Okay - I'll confess. I have a REALLY bad habit of NOT washing my face at night (I know, I know). My mask gets dirty, so I wash it. I used my last mask for 1 1/2 yrs......no problem. I DO believe the ins. companies want you to buy more so they have an excuse to charge more!!!!! I change my nasal cushions more often, for sure, but NOT once a week. I also do not wash all the equipment every day!!!!!!!!! I'm lazy - I'd rather be quilting. okay - enough confessions......LOL