Aug 11th 2021

5 Reasons Why You Must Change Your Mask Every 3 to 6 Months

Quality sleep therapy comes from using proper CPAP equipment and maintaining those items, especially your CPAP mask. Your mask experiences wear and tear every night. Failure to replace it can lead to numerous health complications and even interfere with the quality of your CPAP therapy.

So, whether you're a new or regular sleep therapy patient, one of the most common questions asked is "How often to replace a CPAP mask?" On average, your mask should be replaced every three months; if that's more often than you thought, continue reading to learn why it's essential you replace your CPAP mask.

How Often to Replace CPAP Mask?

As mentioned above, the average CPAP mask should be replaced every 3-6 months. Every mask is different depending on the manufacturer. Make sure to check in the instructions that came with your mask or contact the manufacturer.

How to Increase the Use of a CPAP Mask?

If you clean your CPAP mask daily, it will help to extend the mask's life. Tips on cleaning the CPAP mask includes:

• Use a warm washcloth to wipe the cushions daily
• Wash the mask in warm water and soap weekly
• Air-dry the mask cushions (do not towel dry)

Signs Your CPAP Mask is Worn Out

• Excessive leaks
• Grinding sounds when the machine is in use
• Facial redness, sores, or discomfort
• Warning lights flashing on the machine

How Often to Replace Other CPAP Supplies?

To guarantee the most effective treatment, make sure to replace your CPAP supplies as needed. The below is the average replacement time. As a reminder, replacement times may differ depending on the manufacturer. Check the instructions that came with your equipment or contact the manufacturer.

• CPAP Machine – Every 5-7 years
• Disposable Filters – Twice a month
• Full Face Cushions – Once a month
• Humidifier Water Chamber – Every 6 months
• Headgear and Chin Strap – Every 6 months
• Nasal Mask Cushions and Pillows – Every 2 weeks
• Tubing – Every 3 months

5 Reasons Why You Need to Change Your Mask Every 3-6 Months

To help you better understand the importance of CPAP mask replacement, here are five reasons why you need to change your mask every 3-6 months.

1. A Breeding Ground for Bacteria and Germs

Proper hygiene is crucial to ensure quality CPAP therapy. Get into the habit of cleaning your mask daily, especially the parts that come into contact with your skin. This will help remove any dead skin cells, oils, and dirt from your mask.

Wiping your mask isn't enough since CPAP parts come into contact with water vapor every time you use it, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. When your mask deteriorates, it creates these microscopic pockets where harmful pathogens can thrive in.

2. CPAP Mask Leaks

CPAP mask leaks can be a significant problem for sleep apnea patients. When air leaks out of your mask, it compromises the quality of CPAP therapy. Mask leaks can lead to the loss of proper pressure that's necessary to keep your airways open during sleep, and it can cause increased fatigue the following morning.

3. Causes Discomfort and Pressure Points

Even with proper hygiene, there will come a time when parts of your mask will deteriorate because of the accumulated facial oils. The oils tamper with the mask cushions' sealing capacity. When this happens, it is not advisable to tighten your headgear as this can cause discomfort and pressure points that may even lead to more leaks.

4. Leads to Several Health Problems

From harmful pathogens to mask leaks, a worn-out mask invites bacteria and germs into your body. Here are some of the possible health dangers you may acquire if you continue to use an old mask:

• Asthma attacks
• Cough
• Pneumonia
• Respiratory infections
• Sinus infections
• Skin irritation

5. Compromises Your CPAP Therapy

In the end, you need the proper equipment to get the most out of your CPAP therapy. All products deteriorate, and since your CPAP equipment is used every night, these parts experience wear and tear daily. Proper cleaning and maintenance can only take you as far as a few months before you need to repurchase new supplies.

Never Miss a Replacement Part with a Subscription Plan!

Your CPAP setup is composed of various parts that should be replaced according to their various life spans. It may be a little bit overwhelming to remember the different replacement schedules of all your CPAP supplies. This is why GoCPAP has created a Subscription Plan to help you track your CPAP equipment necessities. You no longer have to constantly remind yourself that you need to repurchase mask cushions, frames, tubing, or headgear. We will do that all for you to get the most out of your CPAP experience!

Interested in a Subscription Plan?

Contact us for more information! carekits@gocpap.com1-855-346-2727

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