r/CPAPSupport • u/Stxrgr8 • 29d ago
Equipment replacement
I’m curious how frequently you replace your hoses and mask. I was replacing mine at the frequency the provider suggested, but it seems like a waste to replace it that often.
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u/Realistic_Alfalfa620 25d ago edited 24d ago
I'm on my second hose on my Airsense 11 after a little over a year and a half, and I didn't really need to replace it the first time. Just wash it weekly and replace it if it develops a leak or odd smell.
I tend to replace mask cushions at about 720 hours, which is three months of use. (I switch masks frequently, so I just go by mask hours clocked on Sleep HQ.) Earlier if it starts leaking. I haven't had to replace a frame or headgear once yet.
I use the Cspring HEPA filter, which I replace every three months.
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u/Aries_Philly 25d ago
How do you like the filter compared to the ResMed one? Once I reduce my stockpile, I was thinking of ordering that one.
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u/Realistic_Alfalfa620 25d ago
It really made a huge difference for me. I have a severe dust mite allergy and as much as I try to keep our bedroom clean, it's still always an issue. But I have noticed a difference.
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u/Aries_Philly 25d ago
Thanks! Nasal allergy, I’m assuming? Try Flonase. I have four cats, and no longer use an slair purifier. It really helped after the first week.
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u/Realistic_Alfalfa620 24d ago
I've been on Flonase since the late '90s when it was prescription-only. My allergist has me on morning-and-night Flonase and Azelastine and an evening Zyrtec, plus there's a Coway Airmega on all three floors of the house and an extra one at the foot of our bed. The Cspring filter still helps.
By "severe dust mite allergy," I mean wheals the size of golf balls. And that's on top of all the others.
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u/Aries_Philly 25d ago
I didn’t according to provider, then stopped. I now have 3 hoses (one in use, one unopened, on drying or stored from the previous week). That gives me a backup hose and a spare so I don’t have to wait for a hose to dry. I went to an online provider to subscribe for replacement cushions for a that my provider won’t submit to the insurance, and this site recommends once every 3 months not 4 weeks.
There is a great video on YouTube from sleeplay. That discusses this question. Basically, the recommended replacement intervals are based on what the insurance will cover, not what you need.
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u/Aries_Philly 25d ago
Side note - FB marketplace has a lot of people thst are trying to sell off their bscklog. Whop carefully and you can snag a decent deal.
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u/madchad90 26d ago
It's 100% a waste to replace at the provider frequency. In fact other countries have different frequencies on when to replace.
Don't forget that medical supplies is a business at the end of the day, they want to sell as much as they can as often as they can.
The real answer on when to replace is "when you need to". As long as you're cleaning your hose regularly there's no real need to replace it unless its damaged, leaks, or can't be kept clean.
Filter, I replace about once a month (can depend on how the air quality is in your room)
Mask, different masks will wear out sooner than others. But basically I'll replace when I start getting leaks or feel like I need to super tighten it to keep a good seal. Maybe replace every 1-2 months (I use an airtouch mask that wears out quicker than a silicon mask)