CPAP Masks and Australian Consumer Protection (Res Med Only Offering 3 Months on Mask Cushions)

Flyingfox82 on 26/04/2022 - 13:04

Hi Everybody.

I just purchased a CPAP recently and there was a hole in my mask that I discovered 1 week ago.

When I called up Resmed they turned around and told me that their "guidelines" (not warranty) state that we have to replace them every 3 months, and there is only a 3 month warranty on them. They then directed me to buy another one for $99.

Now all up including masks I spent a tad under $1500. I'm a little disappointed that approximately 6 months into my warranty I'm having to buy another mask cushion.

It seems that the one's they supply they don't have enough faith to offer a 12 month warranty.

Has anyone had any luck under consumer law to get around this and obviously to bring this to more people's attention.

Thanks

Health & Beauty

Comments

  • Flyingfox82 on 26/04/2022 - 13:04
    -2

    There warranties are listed here - https://www.resmed.com.au/sleepvantage

  • rektrading on 26/04/2022 - 13:14

    Have you tried this https://mobile.twitter.com/tiktok_us/status/1507241487402418…?

    rektrading on 26/04/2022 - 13:14 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
    • AdosHouse on 26/04/2022 - 15:21
      +1

      HAHAHAHAHA.

  • brendanm on 26/04/2022 - 13:17
    +2

    You are wanting warranty on a consumable? Might go to Bunnings and get warranty on a piece of sandpaper after sanding my entire house.

    • Flyingfox82 on 26/04/2022 - 13:23
      +2

      I'm sorry, Sandpaper has a use, once its used up you can't be returning it to Bunnings. These are mask cushions that are expensive. I would expect them to be made of quality material for them to last longer than 6 months especially at $100 a pop. Otherwise, maybe they shouldn't even offer a 3 month warranty if they have a limited use? these poor companies, I bet they are struggling in these current times.

      • brendanm on 26/04/2022 - 13:25

        It is a consumable.

        CPAP mask: Should be replaced every three months. CPAP mask cushion: Should replace your cushion or nasal pillows once or twice a month. Over time, dirt and oils from your skin can soften the cushion, making it so it doesn't hold a tight seal anymore with your face

      • freefall101 on 26/04/2022 - 14:25

        Because they should last 3 months, they're not made to last 6 months. If it breaks before 3 months, you get a new one. After that you buy a new one.

        This doesn't seem a difficult concept to grasp.

    • holdenmg on 26/04/2022 - 13:59

      Damn Bowlers got caught, then wanted a refund on the Sandpaper. lol

  • Seraphin7 on 26/04/2022 - 13:52
    +4

    If the manufacturer's recommendation is to replace them every three months for the reasons that have been described above, it's going to be difficult to substantiate a claim as to why they should last materially longer than that.

    The fact they are "expensive" does not automatically mean they should last longer than their advertised service life.

  • freefall101 on 26/04/2022 - 14:36

    Hunt around on price, if you're paying $99 per mask you're getting ripped off (this is Ozbargain afterall, I usually pay about $60). Or look at moving to another brand, the masks are usually compatible across brands (except travel ones and you'll need to buy the full mask set, not just the cushion), BMC replacements cost about $40.

    Consumables are a thing though, particularly with medical supplies. Be glad it's only a couple of hundred bucks a year.

  • vinni9284 on 26/04/2022 - 15:10

    Change the mask to a different brand. Usually Fisher & Paykel have good masks that last more than a week

  • AdosHouse on 26/04/2022 - 15:24

    Are you saying there is a hole in the mask or the cushion?

  • pharkurnell on 26/04/2022 - 16:35
    +1

    My mask's few years old now from Resi… LOL! every 3 months? WTF

    • Kandrew on 26/04/2022 - 17:24

      I agree!

      I have a Philips CPAP machine which I’ve had since 2013. Unfortunately, the Philips masks don’t suit me, so I bought a F&P mask. The first F&P mask cracked in the first 6 to 8 months (I can’t remember exactly when) and F&P told me that it was a consumable and I should purchase a new mask. I argued the point with them and eventually they agreed to send me a replacement, free of charge.

      That replacement mask lasted for about five years until a pharmacy lady who specialises in CPAP things said, ‘this cushion should be replaceable’ and started tearing it off, despite my protestations!

      I then had to purchase a new mask and so far, everything is going well. No pharmacy people are going near my CPAP equipment ever again.

  • ellave on 26/04/2022 - 16:48

    Been using resmed masks for about 10 years and replace them every 12 to 18 months, i just wash it every morning with some hand soap.

  • d2567 on 27/04/2022 - 09:51

    My husband uses resmed masks for years, he tends to change his mask when he upgrades every few years. He also cannot be bothered to wash his tubing or mask out either.
    The only thing probably saving him from a disgusting infection is he doesn't use a humidifier.Think his original CPAP machine was around 27 years ago and didnt have humidification so hasn't bothered with it. For the last 20+ years he's had APAP machines. Last 4 years he's used the travel APAP.
    Resmed has been the brand he started with and still uses. They used to charge around $2500-3000 for a machine and hundreds for mask and tubing, at the same time a 4 bedroom home is Sydney was under $200k ad now a gazillion $$. Now you can get a machine from $1300-$1800.
    Basically I'm saying that their products are reliable, around 1/5th the price ( in real terms) that they used to cost and usually their masks last years( but they only give you a tiny warranty on them).A toothbrush could last you years but maybe you should change them more regularly.

  • Dejaar on 27/04/2022 - 12:38

    Can I ask how you have found using a cpap machine and if your energy levels etc have i.proved?

    • AdosHouse on 29/04/2022 - 21:44

      Weird thing for me is that I am often more tired than before, BUT, that's only because I have severe sleep apnea and I basically got used to it over the years. Now if I don't get my 7-8 hours sleep I'm annoyed. In saying that my general health is better, blood pressure has dropped, and I'm more mentally alert.

      As for using the machine, takes a few days to get used to it, but you adapt really fast. First couple of days you find it very strange breathing against pressure, and thats starting at a low 4cm/H2O, now if I don't start at 8 I feel like there is a restriction and its harder to breathe, weird.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join