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How long does the ResMed softgel nasal mask usually last?
Last April I got my first cpap machine (the ResMed S9 elite with the resmed soft gel mask). Until the last 3 months, I have had no problems with the mask. Now I continually have dry chapped lips, despite putting on an oitment at night, and air is constantly leaking.
Since I live in Taiwan, I was just able to finally get the data from my machine read because the company selling resmed did not offer any service for S9 until now. The data reader showed that I have continuous apnea every night, despite using the machine. The salesman readjusted the face mask but I still feel it's pressing down hard - smashing my upper lip, feeling the side of my nose hurt, and hearing air escaping all the time.
My question is, is this problem normal? How long does a facemask usually last? Thanks for any info you can give me.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Steven XXXX on
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A face mask (the hard plastic part) can last a very long time. So, unless something is broken, I would not replace that part.
The soft cushions are another matter.
Most insurances (including Medicare) will replace those twice a month. Or, you can do as I do & just get 2 at the same time & keep one in reserve.
Now, just because you can replace the cushions twice a month does not mean you have to. They can be used a tad longer than that.
If you have been using the same cushions since April 2010, you should definitely replace the cushions right away. They do deteriorate & cause leak problems as you are having. And tightening the headgear (strap) to try to stop the leaks only creates the additional problems you are having. Overtighting even a new mask & cushions only creates more leaks & other problems.
You can also replace the headgear (strap) more often than the mask itself. I think (?) most insurances & medicare will replace those every 6 months. The headgear also becomes less efficient as it ages & yours is well past due the replacement period.
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the entire mask is designed to last a minimum of 6 months. Most insurances will allow you to bill a new mask every 6 months or a new cushion possibly every month, but you should check your policy before ordering. Usually an entire mask should last 1 year, but this will vary according to number of hours of usage and the pressure with which the mask it secured. It should be fit so tightly that your upper lip or sides of your nose hurt or the mask is fit incorrectly or with too much pressure. The dryness I can only assume is continuous leaks which certainly is an issue.
Did they explain what your issues with continuous apnea every night entailed? Did they give you an idea of what your AHI and large leaks were? That would be helpful as well.
Good luck!
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Thanks Steven and Kathy for your quick responses.
I just ordered two new cushions which I'll get next week. Kathy, since I live in Taiwan, language is a problem. One of the reasons I bought the ResMed machine was because the salesman could speak English. It's possible he explained things and I just didn't get it. When he came last month to see what my problems were with the mask, he just tightened it. I don't remember him telling me that I needed a new cushion. This is why this forum is so important to me because I can get real information. I'll write next week and tell you how the new cushion works.
Thanks again, Kim
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