Time for a new mask cushion?

[joeattardi]

I am almost at the 6 month point of being on CPAP. Boy does the time sure fly!! Anyways, I'm still on all my original equipment. I've noticed lately that I have to tighten my full face mask noticeably more to prevent leaks. Could this be due to my cushion being worn? I know there are differing opinions on when they should be replaced, but I don't know what else could cause this.

Have a merry Christmas, to you all that celebrate it! Thanks as always for the advice.

[STL Mark]

Yes, I would replace the mask cushion. I use the Quattro mask and have good insurance that covers a new cushion every month. You may find if you have insurance that yours will be covered also.

[Diplomacy]

You can buy cushions and more on CPAP.com!

[LSAT]

Check out my post here...
viewtopic/p550286/Worn-mask-cushion-alr ... ml#p550286

[SnoozyQ]

Yep, see the link that LSAT posted....

Maybe some of us Quattro users should start a LEAK Squad.....

[AMUW]

I notice all of you using the same equipment as I have had for 1 month now.
Would anybody have some good comments on this mask impacting heavily on the nose bridge? The top of the mask is not cushioned, and it has blistered up my nose bridge, even though I've been wearing it as loose as possible ... still with low leakage. Over time eyeglasses have irritated my nose skin ... but this isn't an allergic reaction, rather direct bearing down on the nose.
Has anybody heard of the DME being able to warm and bend the thermoplastic frame for better fit to the nose, like it is done with eyeglass frames?
I've tried moving the mask to change the pressure point, also padding my nose ... with limited success.

[LinkC]

You've tried the right things. If it still bothers your nose you need a different style mask...or a different nose! A blister or open sore requires an immediate fix.

It is uncommon for the first mask you try to be the best for you. I'd guess most of us went thru 3 to 5 before finding "the one".

I typically get 4 to 6 weeks out of a cushion. If the dry, clean surface no longer feels "tacky", it's time. If the silicone has a "cloudy" look, it's past time.

If you are a "nipple grease" user (Lanisoh), you can get a worn out cushion to seal better with the tiniest bit rubbed on it where it touches the skin. But that's messy, inconvenient and just a temporary fix until your new cushion arrives.

[diboja]

I use a Zest Nasal mask and its been a year now and I have no leakage.

Maybe its because Its because I wipe it down every day with a moist "wipe" and wash once a week with Ivory soap. In any event I consider myself lucky for this cushion to last as long as it has.

[Janknitz]

Don't forget the headgear can stretch out over time, too, and that may be why you need to tighten your straps more as well. That's the reason that Medicare and many insurers allow full mask replacements as often as quarterly.

[bilnap]

Definitely a new cushion. Plus the straps do stretch, so they do need to be tightened. Also the cushion may be needed to be washed more frequently to remove facial oils, etc., to get an effective seal.

[LinkC]

I use a Zest Nasal mask and its been a year now and I have no leakage.

Nasal masks are MUCH less prone to leakage than FF or hybrids. The seal area is so much smaller, and virtually motionless thru the night.

I don't have enough experience with nasals to wear out a cushion (pillows). I use a Hybrid...and the mouth seal goes LONG before the pillows leak.

[GumbyCT]

I am almost at the 6 month point of being on CPAP. Boy does the time sure fly!! Anyways, I'm still on all my original equipment. I've noticed lately that I have to tighten my full face mask noticeably more to prevent leaks. Could this be due to my cushion being worn? I know there are differing opinions on when they should be replaced, but I don't know what else could cause this.

Have a merry Christmas, to you all that celebrate it! Thanks as always for the advice.

The headgear does stretch. My F&P 431 was so bad I would have to tighten it half-way thru the nite.

I started using a knee-high nylon to keep the mask from moving away from my face (@17cm) with good success. The nylon is soft yet strong. I still use a knee-high on my nasal pillows to keep the seal.

Give it a try.