How often do you change nasal pillows?

ALF · Post by **ALF** » Tue May 15, 2018 12:51 pm

I've been happily using a ResMed AirFit P10 mask for over 3 years now, cleaning the frame, headgear and pillows periodically, and replacing everything about twice a year. My equipment provider closed down, so I signed up with a new one (NORCO). They called and asked me if I was ready to receive new CPAP supplies, and I said yes. Next thing I know, a package arrives with an AirFit P10 frame and pillows (but no headgear!), 2 pairs of CPAP filters, and FIVE more nasal pillows! I called them up to state that I wanted a new headgear strap, which is the thing that wears out and stretches the most for me, and I don't need 6 pillows. The representative told me that ResMed recommends replacing the pillows every 2 weeks, and the headgear strap every 6 months (so I'm not due for a new one yet).

Does anyone else replace their pillows so frequently? Should I accept this plan and keep on changing out the pillows? Even though insurance covers almost the whole cost, it still seems wasteful to me.

I can suck it up with regard to the headgear strap, which can certainly last at least 6 months if I run it through the washing machine and the dryer.

Thanks for feedback!

Al F.

BTS · Post by **BTS** » Tue May 15, 2018 12:55 pm

I am 3 months in on my P10 Pillows and they are holding up still... 2 weeks is a little overkill I think.. I do need to replace soon tho I'm thinking, it is a cost thing for me being out of pocket... So if anyone has any they can part with, large Pillows, hit me up...

OkyDoky · Post by **OkyDoky** » Tue May 15, 2018 1:37 pm

You will see that some of us have used our P10's for months or even over a year. I used one for 18 months, just testing, before it started getting a little soft. If you keep it clean and monitor with Sleepyhead for leaks, I don't see a reason to replace. Especially on a 2 week basis. But always have backup because failure happens at the most inopportune moments.
Two words come to mind profit and waste.
At least they called and ask you before they mailed them out.

chunkyfrog · Post by **chunkyfrog** » Tue May 15, 2018 1:37 pm

My leak rates get nasty around 3 weeks, so I bite the bullet.
Washing P10 headgear often keeps it new almost indefinitely.
I decided to get a new headgear this last time,
and my DME tried to talk me into an another entire mask.
I said I would pass . . .
The mgr called back to say I COULD have just a headgear.

LSAT · Post by **LSAT** » Tue May 15, 2018 1:59 pm

ALF wrote: ↑
Tue May 15, 2018 12:51 pm
I've been happily using a ResMed AirFit P10 mask for over 3 years now, cleaning the frame, headgear and pillows periodically, and replacing everything about twice a year. My equipment provider closed down, so I signed up with a new one (NORCO). They called and asked me if I was ready to receive new CPAP supplies, and I said yes. Next thing I know, a package arrives with an AirFit P10 frame and pillows (but no headgear!), 2 pairs of CPAP filters, and FIVE more nasal pillows! I called them up to state that I wanted a new headgear strap, which is the thing that wears out and stretches the most for me, and I don't need 6 pillows. The representative told me that ResMed recommends replacing the pillows every 2 weeks, and the headgear strap every 6 months (so I'm not due for a new one yet).

Does anyone else replace their pillows so frequently? Should I accept this plan and keep on changing out the pillows? Even though insurance covers almost the whole cost, it still seems wasteful to me.

I can suck it up with regard to the headgear strap, which can certainly last at least 6 months if I run it through the washing machine and the dryer.

Thanks for feedback!

Al F.

Your DME is making lots of $$$$ from you. When they call you be specific on what you need/want. They LOVE you!

palerider · Post by **palerider** » Tue May 15, 2018 2:28 pm

ALF wrote: ↑
Tue May 15, 2018 12:51 pm
I've been happily using a ResMed AirFit P10 mask for over 3 years now, cleaning the frame, headgear and pillows periodically, and replacing everything about twice a year. My equipment provider closed down, so I signed up with a new one (NORCO). They called and asked me if I was ready to receive new CPAP supplies, and I said yes. Next thing I know, a package arrives with an AirFit P10 frame and pillows (but no headgear!), 2 pairs of CPAP filters, and FIVE more nasal pillows! I called them up to state that I wanted a new headgear strap, which is the thing that wears out and stretches the most for me, and I don't need 6 pillows. The representative told me that ResMed recommends replacing the pillows every 2 weeks, and the headgear strap every 6 months (so I'm not due for a new one yet).

Does anyone else replace their pillows so frequently? Should I accept this plan and keep on changing out the pillows? Even though insurance covers almost the whole cost, it still seems wasteful to me.

I can suck it up with regard to the headgear strap, which can certainly last at least 6 months if I run it through the washing machine and the dryer.

Thanks for feedback!

Al F.

There's NO reason to replace pillows that often, unless you just want to pad your DME's pockets.

Do what you were doing, replace things when YOU feel they NEED to be replaced.

I'm on my second set of pillows, same frame, and third or forth headgear in three years, I think. I run my strap through the washer and dryer every couple weeks... it's easier than washing by hand

jimj502 · Post by **jimj502** » Tue May 15, 2018 6:13 pm

I find that my leaks begin increasing after about three weeks. So I replace the pillows about once a month.

palerider · Post by **palerider** » Tue May 15, 2018 8:17 pm

jimj502 wrote: ↑
Tue May 15, 2018 6:13 pm
I find that my leaks begin increasing after about three weeks. So I replace the pillows about once a month.

Make sure you haven't accidentally inverted one of the inner cones, it's pretty easy to do when cleaning, and will make the mask leak badly.

SewTired · Post by **SewTired** » Tue May 15, 2018 8:32 pm

The problem is that the headgear for other masks is much more substantial than that for the P10. But, you are stuck with the replacement cycle that is standard for all headgear. My headgear will not last a year and I have yet to wear out the main part. I just bought a couple of extra headgear so I didn't have to concern myself. Yes, you can throw it into the washer/dryer to reshrink for use. It's just fabric after all. But, because it is so thin, it only recovers for a finite amount of time.

Don't completely stop ordering from your DME or it screws up your insurance/Medicare coverage of the items. At least order filters now and then, even if you don't need other supplies. A lot of DMEs drop updates if you don't order from them occasionally (i.e. 3-4 times a year) and it's a real hassle to get it going again.

Also, for regular collapsing - I had this problem since I started cpap with the P10. My pillows didn't last all that long before collapsing. Pugsy suggested I try one size larger and so far, that is working well. Early days yet, but no collapse or leaks.

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