You’ve probably heard your CPAP supplier tell you that it’s important to replace your CPAP equipment regularly. But then you know someone who’s been using the same mask for years and swears they sleep great. With such conflicting information, you’re probably wondering, “Do I really need to buy new CPAP supplies regularly?”
In this article, we’ll answer the most common questions people ask about replacing CPAP supplies. We’ll give you our honest take on when it’s worth it to replace your CPAP supplies and when you can save a few bucks.
CPAP Masks
My CPAP mask still works. Why should I replace it?
Just because your CPAP mask is still holding up, doesn’t mean it’s working optimally. The silicone cushion softens over time with regular use, which affects its ability to seal properly. Some people try to fix this by tightening the straps, but that’s not a good idea. Tightening your mask too much can leave red marks on your face and affect its overall fit.
Your CPAP mask cushion is designed to inflate and create a gentle and firm seal around your nose or nose and mouth. When you tighten the straps too much, it squishes the cushion against your face and stops it from sealing properly.
Can I just replace my CPAP mask cushion instead of the entire mask?
Yes, you can choose to just replace your cushion every 2 to 3 months if your headgear and mask frame are still in good condition. But if your headgear is stretched out, discolored, or the Velcro tabs aren’t sticking anymore, it’s time to replace that too.
Sometimes when CPAP masks go on sale, it can be cheaper to buy a whole new mask instead of buying multiple parts.
My CPAP mask headgear is still holding my mask in place. Why should I replace it?
CPAP headgear is made of fabric, so it stretches out over time. Plus, the Velcro tabs can lose their stickiness. We’ve seen some people use duct tape or safety pins to make their headgear last longer, but we don’t recommend it.
Holding your mask together with duct tape, safety pins etc. makes it harder to clean your mask. From our experience, that usually leads to less cleaning. Oils from your face and hair can build up in the headgear, which can cause skin rashes, breakouts, and even contact dermatitis.
CPAP Machine
My CPAP machine is working just fine. Why is my CPAP supplier telling me to replace it every 5 years?
If your CPAP supplier or durable medical equipment (DME) provider recommends replacing your CPAP every 5 years, it’s likely because you have CPAP insurance coverage. Insurance plans cover a new machine every 5 years, so it can be in your best interest to have insurance pay for a new machine regularly.
But keep in mind that you might still have to pay some out-of-pocket costs like co-pays, deductibles, or co-insurance. So, it’s always a good idea to check your insurance plan before you go ahead and get a new machine.
Even if you don’t have insurance, it’s still a good idea to look at replacing your machine every 5 years — especially if you use it every night. CPAP machines have an expected service life of 5 years so the motor can be approaching the end of its lifespan at the 5 year mark.
If your machine is a few years old, pay attention to any strange noises when using your machine. If you hear any unusual noises or if your machine sounds louder than before, have your CPAP provider take a look. They can compare it to another machine of the same brand to see if there’s a problem.
Can I replace individual parts of my CPAP machine, or do I need to replace the entire unit?
If your CPAP machine comes with a detachable heated humidifier, you can replace the humidifier and the CPAP machine/blower separately. Otherwise, you’ll need to replace the whole unit.
We sometimes get asked if we sell parts inside the machine, but unfortunately, we don’t. Unlike cars, you can’t buy CPAP machine parts and fix up your machine yourself. Machine manufacturers don’t produce parts for CPAP suppliers such as RespShop to sell.
CPAP Filters
How do I know it’s time to replace my filter?
Check your filter when you do your weekly CPAP equipment cleaning to see how much dust it’s trapped. If the filter is gray, it’s time to throw it away. But if you have a reusable foam filter, you can just wash it.
In general, we recommend replacing your CPAP filter every 2 to 6 months. It’s a wide range because it depends on the air quality in your house. For specific filter replacement schedules by machine, check out our CPAP Equipment Cleaning and Replacement Chart.
CPAP Tubing
My CPAP hose doesn’t touch my face and seems to suffer minimal wear and tear. Why should I replace it?
If you use humidification, your moist CPAP tubing can be a great environment for bacteria to grow. Although weekly cleaning controls bacterial growth, it doesn’t eliminate bacteria completely. Replacing your CPAP hose every 3 months ensures your tubing is germ-free.
I have tubing from my previous CPAP machine. Can I use that instead of buying a new one?
If your hose isn’t heated, you can use it with any CPAP machine. But if it’s heated, it’s only compatible with the specific machine it was designed for. For example, if you have a ResMed AirSense 11, you can’t use a heated hose from an older AirSense 10.