[Equipment] Replacement time-frames

[Dsomji]

Hello all;

Haven't found anything covering this, but if it's been asked and answered I apologize.

What are the average life-times of the various parts of a CPAP setup? How often would you expect to replace a) the mask and hose, b) the machine itself?

I realize that any answers would be generalizations based on care and maintenance but any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,
D

[zonk]

Hi Dsomji
I haven,t changed the hose yet since got the S9 over year ago. Took me a while to find the right mask and now just replace the cushion when it wear out.
I haven,t replaced the machine but it can last a long time but suppose every time they keep updating machines with added features.
If insured find out about the replacement policy.

[greatunclebill]

most insurance plans will pay for a new machine after 5 years. when yours is 5 yrs old, look around and see if there's something newer you'd like to get and talk to your doc. my doctor told me if a dme calls and says its time for a new machine to see him first so he can prescribe the newest machine out there. even if yours is still good, its a good way to get a new machine and use your old one for backup.

most insurance plans pay for new masks and stuff every 3 - 6 months. in the beginning its a good idea to get some replacements as soon as you're eligible and not open them til you need them., that way if the dog eats the hose you have one you can use immediately and not scramble around.

[mckevin32]

Yep, 5 years is the number most often bandied about with machines.
My DME says every month for pillows, 3 months for hose, and 6 months for mask complete.

That said, I'm a year and a half into my S9 and on my second hose (killed the first one with too large a cleaning brush). Still the original mask, though I do have an extra on hand just in case. My nasal pillows I do replace every couple of months, they just don't seem to fit as well much longer than that.

[Ltmedic66]

The 5 year mark seems pretty common for machines, though there is no meed to replace it if it works fine and you are happy with it. Though at 5 years, there are probably newer, more capable machines.

For my plan, pillows or cushions are replaced twice a month, the mask every 6 months, and the hose at 6 months. Filters are also replaced twice a month.

[Steven]

Hello all;

Haven't found anything covering this, but if it's been asked and answered I apologize.

What are the average life-times of the various parts of a CPAP setup? How often would you expect to replace a) the mask and hose, b) the machine itself?

I realize that any answers would be generalizations based on care and maintenance but any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,
D

5 Years is the average for the actual CPAP machine.

My insurance specifies that they will replace it after 5 years only if it canNOT be repaired. But they did not hesitate to pay for a replacement for my 8 year old machine with a prescription that noted the replacement reason as the new technology available.

Most insurances follow the Medicare schedule for replacing the consumable supplies.

Mine will replace the cushions twice a month & the entire mask & headgear every 6 months.

[Dsomji]

Thank you everyone for your input on this. I contacted my health plan carrier to find out from them and they won't look at cushion, mask, or hose replacement for a minimum of two years. Seems a little long for things like cushions.

[Steven]

Thank you everyone for your input on this. I contacted my health plan carrier to find out from them and they won't look at cushion, mask, or hose replacement for a minimum of two years. Seems a little long for things like cushions.

NO cushion is going to be usable for 2 years - so you may be paying 100% of those until the insurance kicks in.

Are you sure they understood what you were asking.
2 Years seems extreme.

[Dsomji]

Thank you everyone for your input on this. I contacted my health plan carrier to find out from them and they won't look at cushion, mask, or hose replacement for a minimum of two years. Seems a little long for things like cushions.

NO cushion is going to be usable for 2 years - so you may be paying 100% of those until the insurance kicks in.

Are you sure they understood what you were asking.
2 Years seems extreme.

I asked in a couple different ways trying to impart the fact that I was asking about mask cushions, not the entire thing. No go. I'll probably try with a different rep in a few days to confirm.

Two years and then I can buy replacement mask, parts, hose, etc and submit invoices. Replacement for the machine will require further doctor's notes.

In the meantime, I think I'll stick to everyone's recommendations on timelines.

[SuperSleeper]

I contacted my health plan carrier to find out from them and they won't look at cushion, mask, or hose replacement for a minimum of two years. Seems a little long for things like cushions.

That is bizarre... not sure where you are but if you're in the U.S., I'm pretty sure that most health care companies have to follow Medicare guidelines at a bare minimum for CPAP machines, masks & filters... yes, you might have varying out-of-pocket expenses and deductibles based upon what plan you signed up for, but for them to tell you that "it's not covered at all for two years" sounds very suspect.

Now, if you're outside the U.S., then I have no clue what is policy for your country.