CPAP therapy works best when your equipment is clean, intact, and functioning exactly as it should. But over time, even the most durable CPAP parts wear out. When components like filters or mask cushions begin to degrade, your therapy can lose effectivenessโand your sleep may suffer.
This guide explains when and how to replace your CPAP supplies and signs of wear and tear to be on the lookout for. Plus, we'll offer tips for staying on top of your replacement schedule and fill you in on how signing up for subscriptions can keep things running smoothly.ย
Table of contents
CPAP Filters:ย 2 weeks to 3 months
Mask Cushions & Nasal Pillows:ย 1 to 3 months
Hoses & Tubing: 3 to 6 months
Headgear:ย 3 to 6 months
Frames:ย 3 to 6 months
Humidifier Chambers:ย 3 to 6 months
CPAP Machines:ย 3 to 5 years
CPAP equipment replacement schedule
CPAP supplies should be replaced regularly to ensure effective therapy and hygiene. Following a consistent replacement schedule helps prevent air leaks, pressure loss, and discomfort during therapy.
Most CPAP mask cushions need replacing every 1โ3 months, headgear and frames between 6-9 months, hoses every 3โ6 months, water chambers every 6โ12 months, and filters every 2 weeks up to 6 months, depending on the type.
Science Says
Research showsย that the older CPAP masks get, the more they tend to leak. One study found that the median leak rate rose nearly 60%, from 15 L/min in the first month to 24 L/min at 12 months.
| CPAP Part | Replacement Timeline | Signs of Trouble |
|---|---|---|
| Reusable & Disposable Filters | 2 weeksโ3 months | Dust, discoloration, odor, pressure drop, holes, reduced airflow |
| Memory Foam Cushions | 1 month | Flattening, cracks, reduced softness, loss of seal |
| Silicone Cushions | 1-3 months | Loss of seal, discoloration, skin irritation, air leaks |
| Cloth Cushions | 1โ2 months | Fraying, shape loss, odor, loss of seal |
| Nasal Pillows | 1โ3 months | Loose fit, shifting, air leaks, loss of seal, nasal irritation |
| Plastic Frames | 6 months | Creaking, cracks, poor fit |
| Silicone Frames | 3-6 months | Stretching, softening, poor seal |
| Cloth Frames | 3-6 months | Fraying, sagging, doesnโt stay in place, discoloration, odor |
| Headgear & Chin Straps | 3-6 months | Worn out fit tabs, loss of stretch, air leaks, unable to get a secure fit |
| CPAP Tubing | 3โ6 months | Cracks, whistling, moisture buildup |
| Humidifier Chambers | 3-6 months | Cloudy appearance, mineral buildup, gasket damage, discoloration |
| Complete CPAP Mask | 3-12 months | Mask leaks persist despite cushion/frame replacements |
| Travel CPAP Machines | 3 years | Wear from portability, louder motor, pressure loss, technical glitches |
| Standard CPAP Machines | 5 years | Louder motor, outdated software, pressure loss, technical glitches |
How often should you replace your CPAP machine filters?
Replacing your CPAP machine filters on time helps ensure you're breathing clean air and protects your machine from dust and allergens.ย
How often youโll need to replace these machine parts depends on the type of filter you use, your machine, and possibly even the air quality in your environment.ย
Disposable filters capture fine particles while reusable filters act as a first line of defense. These filters usually donโt need to be thrown away after a set amount of time, which can range anywhere from 2-4 weeks with some DreamStation disposable filters to 6 months for other machines.ย
Reusable filters trap particles like dust and debris before they reach your machine. These filters can be removed, washed, and reinserted, making them a more cost-effective option over time. Depending on your environment and maintenance routine, reusable filters can last anywhere from 1 to 6 months.ย
To learn more about changing out your filter, check out our article on replacing your CPAP filter.
Reusable & Disposable Filters
Replace everyย 2 weeks to 3 months
Care Tip:ย Clean reusable filters weekly. Replace more often if you have pets, smoke indoors, or live in a high-pollution area.
Signs you've waited too long to replace your CPAP filter:
- Dust buildup
- Discoloration or staining
- Musty or unusual odors
- Holes, tears, or fraying
- Decrease in airflow or pressure sensitivity
DreamStation Disposable Filters
Replace everyย 2 to 4 weeks
Care Tip:ย Replace disposable filters regularly. Rinse reusable filters with warm water weekly and air dry completely before reinserting.
Signs you've waited too long to replace your CPAP filter:
- Dust buildup
- Discoloration or staining
- Musty or unusual odors
- Holes, tears, or fraying
- Decrease in airflow or pressure sensitivity
How often should you replace your CPAP mask cushion or nasal pillows?
Cushionsย and nasal pillows are key to maintaining a comfortable, leak-free seal. Over time, oils from your skin and nightly wear will break down the material, leading to discomfort and poor therapy performance.
All cushions lose effectiveness over time, but each material type has its own expected lifespan.
Silicone Cushions
Replace everyย 1 to 3 months
Care Tip:ย Wash daily with warm water and mild soap. Let air dry out of direct sunlight.
Signs you've waited too long to replace your silicone mask cushion:
- Leaks
- Cushion feels rigid or sticky
- Skin irritation
- Loss of seal
Memory Foam Cushions
Replace everyย month
Care Tip:ย Do not submerge. Gently wipe with a damp cloth and let dry completely.
Signs you've waited too long to replace your memory foam mask cushion:
- Flattening
- Cracks
- Hardening
- Loss of seal
- Air leaks
- Irritation
- Discoloration
Cloth Cushions
Replace everyย 1 to 3 months
Care Tip:ย Hand wash gently and allow to fully dry between uses.
Signs you've waited too long to replace your cloth mask cushion:
- Fraying
- Shape loss
- Persistent odor
- Loss of seal
- Air leaks
- Discoloration
Nasal Pillow Cushions
Replace everyย 1 to 3 months
Care Tip:ย Rinse after each use and perform a deeper clean weekly with gentle soap.
Signs you've waited too long to replace your nasal pillow mask cushion:
- Loose fit
- Discomfort
- Reduced airflow
- Loss of seal
- Nasal irritation
How often should you replace your CPAP mask frame?
The frame of your CPAP mask supports the cushion and holds your entire mask in place. As frames wear out, they can lose structure and flexibility, leading to mask leaks and poor alignment.
Keep in mind that when youโre buying a replacement frame, it may be difficult to find a frame by itself. Instead, you may need to order a mask kit, also known as a mask assembly kit , which usually includes everything you need to refresh your mask except for headgear.
Plastic Frames
Replace everyย 6 months
Care Tip:ย Wipe down weekly with mild soap and warm water. Avoid harsh cleaners.
Signs you've waited too long to replace your plastic mask frame:
- Cracks
- Squeaking
- Misshapen frame
- Loss of seal
- Loose fit
Silicone Frames
Replace everyย 3 to 6 months
Care Tip:ย Clean regularly with soap and water, checking for signs of breakdown.
Signs you've waited too long to replace your silicone mask frame:
- Softening
- Stretching
- No longer holds seal
- Discoloration
- Loose fit
Cloth Frames
Replace everyย 3 to 6 months
Care Tip:ย Hand wash gently and hang to dry. Avoid machine drying.
Signs you've waited too long to replace your cloth mask frame:
- Fraying fabric
- Loose fit
- Loss of seal
- Mask slipping
- Discoloration
- OdorTears
Hollow-Tube Frames
Replace everyย 3 to 6 months
Care Tip:ย Care for similarly to CPAP hoses and tubing.ย Rinse and hang to dry daily. Be sure to wash inside and outside during weekly cleaning.
Signs you've waited too longย to replace your hollow-tube frame:
- Cracks
- Musty smell
- Air leaks
- Moisture buildup
- Mold or mildew
How often should you replace your CPAP mask headgear?
Youโll need to replace your CPAP headgear every 6โ9 months, or sooner if it starts to wear out. If your headgear feels loose or less supportive, it's time for a replacement, even if itโs been less than 6 months.ย
Elastic can lose tension over time, leading to mask leaks and reduced therapy performance. So, if you are using a CPAP mask with an elastic headband, such as the AirFit P10 headgear, you may find yourself replacing your head strap more often, rather than less.ย
In fact, some people report best results after replacing their elastic head strap every 3-6 months, rather than waiting a full 9.
As for the traditional 4-point headgear with Velcro tabs and mask clips, Velcro can lose its grip after months of wear, making it harder to get a secure fit that lasts.ย
Some manufacturers, such as Resmedโs masks, use a specific type of Velcro to extend their lifespan, but still, itโs better to keep your headgear fresh, rather than waiting until the wear and tear begins to affect your therapy.
Single Elastic Head Strap
Replace everyย 3 to 6 months
Care Tip:ย Wash weekly using warm soapy water. Allow to air dry completely before reuse.
Signs you've waited too longย to replace your elastic headstrap:
- Stretched fabric
- Loss of seal
- Air leaks
- Mask slipping
- Cannot get a tight enough fit
- Fraying
- Tearing
4-Point Headgear
Replace everyย 3 to 6 months
Care Tip:ย Keep headgear away from materials that may stick to your velcro.Wash weekly using warm soapy water. Allow to air dry completely before reuse.
Signs you've waited too long to replace your 4-point headgear:
- Headgear shifting
- Velcro unable to maintain its grip
- Stretched fabric
- Loss of seal
- Air leaks
- Mask slipping
- Fraying
- Tearing
Headgear Clips
Replace everyย 3 to 6 months
Care Tip:ย Donโt forget to give your mask clips a quick washing each time you clean your CPAP mask.
Signs you've waited too longย to replace your headgear clips:
- Clips come loose
- Weak magnetic pull
- Cracks
- Mask slipping
- Loss of seal
How often should you replace your CPAP hose and tubing?
Your CPAP hose is responsible for delivering pressurized air from the machine to your mask. Cracks, buildup, and air leaks are common over time, especially in heated tubing that has been exposed to moisture.
Keep in mind this category doesnโt just cover the hose that connects your CPAP machine to your CPAP mask, but other types of tubing that your CPAP air moves through, including hollow frame headgear and short tubes that connect your CPAP hose to your mask frame.
Standard CPAP Hose
Replace everyย 3 to 6 months
Care Tip:ย Rinse weekly with mild soap and warm water. Hang to dry completely before reconnecting to your machine.
Signs you've waited too longย to replace your heated CPAP hose:
- Cracking or splitting along the hose
- Visible mold or mildew
- Whistling or air leak sounds
- Hose feels stiff or brittle
- Unpleasant odor even after cleaning
Heated CPAP Hose
Replace everyย 3 to 6 months
Care Tip: Use a tube cleaning brush to gently scrub inside, then rinse and hang in a well-ventilated area to fully dry.
Signs you've waited too longย to replace your elastic head strap:
- Frequent leaks at connection points
- Flexibility loss, making it hard to fit properly
- Noise during inhalation or exhalation
- Discoloration or film inside tubing
- Moisture buildup that doesnโt dry easily
CPAP Mask Tubing
Replace everyย 3 to 6 months
Care Tip:ย Rinse weekly with warm water and vinegar or mild soap. Hang to dry fully.
Signs you've waited too longย to replace your CPAP mask tubing:
- Cracks
- Moldy smell
- Air leaks
- Moisture buildup
How often should you replace your CPAP humidifier water chamber?
Your water chamber adds essential moisture to the air you breathe, helping reduce dryness and irritation. Over time, minerals from the water in your ย CPAP humidifier can build up, and gaskets may degrade.
Humidifier Water Tank
Replace everyย 6 months
Care Tip:ย Empty and rinse daily. Deep clean weekly with vinegar or manufacturer-recommended cleaner.
Signs you've waited too longย to replace your humidifier chamber:
- Discoloration
- Scaling
- Gasket damage
- Odor
- Mold or mildew
- Cracks
How often should you replace your CPAP machine?
CPAP machines are durable, but like any device, they eventually wear out. Replacing your machine ensures consistent therapy pressure, quieter nights, and access to modern comfort features.ย
Keep in mind that your travel CPAP machines can be used daily, but if you do this, you will need to replace them sooner than your standard machine. If you use it only for traveling, you can get much longer out of it.ย
Standard CPAP Machines
Replace everyย 5 years
Care Tip:ย Keep dust-free and wipe with a clean, damp cloth. Avoid placing near vents or direct sunlight.
Signs you've waited too longย to replace your full-sized CPAP machine:
- Increased motor noise
- Software issues
- Inconsistent pressure delivery
- Not sending data to your provider
- No cell service
- Machine errors
- Machine getting louder
Travel CPAP Machines
Replace everyย 3 to 5 years
Care Tip:ย Store in a padded case, clean before and after trips, and check connections for wear.
Signs you've waited too longย to replace your travel CPAP device:
- Travel wear and tear
- Increased motor noise
- Software issues
- Inconsistent pressure delivery
- Not sending data to your provider
- No cell service
- Machine errors
How often should you replace your CPAP mask?
Technically, your entire CPAP mask should be replaced once a year. However, this refers to the individual mask parts specifically, so replacing your entire mask may seem unnecessary if you keep up with our recommended replacement schedule.
If you've been following the recommended replacement schedule for your mask's individual partsโsuch as cushions, headgear, and framesโthere's typically no need to buy a completely new mask each year. Your mask has effectively been refreshed part by part.
Unfortunately, not everyone replaces their mask parts regularly, and some manufacturers donโt offer individual replacement pieces.ย
If youโve used the same mask for a full year without changing out the cushions, straps, or frame, itโs time to consider a full replacement. You may not notice how much performance has declinedโuntil you experience the comfort and seal of a fresh mask.
For more information, read about how often you should change your CPAP mask.
Complete CPAP Masks
Replace every 12 months if the full mask has not been replaced piece by piece
Care Tip:ย Store masks in a clean, dry place and handle gently to preserve longevity. Keep up with your mask's replacement schedule to avoid needing to replace your full mask.ย
Signs you've waited too longย to replace your CPAP mask:
- Reoccuring air leaks
- Cushion won't stay secured
- Mask rubbing or slipping
- Skin irritation
- Loss of seal
- No improvement after replacing parts
- Musty odor that won't go away
- Cracking or tearing
Tips for replacing your CPAP equipment on time
Set recurring calendar remindersย for part replacements based on your usage and environment.
Use your CPAP machineโs appย (like myAir or DreamMapper) to track usage hours and receive maintenance alerts.
Request resupply remindersย from your CPAP supplier
Sign up forย subscription products, like our Subscribe & Save
Print out or save a replacement timeline chartย and keep it near your machine for quick reference.
Check your parts monthlyย for signs of wearโeven if itโs before the official replacement date.
Create labeled storage bags or bins for your CPAP partsย to track what youโve replaced and whatโs coming up.
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Does insurance cover CPAP replacement parts?
Your health insurance company should cover your CPAP replacement parts, although the replacement schedule may differ from plan to plan. Itโs best to check with your specific insurance provider for your plan's policies.
Medicare has a very generous replacement schedule, allowing you to receive one totally new CPAP mask of your choice every 3 months. The purpose of this policy is to encourage struggling CPAP users to try new masks without taking on the financial burden of paying out of pocket.ย
You will need to meet your deductible and pay a copay (usually 20-30% of the total costs) before CPAP equipment can be covered by your insurance.
Learn more about paying for CPAP with insurance versus out-of-pocket.
Medicare Replacement Schedule for CPAP Therapy | |
|---|---|
| Filter | 3 months |
| Hoses & Tubing | 3 months |
| Complete Mask | 3 months |
| Water Chamber | 6 months |
| Mask Headgear | 6 months |
| Machine | 5 years |
Final thoughts
Regularly replacing your CPAP equipment helps protect your health and ensures therapy stays comfortable and effective. Donโt wait for problemsโstay ahead of them with timely replacements.
Need help? Contact us!
- Call: 1-800-356-5221
- Email: support@cpap.com
- Chat: Connectย with a CPAP Guide through our website or app