***** We now accepts Peoples Health, all Aetna Plans, and Humana Medicaid *****
SUPPLY REPLACEMENT PROGRAM
Sleep therapy patients tend to lose track of time when it comes to replacing disposable supplies such as their masks, nasal pillows, headgear, hoses, filter, humidifier chambers, etc.
Regular replacement of your supplies helps to promote successful therapy. Routine filter changing assists in providing clean air flow to your airways and increases the lifespan of your machine. Although it is recommended to wash your supplies on a regular schedule, this may not always be enough. The Sleep Apnea store has enabled a helpful hassle-free program to help patients remember when to replace their supplies. We will call or email you when it is time to get new supplies, so you don't have to stress about it!
Medicare Replacement Schedule:
Mask: 1 per 3 months
Full Face Mask Cushion: 1 per month
Nasal Mask Cushion / Pillow: 2 per month
Headgear: 1 per 6 months
Chinstrap: 1 per 6 months
Tubing: 1 per 3 month
Disposable Filter: 2 per month
Reusable Foam Filter: 1 per 6 months
Water Chambers: 1 per 6 months
CPAP Machines: 1 per 5 years
**** Private Insurance Schedule may be Different***
COMMON SUPPLY PROBLEMS
Common issues when supplies are not replaced regularly
Mask/Headgear
Continuous usage and washing of the silicone of the mask cushion & pillows can lead to them losing their shape or form causing an improper seal. This may also lead to over-tightening of the mask, leaving red marks on the face and stretching out your headgear in the process. Many patients' natural skin oils tend to break down the mask cushion and/or pillows as well. Masks can become brittle over time from daily usage and movement resulting in the plastic frame breaking and or cracking.
Hoses
The clean hose is a very important tool in your health therapy. Hoses tend to trap airborne bacteria and germs due to their ribbed form, especially if used with a humidifier. Silicone hose ends can also become worn and tend to slip off the mask and/or machine with ease. It is also important to look for any tiny holes or tears in the hose, especially around the silicone ends. Holes and tears can cause air leakage affecting the proper pressure to treat your sleep apnea.
Filters
Many sleep therapy machines use only the disposable filter, though some machine manufacturers use a reusable foam filter along with a disposable fine bacteria filter (optional). Disposable filters should be checked regularly for cleanliness and replaced every 30 days, or earlier if discolored. The fine bacteria filters filter out small particles such as allergens and bacteria. Reusable filters should be washed and air dried weekly and replaced when they become brittle or discolored.
Humidifier Chamber (Heated)
Chambers, if used with distilled water and cleaned properly, should last for a good duration. If you are not using distilled water, minerals and additives from other water sources may film the chamber and also burn tiny holes in the bottom plate of some chambers.
Chinstraps
These tend to lose elasticity over time and the velcro attachments will lose original shape.