Your CPAP’s accessory equipment is a lot like other frequently used health products, such as your toothbrush or a razor: it deteriorates, ceases to function optimally, and can get germy and unsanitary.
Just like you wouldn’t use the same toothbrush for months on end, it’s important to replace your CPAP equipment to make sure that your machine is as clean, effective, and comfortable as possible. However, unlike a toothbrush, the CPAP equipment may not look worn even though it needs to be replaced. That’s why it’s important to change your equipment following a schedule.
In this post we’ll review the following components of your CPAP that should be replaced an how often you should replace them:
- Mask
- Cushions/pillows
- Headgear/chinstrap
- Filters
- Tubing
- Water chamber
- CPAP device
- We use the term CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) in this post but you may use an APAP (auto setting CPAP) or bi-level PAP. The supplies are still the same. Learn more about the different types of devices here.
- Your health insurance provider will likely cover the cost of your replacement supplies. Many insurance companies will approve replacement of your supplies at the frequencies recommended below, based on Medicare guidelines (for more info about insurance coverage click here).
Replace Your Mask Every 3 Months
We’re all familiar with a CPAP mask! It’s the visible part of the CPAP setup that goes over your face, covering your noise (and possibly your mouth, depending on the type of mask you have). It delivers the pressurized air to your airways. Also, the style and maintenance of your mask can have a large effect in determining how comfortable you are wearing your CPAP machine, so it’s important to keep it in optimal condition!
Replacement Frequency: Every 3 months
How to tell if your mask needs to be replaced: If you notice that you are experiencing excessive leaks, the mask probably needs to be replaced. Furthermore, if you are very uncomfortable in your mask, you are encouraged to try a new style or get refitted. Often, improved comfort owing to a new mask design can be the difference between compliance and not using the machine.
Replace Your Cushions/Pillows Based on Mask Type
Cushions provide a comfortable way for the CPAP mask to rest against your face and seal the pressurized air pathway. Over time and use, the silicone on the cushion or the nasal pillow can become soft and not be as efficient. Compromised cushions can lead to air leaks, irritation, discomfort, and redness in the mask area and may require tightening of the mask straps to ensure a secure seal.
Replacement Frequency:
Nasal Cushion & Nasal Pillows: Twice a month or every two weeks
Full Face Cushions: Once a month
How to tell if your cushions need to be replaced: Cushions in need of replacement may become stiff or cracked around the edges and begin to turn opaque or change color.
Replace Your Headgear and Chin Strap Every 6 months
These components, which include straps that wrap around your head and chin, secure the mask to your face. Over time and use, headgear may become stretched and lose elasticity, leading to over tightening and discomfort.
Replacement frequency: Every 6 months
How to tell if you need to replace your headgear and chin strap: If your headgear has stretched and/or you find that you need to tighten it to achieve an effective seal, it probably needs to be replaced.
Replace Your Filters Every 2 Weeks
CPAP filters ensure that the air that is delivered via your machine is clean and free of allergens and irritating particles. With time, they can wear out or become clogged. If the environment is particularly humid or dusty, then the disposable filter won’t last as long. Visual inspection is the key to determining disposable filter life.
Replacement Frequency: Twice a month
How to tell if your filters need to be replaced: Your filters will begin to show signs of wear and discoloration.
Replace Your Tubing Every 3 Months
Tubing provides the passage through which the pressurized air travels from your machine to your mouth so that you can breathe easier! With time it can develop small tears, which can result in the patient receiving a lower pressure setting than prescribed.
Replacement Frequency: Every 3 months
How to tell if your tubing needs to be replaced: Tubing may turn opaque (no longer clear). If you notice small tears in the material, particularly between the coils, it’s time to replace.
Replace Your Humidifier Water Chamber Every 6 Months
Using a humidifier can make a positive difference to your therapy comfort and experience. By warming and moistening the air you’re breathing, it helps prevent you having a dry nose and throat and can help you keep your mouth closed while you sleep. The water chamber is the removable container that holds the water in your humidifier.
Replacement frequency: Every 6 months
How to tell if you need to replace your water chamber: The chamber may develop cracks, pitted areas, or discoloration owing to minerals in the water and buildup inside the chamber. As the material deteriorates, cracks may trap bacteria from moisture.
Please remember, you should use distilled water and change the water daily.
Replace Your CPAP Machine Every 3-7 Years
And finally, we come to the CPAP machine itself! In light of its daily use, it’s a good idea to replace the actual CPAP device every 3-7 years. While the typical lifespan of a CPAP device is 5-7 years, there may be changes in the technology that you’ll want to take advantage of. For example, new devices have wireless modems to monitor your usage (learn more here).
Depending on the wear and tear on your machine and your travel habits, you may wish to have a back-up CPAP.
Replacement frequency: Every 3-7 years
How to tell if you need a new CPAP device: If your device stops working, you should contact your provider immediately. Most CPAPs are covered under warranty for at least one year. If your device is no longer covered under warranty, you may want to find out if your insurance will cover a new CPAP device.
Are you ready to order replacement supplies? Click below for easy online ordering. We accept most insurance.
Other posts you may find interesting:
- Will my Insurance Cover CPAP? Frequently Asked Questions About Coverage
- Sleep Apnea Patients Must Show PAP Compliance Before Device Purchase or Resupply
- Study shows treating sleep apnea lowers risk of cardiovascular death in men
Sources:
http://oig.hhs.gov/oei/reports/oei-07-12-00250.pdf
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in August 2014 and has been edited and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Comments
Richard Dickinson
Posted on February 23, 2017Is there an updated replacement schedule where Medicare will replace CPAP supplies (hose, mask, filter, etc) so that I can print it out and keep it to know when to replace these items
Julia Rodriguez
Posted on February 27, 2017Hi Richard. We have the most recent schedule on our site here: https://www.sleepdr.com/education-resources/frequently-asked-questions/faqs-cpap-supplies/ and a link to the 2013 (most recent) Medicare/OIG/HHS document: https://oig.hhs.gov/oei/reports/oei-07-12-00250.pdf
Joe
Posted on August 02, 2020covering your noise (and possibly your mouth)?
I don’t have a noise!
common man
Posted on August 23, 2020this is extortion you evil people go get a real job you parasites stealing money of people who are sick
Rish
Posted on January 17, 2021does headgear cause a rash?
JM
Posted on July 03, 2021I replace my CPAP machine every 5 years. My mask and accessories every year. I’ve never replaced the chamber on any of my machines. I have never needed to replace anything more often, and it has never been suggested that I do so where I buy all my equipment. I have insurance that pays 80% and even with this, I would never follow the schedule you propose. 4 masks ayear!? Ridiculous! You are clearly trying to get people to replace items that don’t need replacement and that way you make more money off of them. Shame on you!
Health Articles
Posted on August 07, 2021Nice place to visit. Thanks a lot!!
Priya Rai
Posted on August 10, 2021Great job guys. Keep it up.
SEO Articles
Posted on August 14, 2021FABULOUS…please keep sharing!
New CPAP user
Posted on August 23, 2021Replacing the mask every 3 months would cost me as much as my CPAP machine yearly and we have not even gotten to the other parts. Once you have the mask you like, order a backup for when your current one fails or gets broken. Otherwise, clean the mask with an unscented baby wipe daily. I use an in-line filter between my mask and tubing.
DO NOT USE those ozone cleaning machines, they leave an ominous odor on the items cleaned. So bad, I had to throw one tube away. So glad I did not put my actual CPAP machine through the ozone cleaner, voids the warranties and may damage components in the CPAP machine.
High Rated Gabru
Posted on September 03, 2021Cool blog. Thanks a ton.
Carl Alberts
Posted on March 02, 2022Headgear may become stretched and lose elasticity, leading to over tightening and discomfort.
KittyMom
Posted on November 01, 2022I do use my toothbrush for several months.
This seems like a lot of unnecessary plastic waste just so medical suppliers can make money.
hurdle
Posted on February 24, 2023That post is really creative.
Eladó
Posted on May 14, 2023Highly appreciated your effort to share your knowledge. Keep it up.
Trizzle
Posted on June 12, 2023This recommended replacement schedule is beyond absurd! If regularly and properly cleaned, hoses, masks, and cushions last MUCH MUCH longer than what this post claims. This seems like a cash grab! SHAME ON YOU. P.S. The one item you said to replace only every 6 months, head gear, tends to be the one item that DOES need to be replaced more frequently because over time it stretches and loses elasticity.
Lois Hooyer
Posted on October 16, 2023I have Central Hypoventilation Disorder/CSA.
(No snoring component). I understand that a sleep study is not required for Medicare benefits. Is this correct?