[Equipment] Amara View mask degrading

[StillHoping]

Has anyone heard of the PR Amara view mask "degrading"? I mean over time does the mask lose its efficacy in terms of strength so that it keeps a good fit?

The question really applies to *any* silicon mask due to the effects say of:
- Time
- Skin oil
- Stretching

I'm told I can replace the mask every month (just the detachable portion of the "mask" that touches the face). I've actually done this and had the impression that the new mask helped (lower AHI and better feeling). But it could have been other factors. Such an interval seems WAY to soon to me. Should last a few months I would expect. The tech said they usually do.

Does cleansing / wiping really extend the lifetime of a silicon mask? Some online links claim that boiling the silicon portion of the mask (not the part with the flap) can shrink the material to regain its fit. That's interesting.

Thanks

[PoolQ]

Boiling as far as I remember is for the straps to help shrink them back. I would not boil the hard plastic.

There are two things, at least, with the one month mask change. First is that some people do not clean their masks and this can cause problems so to be safe for all they recommend to change every month.

If the silicon gasket gets oil on it, it will slip and cause leaks. Keep if clean with washing or wipes. Every night I wipe my finger around the edge of the mask until it no longer feels slippery.

There are many approaches to changing out parts, some go for years, for me personally I am still building up a stash of spares. I know I will use them at some point and I can always stop getting the replacements any time I want. I am not a horder so I assume at some point I will say enough and not get the replacements.

I do know for sure that I do not want to take any chance of breathing in mold or fungus into my lungs just because I tried to keep the same equipment too long. Do I wash mine, sure. Do I know for sure that I have cleaned every potential hiding spot, nope not really (at least in my mind) YMMV

[StillHoping]

Thanks this is really helpful!