How many years does a mask last?

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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ndc
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Joined: Sat Jan 18, 2014 2:43 am
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

How many years does a mask last?

Post by ndc » Fri Apr 05, 2024 9:36 pm

I want to know if my mask's lifespan is too short.
I bought a Philips Dreamwear, the nasal cushion version, on February 2021. I enjoyed it very much because it doesn't leak as much as the previous mask.
The strap was the first to go. It fell apart after 2 years and I replaced it.
Now the left and right connections between the mask and the nasal cushion become too loose and easy to detach. My face is more oily compared to other people but I don't think the oiliness has changed all these years.
So now I have to wash the mask more often so it doesn't detach during use.
Is it normal to replace a mask after 3 years of use? Or too early?

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Conrad
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Location: Northern Illinois

Re: How many years does a mask last?

Post by Conrad » Sat Apr 06, 2024 7:28 am

3 years? That's WAY too long, in my opinion.

The recommendations are to replace the nasal pillows twice a month (overkill, I do it once per month) and the headgear twice a year (once a year for me).

I'm afraid to ask, but how often do you replace the machine's filters and the water reservoir?

Once a month for me on the filter and once a year on the reservoir.
ResMed AirCurve 10 Vauto Swift FX

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pjdaly
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Joined: Tue Apr 02, 2024 3:56 pm

Re: How many years does a mask last?

Post by pjdaly » Sat Apr 06, 2024 7:34 am

The Medical Equipment companies push all the parts (tank, hose, filter, mask, cushions) and insurance and Medicare seem okay with that. For me none of these parts get a chance to get even one year old. I feel bad that people have to pay out of pocket for supplies and use them until they fall apart.

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LoneStar
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Joined: Wed Mar 11, 2009 1:35 pm
Location: south central Texas

Re: How many years does a mask last?

Post by LoneStar » Sat Apr 06, 2024 8:36 am

I pay out of pocket.

I use a nasal mask (Nuance).

I replace the pillows monthly (I buy from Amazon with Subscribe & Save), because they start leaking if I try to go longer. I wash them daily.

The mask straps are replaced every six months (I buy from eBay and Amazon), usually because the Velcro is so shot that they come undone too much. I wash them daily.

And the headgear yearly (again, eBay and Amazon). I never wash as I go to bed with wet, clean hair anyway.

YMMV

_________________
Machine: Airsense 10 Card to Cloud
Mask: Nuance & Nuance Pro Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Gel Nasal Pillows
Humidifier: HC150 Heated Humidifier With Hose, 2 Chambers and Stand
Additional Comments: APAP, humidifier on passover, heated hose
With xPAP therapy, do or do not; there is no try.

MikeekiM
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Joined: Mon Jun 20, 2022 1:02 pm

Re: How many years does a mask last?

Post by MikeekiM » Sat Apr 06, 2024 9:44 am

I typically use my n20 nasal cushions for about 2-3 months, until I start blaming cushion age on my leak or comfort problems.

Funny thing is… the new replacement never ends up solving the problem or feeling any different.

MikeekiM
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Joined: Mon Jun 20, 2022 1:02 pm

Re: How many years does a mask last?

Post by MikeekiM » Sat Apr 06, 2024 9:51 am

Oh, and regarding my mask straps, I typically use them for a year. After one year the straps have a tendency to stretch, and the Velcro doesn’t hold as well.

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ndc
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Joined: Sat Jan 18, 2014 2:43 am
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

Re: How many years does a mask last?

Post by ndc » Sat Apr 06, 2024 10:42 am

Conrad wrote:
Sat Apr 06, 2024 7:28 am
I'm afraid to ask, but how often do you replace the machine's filters and the water reservoir?
Filter every 3 months, and I don't use humidifier so no water reservoir.

Thank you all for the information. Looks like I got my money's worth on the mask :) Time for replacement.

tbeb
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Joined: Sun Nov 29, 2020 9:43 am
Location: Indiana

Re: How many years does a mask last?

Post by tbeb » Thu Apr 11, 2024 9:37 pm

I use a Philips Dreamwear full face mask. I replace the cushion every 3 months, the headgear every 6 months, and the frame every year.
Phillips Dreamstation with Humidifier, Phillips Dreamwear Full Face Mask