RE: Cushion Change Frequency
I have about 6 pillows on the go and change use every 3-4 days and wash all of them at weekends. Have only one that is defunct since a year ago.
My heated hose was replaced as it lost its ability to heat and it was changed after a year.
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RE: Cushion Change Frequency
(11-30-2018, 02:40 PM)Melman Wrote: I think most of us believe that the recommended replacement intervals for CPAP components are specified to maximize the profits of the suppliers ... not for the benefit of the patients. I've been surprised, however by how long mine have lasted without any problems. I have been using my original AirFit F20 mask and cushion, for example, since early March 2017. The silicone on the cushion is slightly discolored as compared with an unused replacement but it seals as well as when new and may be even more comfortable. The mask frame itself is like new. I've only changed hoses once in the 2 years I've had the Airsesense 10 and that was just because I switched to a heated hose. The Resmed humidifier chambers seem to develop slight leaks after 9 months to a year so I've changed that once. ...It appears, however, that most if not all of us may realize substantial savings with no risk if we consider longer change intervals.
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I am replying to this 2018 post to thank Melman for discussing how infrequently he changes his CPAP components and for doing the survey showing that some others change their cushions infrequently. I am also do infrequent changes and I have figured out over the years how to (mostly) prevent the CPAP equipment provider from oversupplying me.
RE: Cushion Change Frequency
There is one thing that gives me pause about trying to get months of use out of the ResMed pillows and cushions on the p30i and n30i. The QuietAir Vent has a piece of filter-like material that gets dark spots on it after a couple of weeks. I don't know if that's some kind of mold or just dust in the air, but it skeeves me out.
I emailed ResMed about it once, but they just referred me back to the cleaning instructions.
In Australia they sell replacement vents. They're not available the US, though, and the Australian sellers don't ship them.
Some people pull the filter-like material out and replace it with a piece of filter cut to size, but the material in the vent is different from the filters.
Probably fine but the lack of information on what that black stuff is bothers me.