Moss- Questions!

[Cattleya17]

Hello i like moss i used to hate the stuff but now that i am a better grower and have alot more experience i really think it is an asset! so only one problem with the stuff. how do i pack it so that when i water it does not become soggy?

Also how, when re-potting, do you tell if the moss has broken down to the point you need to remove it? because i have a Cattleya that came in moss and i don't want to disturb the roots i would like to just set the basket into a new pot and let the plant and the roots just grow into the new moss through the basket.

Or i was thinking i would set it into its new pot and just add a different medium like lava rock around it and let it grow into the new pot through the basket.

so that brings us back to the issue of how do i know if the moss its already in is too broken down and needs to be removed?

Thanks guys for the help!!!!!!