Aug 24th 2020

Health Dangers of Not Replacing CPAP Mask Cushions

Maintaining your CPAP mask is a crucial part of your CPAP therapy. Without this, several health complications may arise. If you’re particularly new to CPAP therapy, you may want to familiarize yourself with the replacement schedule for the different CPAP parts.

Every part of your CPAP equipment has their own function in maintaining the quality of your sleep therapy. It is important to remember that these parts come into contact with water vapor. Without proper CPAP hygiene practices, your machine can become a breeding ground for bacteria, yeast, and mold.

How often should I replace my CPAP mask cushions?

To avoid any kind of skin irritation or infection, you should regularly clean your CPAP cushion with mild soap and water. However, these are not meant to be used indefinitely. It is important to replace your CPAP cushion at least every 1 to 3 months.

What happens if I do not replace my CPAP mask cushions?

As mentioned earlier, there are a lot of health complications that may arise. No matter how much you clean your CPAP mask parts thoroughly after every use, it will experience wear. When it does, continuing to use it may affect the quality of your CPAP therapy.

Mask leak, for example, is one of the most common problems for sleep apnea patients. If air escapes from your mask, it will produce a noise that may disrupt your sleep. Furthermore, the air can also irritate your eyes. As a result, they become dry and swollen. A simple mask leak can also compromise the quality of your sleep therapy and even increase your tiredness during the day. This is because you lose the proper pressure needed to keep your airway open during sleep.

The reason why you need to replace your CPAP mask cushion regularly is so that you can eliminate potential problems and health dangers caused by mold and bacteria exposure, as well as mineralization within your CPAP equipment. Here are the top health dangers of not replacing your CPAP cushions:

Health Dangers of Not Replacing CPAP Cushions:

Do I need to replace my CPAP mask cushion when it looks perfectly fine?

While it may seem like a waste to replace a mask cushion that looks perfectly fine, it is crucial to understand that mask parts acquire oils and dirt from your skin every time you use it. Regular use can also soften it, allowing air to leak.

Luckily, GoCPAP offers a wide range of mask cushions that will meet your CPAP needs. Remember, mask cushions should be replaced every 1 to 3 months.