How long does a face mask typically last?

lliann wrote:according to online insurance replacement schedules.


Item (number) HCPCS Code Replacement Frequency
CPAP Mask A7034 Every 3 months
CPAP Headgear A7035 Every 3-6 months
CPAP Tubing A7037 Every 3 months
Disposable Filter A7038 2 new filters every month
Non-disposable Filters A7039 2 new filters every 6 months
CPAP Chin strap A7036 Every 6 months
Full Face Mask A7030 Every 3 months
Oral CPAP Mask A7044 Every 3 months
Humidifier Chamber A7046 Every 6 months
CPAP Machine E0601 Generally, every 3-5 years, or as necessary



cushions are replaceable every month.(1 a month)

As others have said, most components last a LOT longer than the recommended replacement period, the great exception being disposable filters. I unfortunately got my Cpap and then lost my insurance 3 months later, so I've been using the same EVERYTHING but filters for over two years with no great difficulty. I'm now insured again, I've replaced everything they'll allow, and once I have a spare or two I will probably forget about supplies for a while.

Six to eight months on one cushion is good but eventually the silicone does wear. No need to toss the entire mask though when the cushion can be replaced.

Another thing. In addition to washing the cushions every morning, you should wash you face (at least the part with which the cushion comes in contact) every night before putting on the mask (and then dry it). This will ensure a better seal, reduce irritation, and help increase mask life.

I have found that frequent washing of my Quattro silicone cushion wears it out faster. My cushions will last a year. I wipe them down with a baby wipe every night, and wash them with hand soap about once a month. At about 3 months I boil them for a couple minutes. Even at a year, after boiling, they look like new, but they tend to loose their seal after that length of time. My head gear gets washed at about 6 months. I am still using the original head gear that came with my Quattro 2 years ago. The plastic mask frame will last forever.

D.H. wrote:Another thing. In addition to washing the cushions every morning, you should wash you face (at least the part with which the cushion comes in contact) every night before putting on the mask (and then dry it). This will ensure a better seal, reduce irritation, and help increase mask life.

Yes, you wouldn't want to waste the soap and water to wash your whole face, waste not want not. Brilliant Jim

My bro has full face masks. The masks used to last 2-3 years, cushions 4-5 months. While they fixed one design problem, they created another and his last mask broke after 3 weeks. F&P replaced it. The headstraps last as long as the masks as he leaves the straps where they are and they are only undone when the headgear is washed. Otherwise, he just slips it on over. He uses a sleepmask to tighten it (has a beard) rather than making the straps tighter, which didn't work anyway.

sleepinow wrote:Hey guys

I have been using my quatro fx for about 6-8ish months or so and it feels like it is leaking more. I have tightened it quite alot but after a while I was leaking air noticably more. Should I buy another mask or continue using this one?

I have had my F&P Simplus FF mask for more than 6 months, and the silicon cushion is still fine. I wash it with dish liquid every couple of days, and with wipes when I am away from home.

I think your mask could be leaking because of the headstrap becoming a bit loose. Over-tightening to compensate is a normal behaviour, but can be counter productive.

tedtomato wrote:

sleepinow wrote:Hey guys

I have been using my quatro fx for about 6-8ish months or so and it feels like it is leaking more. I have tightened it quite alot but after a while I was leaking air noticably more. Should I buy another mask or continue using this one?

I have had my F&P Simplus FF mask for more than 6 months, and the silicon cushion is still fine. I wash it with dish liquid every couple of days, and with wipes when I am away from home.

I think your mask could be leaking because of the headstrap becoming a bit loose. Over-tightening to compensate is a normal behaviour, but can be counter productive.

Yeah I think that may be the issue. I just received my new cushion and it hardly helped. What do you consider I do instead of overtightening it? It is the only thing I can do to prevent leaks. I am considering trying a larger sized mask.

Sometimes making it tighter creates more leaks. The mask needs to be able to "inflate" to create a cushion. So do the opposite, and make it a bit looser. Otherwise, try a different size.

Good thread as I am new and thinking/questioning the same thing. I have the Amara View and the headgear of mine is about shot after only 3 months. The Velcro just doesn't hold and the straps have lost some elasticity, but it's mostly the Velcro that's just shot. I ordered new headgear the other day. Thanks.

I am so thankful the Department of Veterans Affairs (aka VA) follows the HCPCS Code Replacement Frequency cited in a previous post! If you or your OSA loved one has not endured the somewhat unpleasant enrollment and/or Service Connected Claim process, it has been very much worth the effort, for me. [Remember, VA Pensions & Benefits are the gatekeepers paid to deny what you earned, VA Health & Medical are paid to get and keep you healthy; two totally separate silos.]

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

Since retiring in 1983, I have had very little contact with the VA. I used to get my hearing aids through them, but started buying my own around 15 years ago. At that time, my company medical insurance covered hearing aids. I just use Medicare and Tricare for life for my medical expenses. For CPAP supplies, I found an on line DME that specializes in active duty and retired military members and their families.

Coming up for 2 years on CPAP, on original equipment bar filters. Reading this makes me think I need to ask my hospital people for more frequent replacements! My f20
Mask is starting to yellow so suspect that is close to the end (though no sealing issues). I am not very disciplined with cleaning it so surprised it has lasted so well!

Thanks to previous contributors for giving indication of likely life expectancy of various components.

jmcc500 wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 15, 2019 5:00 am

Coming up for 2 years on CPAP, on original equipment bar filters. Reading this makes me think I need to ask my hospital people for more frequent replacements! My f20
Mask is starting to yellow so suspect that is close to the end (though no sealing issues). I am not very disciplined with cleaning it so surprised it has lasted so well!

Thanks to previous contributors for giving indication of likely life expectancy of various components.

Nobody is stopping you from purchasing additional equipment or replacements from online sellers like www.cpap.com

My mask parts are all replaceable and I have gotten MANY years of use from the headgear and cushions/seals before they needed to be replaced. I've never relied on my insurance to help me purchase additional equipment (including machines) or replacement parts. It's all been out of my own pocket. I believe when I'm purchasing that stuff out of my own pocket, it tends to last considerably longer.


Den

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jmcc500 wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 15, 2019 5:00 am

Coming up for 2 years on CPAP, on original equipment bar filters. Reading this makes me think I need to ask my hospital people for more frequent replacements! My f20
Mask is starting to yellow so suspect that is close to the end (though no sealing issues). I am not very disciplined with cleaning it so surprised it has lasted so well!

Thanks to previous contributors for giving indication of likely life expectancy of various components.

Masks tend to last longer for people that don't clean them vigorously every day.

You can get replacement bits for all the parts of the mask, just replace the parts that are wearing out.

jmcc500 wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 15, 2019 5:00 am

Coming up for 2 years on CPAP, on original equipment bar filters. Reading this makes me think I need to ask my hospital people for more frequent replacements! My f20
Mask is starting to yellow so suspect that is close to the end (though no sealing issues). I am not very disciplined with cleaning it so surprised it has lasted so well!

Thanks to previous contributors for giving indication of likely life expectancy of various components.

Depending where in the world you are then replacement policies are different. With my NHS Trust in the UK I get one free mask a year and they don't stock the Resmed P10 I love so I buy my own spares.