CPAP Replacement

[Spiritrider1]

Good evening! I am a new member trying to figure out how to navigate this board. I have a question regarding CPAP machines. How long should a CPAP machine last? How often should they be replaced? Thank you in advance for the responses.

[Sleeprider]

Most health insurance plans and Medicare consider a CPAP machine to be useful for 5 years. A machine will usually be replaced after that period, provided you have a diagnosed condition that requires the therapy, continued to discuss your therapy with your doctor, and benefit from the use of the equipment. Keeping records is an important part of that process. Without records, you could end up starting over. You can alway request your records and avoid sleep tests. Those of us on the forum are very aware of our treatment efficacy and try to keep records and monitor the effectiveness of our treatment. We help new members like you to do the same.

You should alway have your next replacement in mind and stay current on supply replenishment (filters, mask cushions, masks, tubing, humidifier parts etc). this maintains a relationship with your durable medical equipment (DME) provider. Regularly discussing your therapy with your doctor, ensures you will have a prescription wham you need one. If your machine was dispensed 5 or more years ago, you are due. If it is less, then you have time to accumulate records and make your replacement easier. Insurance policies vary, so you should call or research the DME policies of your policy holder. You are probably due to receive replacement supplies, and that is a good start as you will answer questions such as "are you using the machine" and "are you benefitting form the ue of CPAP". All of this goes into your record and support issuance of a new machine.

[DaveL]

My sleep-doc-from-h_ll insisted I keep using my first until it broke. It lasted almost 9 years; I reported it broken because it was so noisy. It disturbed our sleep.

My humidifier (ResMed for my S9) I have replacement parts.
I was able to buy new heated hoses and parts; in fact I still can.
I bought my machine used. I don't know it's age. I'm guessing 7? years? It's quiet, and works well.

Hope this helps. I'll replace my machine if I can find out what to get to improve my 'pap treatment.

The people here are so helpful.

I have so much to learn.

[Sleeprider]

DaveL, we can help you too. Let's get that replacement!