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NEW MASK PARTS [what do you replace] - pavelow360 - 05-18-2018
I was wondering if anyone just replaces the strap and soft parts on their mask as I do? I have to co-pay for my cpap equipment so it saves money. Is replacing the main part of the mask important? if so, does anyone have any fact based information about it rather than the cpap maker's suggestion or recommendation?
RE: NEW MASK PARTS [what do you replace] - PaulaO2 - 05-18-2018
Depends on the mask. Silicone parts should be replaced regularly as they tend to harden and/or lose their seal. Hard plastic parts generally last longer. Hoses and the like should be (in my opinion) replaced as often as possible. The cloth headgear, if it is a mask I am paying out of pocket, I let it ride until I can't clean it any more. Any part that goes into my nostrils or touches my face (such as the silicone seals), I replace often.
RE: NEW MASK PARTS [what do you replace] - Fats Drywaller - 05-19-2018
I second what Paula said. Also, if the mask has a diffuser, that should be cleaned and/or replaced periodically according to the instructions of the manufacturer. Sometimes there will be an instruction booklet included with the full mask package, and that's usually also available as a PDF on the mfr's web site. But silicone is the main thing that wears out. There's at least one mask, the Philips Dreamwear, whose frame is made of silicone (the air flows through it), thereby giving the frame a limited lifetime. Not such a great feature compared to some others.
When paying out-of-pocket, it could be useful to compare the total cost of all the necessary replacement parts over a medium-long time (a year?) with the cost of another full mask package.
pavelow360, FYI: There are several Resmed Mirage models, so it might help with any future questions if you would add the model designator in your profile, like "Mirage FX" or whatever it is. Just a thought.
RE: NEW MASK PARTS [what do you replace] - MikeyT - 05-19-2018
Not to hijack this thread, but I typically replace the silicone seal (and the diffuser) every 90days or so, and the mask frame, headgear and hose every six months. Is this a reasonable schedule? I'm on Medicare, so I can't get much more than that. The mask is the F&P Brevida which I like.
RE: NEW MASK PARTS [what do you replace] - Fats Drywaller - 05-19-2018
(05-19-2018, 09:29 AM)MikeyT Wrote: Not to hijack this thread, but I typically replace the silicone seal (and the diffuser) every 90days or so, and the mask frame, headgear and hose every six months. Is this a reasonable schedule?
Yes, no problem at all. That's generous, as the Medicare replacement schedule is. (Medicaid, OTOH, is stingy.) I assume that BCBS and the other insurance companies use the Medicare schedule.
RE: NEW MASK PARTS [what do you replace] - MikeyT - 05-19-2018
Thanks! I like the George Carlin quote in your sig, as well as your user name.
RE: NEW MASK PARTS [what do you replace] - trance - 05-19-2018
Quote:I assume that BCBS and the other insurance companies use the Medicare schedule.
I have BCBS, and according to my DME they will not replace anything until the initial rental period is up -- nine or ten months, I believe.
RE: NEW MASK PARTS [what do you replace] - SarcasticDave94 - 05-19-2018
(05-19-2018, 01:30 PM)trance Wrote:Quote:I assume that BCBS and the other insurance companies use the Medicare schedule.
I have BCBS, and according to my DME they will not replace anything until the initial rental period is up -- nine or ten months, I believe.
How generous of them. You may actually have new parts once during a year's time. I get mine off a Medicare style replacement schedule from the Community Healthcare provided by the county assistance office due to disability.
RE: NEW MASK PARTS [what do you replace] - Melman - 05-19-2018
I think the recommended replacement schedules are to profit the suppliers. I have used the same F20 mask and cushion for 14 months with no issues. I see no hardening, tearing, and only very slight discoloration of the silicone. I used the same hose for a year and would probably still be using it if I hadn't replaced it with a heated hose. I use humidifier chambers until they start to leak or I can't get them clean. I change filters every other month whether they appear dirty or not since they are cheap and it's as much work to check them as to change them.
RE: NEW MASK PARTS [what do you replace] - NotADr - 05-19-2018
While I agree that silicone can harden over time and contribute to leaks, I'm of the mindset that 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'. I would need to pay out of pocket to replace my P10 nose pillows and while I'm a relative CPAP newbie, my original set has been working fine after 6 months. I believe I'll be able to hear leaks if the pillows harden - so is there any pressing need to replace them now or replace them on a regular schedule?