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Usually "life" of mask cushions
It seems to me the cushion on my Quattro FX (or maybe it's the spring "thing" ) do not do well after one month. I keep them clean etc. My insurance will only pay for one every 3 months so I will have to purchase myself. Have found 2 earlier on EBAY (unused) and will have to keep on looking. Do these cushions last longer for others???
Views: 901
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Ginny Edmundson on
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I tried my nasal pillow last night (the only type that is comfortable on my had with 3 layers of HY tape over the mouth. My machine showed leaks...it was an awful night. Every time my cheeks puffed I woke up. So it is curtains for the pillows and have to use one of 2 mask, both of which leak, both of which are too large for my face. I even spoke with Dr. Parks last night just before the phone conference started (I felt honored) He had no real suggestion other than I would eventually find a mask and that we needed custom made ones, try liners. (which I use) So I feel like I am just screwed.
Gary West said:
I used to get a lot of leaks like you, and they seemed to get worse as my nasal pillow aged.
Then i found the real problem it was the way the Hose going to the mask is the absolute most important thing to getting rid of leaks & providing all night sleep comfort and being leak free.
I use my Nasal pillow for longer than 6 months since I found this fix, I hope to get to about a year or longer per pillow.
I now sleep 7-8 hours every night, Very comfortable and NO Leaks, I mean NO leaks.
Holding the tube correctly to get rid of all deflection of mask or pillow is the most important thing.
westgl
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Permalink Reply by Charles McDermott on
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Mask liners like Quietous or Remzzzs help absorb facial oils that cause the mask to leak.
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CPAP.COM has this to say about mask cushions:
In our experience, most mask cushions begin to deteriorate after about six months of use. The silicone eventually becomes too soft to hold a seal and headgear straps must be tightened more and more to get the same quality seal.
We strongly suggest replacing cushions and pillows as soon as they start to soften. Air leaks may reduce the effectiveness of CPAP therapy and headgear that is too tight may cause facial sores at pressure points. You can also replace the headgear of your mask if it is stretched out or the Velcro worn out.
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Ginny,
I left out an important part of my reply to you the other day.
No matter what you do, and how long you have used the cushion, it will reach the time where it will need to be replaced.
The cushion should be replaced when:
the cushion rips
it is no longer easy to stop the leak by slightly tightening the headgear
you have tightened the interface so much that you are developing tender spots on your face where they didn't exist before
the cushion falls off or doesn't stay on the mask frame easily
you want a new cushion for asthetics.
Headgear should be washed no less frequently than weekly.
Again, if it is rinsed out daily and hung up to dry Most people don't need to use the detergents.
Headgear should be replaced when
it stretches out so much that you cannot catch the velcro to secure it
it rips
the velcro no longer "sticks" to it.
you want a new headgear for asthetics.
Frequencies and reasons for changing components has been an issue for as long as I can remember. You must figure out what is best for you. Good functioning of the components must never be compromised. Components should always be replaced when necessary. More frequent changes is not a bad thing, but, depending on your reimbursement situation, may be a bigger financial responsibility than necessary.
John Krainik,CRT,RPSGT
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Permalink Reply by ZolliStar on
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Terrific information, John. Thanks for writing.
John Krainik said:Ginny,
I left out an important part of my reply to you the other day.
No matter what you do, and how long you have used the cushion, it will reach the time where it will need to be replaced.
The cushion should be replaced when:
the cushion rips
it is no longer easy to stop the leak by slightly tightening the headgear
you have tightened the interface so much that you are developing tender spots on your face where they didn't exist before
the cushion falls off or doesn't stay on the mask frame easily
you want a new cushion for asthetics.
Headgear should be washed no less frequently than weekly.
Again, if it is rinsed out daily and hung up to dry Most people don't need to use the detergents.
Headgear should be replaced when
it stretches out so much that you cannot catch the velcro to secure it
it rips
the velcro no longer "sticks" to it.
you want a new headgear for asthetics.
Frequencies and reasons for changing components has been an issue for as long as I can remember. You must figure out what is best for you. Good functioning of the components must never be compromised. Components should always be replaced when necessary. More frequent changes is not a bad thing, but, depending on your reimbursement situation, may be a bigger financial responsibility than necessary.
John Krainik,CRT,RPSGT
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Now John, if only YOU had some help for my inability to find a small enough full face mask. I guess I am at the mercy of the companies that make them (hopefully before I die from sleep apnea) to have something smaller than what I have. Guess I need a trip to Australia or England for a custom made one. :)
John Krainik said:
Ginny,
I left out an important part of my reply to you the other day.
No matter what you do, and how long you have used the cushion, it will reach the time where it will need to be replaced.
The cushion should be replaced when:
the cushion rips
it is no longer easy to stop the leak by slightly tightening the headgear
you have tightened the interface so much that you are developing tender spots on your face where they didn't exist before
the cushion falls off or doesn't stay on the mask frame easily
you want a new cushion for asthetics.
Headgear should be washed no less frequently than weekly.
Again, if it is rinsed out daily and hung up to dry Most people don't need to use the detergents.
Headgear should be replaced when
it stretches out so much that you cannot catch the velcro to secure it
it rips
the velcro no longer "sticks" to it.
you want a new headgear for asthetics.
Frequencies and reasons for changing components has been an issue for as long as I can remember. You must figure out what is best for you. Good functioning of the components must never be compromised. Components should always be replaced when necessary. More frequent changes is not a bad thing, but, depending on your reimbursement situation, may be a bigger financial responsibility than necessary.
John Krainik,CRT,RPSGT
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3 Months use of a "cushion" is a long time.
My BCBS insurance pays for two (2) cushions every month & the entire mask every 6 months.
They follow the same replacement schedule as does Medicare.
I obviously do NOT replace my cushions twice a month, but 1 month's use is pretty much the outside limit. Replacing the cushions only every 3 months seems extreme to me.
By the way, I use the Respironics Comfort Gel Mask (two cushions - 1 clear & 1 blue).
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Ginny,
When I got to work tonight, one of the manufacturer's reps was there. I discussed your mask issue with him. He is going to check on a few things and get back to me. I will let you know via the direct message service this website provides, what he tells me. If I need further information from you, I will ask for it via that medium.
John Krainik,CRT,RPSGT
Ginny Edmundson said:Now John, if only YOU had some help for my inability to find a small enough full face mask. I guess I am at the mercy of the companies that make them (hopefully before I die from sleep apnea) to have something smaller than what I have. Guess I need a trip to Australia or England for a custom made one. :)
John Krainik said:Ginny,
I left out an important part of my reply to you the other day.
No matter what you do, and how long you have used the cushion, it will reach the time where it will need to be replaced.
The cushion should be replaced when:
the cushion rips
it is no longer easy to stop the leak by slightly tightening the headgear
you have tightened the interface so much that you are developing tender spots on your face where they didn't exist before
the cushion falls off or doesn't stay on the mask frame easily
you want a new cushion for asthetics.
Headgear should be washed no less frequently than weekly.
Again, if it is rinsed out daily and hung up to dry Most people don't need to use the detergents.
Headgear should be replaced when
it stretches out so much that you cannot catch the velcro to secure it
it rips
the velcro no longer "sticks" to it.
you want a new headgear for asthetics.
Frequencies and reasons for changing components has been an issue for as long as I can remember. You must figure out what is best for you. Good functioning of the components must never be compromised. Components should always be replaced when necessary. More frequent changes is not a bad thing, but, depending on your reimbursement situation, may be a bigger financial responsibility than necessary.
John Krainik,CRT,RPSGT
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Thank you, John. I am not sure but I think you have to be my "friend" to direct message. So I will send you a "friend" request. I had a pretty good night last night. Sleep just about all night with only a few adjustments needed one time. :)
John Krainik said:
Ginny,
When I got to work tonight, one of the manufacturer's reps was there. I discussed your mask issue with him. He is going to check on a few things and get back to me. I will let you know via the direct message service this website provides, what he tells me. If I need further information from you, I will ask for it via that medium.
John Krainik,CRT,RPSGT
Ginny Edmundson said:Now John, if only YOU had some help for my inability to find a small enough full face mask. I guess I am at the mercy of the companies that make them (hopefully before I die from sleep apnea) to have something smaller than what I have. Guess I need a trip to Australia or England for a custom made one. :)
John Krainik said:Ginny,
I left out an important part of my reply to you the other day.
No matter what you do, and how long you have used the cushion, it will reach the time where it will need to be replaced.
The cushion should be replaced when:
the cushion rips
it is no longer easy to stop the leak by slightly tightening the headgear
you have tightened the interface so much that you are developing tender spots on your face where they didn't exist before
the cushion falls off or doesn't stay on the mask frame easily
you want a new cushion for asthetics.
Headgear should be washed no less frequently than weekly.
Again, if it is rinsed out daily and hung up to dry Most people don't need to use the detergents.
Headgear should be replaced when
it stretches out so much that you cannot catch the velcro to secure it
it rips
the velcro no longer "sticks" to it.
you want a new headgear for asthetics.
Frequencies and reasons for changing components has been an issue for as long as I can remember. You must figure out what is best for you. Good functioning of the components must never be compromised. Components should always be replaced when necessary. More frequent changes is not a bad thing, but, depending on your reimbursement situation, may be a bigger financial responsibility than necessary.
John Krainik,CRT,RPSGT
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A "public" solution would be appreciated.
Otherwise, what is the point of a public forum?
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Permalink Reply by Mary Z on
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I don't know what you mean by a "public" solution. You've been hearing what other people do to take care of their mask cushions and how long they last. We are the public.
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Just thought that everyone else would like to hear what the manufacturer's rep has to say instead of that information being provided to her by "direct message".
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