How long does a face mask typically last?

I find using wipes on the silicone weekly makes it less floppy than regular soap (tho' do use that too of course, but less often).

I am still using the same two frames and headgear that I got in 2012 and 2013. One is on my home machine, and the other with my travel machine. I change the cushions every 6-8 months. Usually when I realize I am dealing with more leaks. I have a few complete, brand new masks that I have not opened yet. One goes with the travel machine. I got them about a year and a half ago. It was a lucky deal and somebody on an email list was giving away masks from a sleep lab at cost of shipping. My mom and I use the same model/size mask; so we both have backup masks.

Mainly, I try to make sure I have backups of everything. I have two full sets. One for home and one for travel.

In addition, I have a brand new hose, several brand new masks, an extra cushion (purchased before the extra masks), an extra humidifier tank, an extra humdifier (found at a thrift store), and an extra power adapter (also found at a thrift store).

Having the full extra machine came in very handy last October when my mom's machine stopped working correctly. It was not obvious at first why. Since I have two Resmed S9 Autosets, and that is what she has, I was able to switch out motors and get her working in just a few minutes. I switched to my travel machine. The next night, as I went to sleep, I realized what was wrong with her machine. The filter cover had fallen off (probably during our 3 week trip with multiple hotel stops), and once home, the machine sucked in dog hair. I ordered a new filter cover. We use a piece of tape to make sure this cover won't get lost.

Being able to switch out parts in a hurry is great. Then we can always trouble shoot and/or order new parts later.

WearyOne wrote: ↑

Fri Aug 11, 2017 10:31 am

...I can go six months on the nose pillows before replacing, maybe more, but usually need to replace the oral cushion about every three months...

I wear that mask too. When the pillows or cushion get hazy/filmy or lose their tackiness, you can boil them in distilled water with a teaspoon or 2 of baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) for a few minutes (I use 3/4 qt clear Corningware saucepan). Cool and rinse. I am still using an oral cushion from 2016, just replaced the pillows from 2016 as they kept leaking. Headgear replaced every year or so.