click HERE to read his Memorial Thread

~ Rest in Peace ~
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#3
RE: How often do you need to replace masks or pillows?
The cushion of my full-face mask snaps in and out. I change it about every 2 months.
The mask frame, I'll go about a year on. The headgear, I get about 6 months out of.

I think nasal pillows should be changed more often.

I was getting 100% of my supplies through insurance; but, I now get only the more expensive items from them.
Like filters, I just buy them online.

Keep in mind that US law makes a mask a prescription item. Why? Who knows?
Admin Note:
JustMongo passed away in August 2017
Click HERE to read his Memorial Thread

~ Rest in Peace ~
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#4
RE: How often do you need to replace masks or pillows?
I replace my pillows every 2-3 years not so much because they aren't working anymore but just because it seems like they never wear out so maybe I should anyway. Big Grin
Maybe mine last so long because I hardly ever clean them. Huh

The mask itself, I've used the same one for 10 years. It goes on camping trips with me, into the suitcase on other trips, and it seems to be fine, though I've stockpiled a couple of extras just in case. But it's an Optilife, so there's not much there that could break or wear out.

The one thing that DOES wear out for me is the stretchy straps. They definitely wear out. I replace them probably every other year.
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#5
RE: How often do you need to replace masks or pillows?
This sounds like a man after my own preferences. 10 years on a mask, Wow!!!

Tacoma Droner,

I do have a question. Your profile says that you use an auto ASV machine with a CPAP Pressure of 9-18. Is 9-18 your min and max EPAP? What are your other pressure settings? Just my curiosity.

Best Regards,

PaytonA

Admin Note:
PaytonA passed away in September 2017
Click HERE to read his Memorial Thread

~ Rest in Peace ~
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#6
RE: How often do you need to replace masks or pillows?
With my last mask, a DeVilbiss Aloha, I replaced the pillows at first every two months. But then I noticed no difference between the new pillows and the old. So I increased the periodicity a little at a time. I eventually settled on replacing them once every 6 months, but I'm pretty sure I could have stretched that out to once every year.

BTW, that's with cleaning the pillows once a week. The rest of the time I just hung the mask up to dry during the day.

It's too early to tell how often I'll be replacing the pillows on the new mask. But I will say that the ResMed pillows seem a bit stouter than the DeVilbiss ones.
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#7
RE: How often do you need to replace masks or pillows?
(11-21-2015, 12:59 PM)justMongo Wrote: The cushion of my full-face mask snaps in and out. I change it about every 2 months.
The mask frame, I'll go about a year on. The headgear, I get about 6 months out of.

I think nasal pillows should be changed more often.

I was getting 100% of my supplies through insurance; but, I now get only the more expensive items from them.
Like filters, I just buy them online.

Keep in mind that US law makes a mask a prescription item. Why? Who knows?

Masks may be a prescription item, but there are numerous online retailers where you can buy them without one, including Amazon.

I've never been asked for my prescription for a mask, and I've bought plenty.
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#8
RE: How often do you need to replace masks or pillows?
I used to replace the cushion more often, but cannot be that generous any more since Australian dollar took a dive and lost some 30% of value against US dollar. Last time replaced the cushion was on 6th of June, 5+ months is not bad but not ready to retire it yet, leak in a single digit
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#9
RE: How often do you need to replace masks or pillows?
The frame of a simplus is fine forever unless it breaks.
Cushion should last six months, mine did when it was my full time mask.
Head gear on any mask is the weak link for me. Velcro gets weak in around 4 mos.
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#10
RE: How often do you need to replace masks or pillows?
Because my insurance covers it, I replace the mask every three months. The water tank is as needed (although I have two unopened ones that were covered). I buy my filters online and replace them as needed, which is a little more than normal as I have 2 cats and live in AZ.

Homer
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