Make sure your CPAP supplies are in top shape for the best sleep therapy.
Replacing your CPAP supplies regularly is an important part of your therapy. It is necessary both for hygiene and for ensuring everything works efficiently so that you have the best possible CPAP experience. CPAP supplies degrade with use due to our bodies’ natural oil and sweat productions, as well as the high stress they are put under during CPAP therapy. It’s important to keep to a replacement schedule, or your supplies may begin to fail you before you can see or feel the difference. Below we’re going to take a look at the recommended replacement schedule for CPAP products as well as some simple steps that will ensure your CPAP machine is working at an optimal level.
Your new CPAP supplies could be yours for $0! Almost all insurance companies follow this recommended replacement schedule. Allow us to check with your provider for you to find out what is covered (for free!). Click below to get started:
Five Year Replacements
These supplies have the longest lifespan of all your supplies:
- CPAP or Bi-Level machine: With proper care!
- Humidifier unit: Remember, the removable water chamber inside needs to be replaced more often.
- CPAP or Bi-Level machine: With proper care!
- Humidifier unit: Remember, the removable water chamber inside needs to be replaced more often.
They should be replaced at least once every 5 years, depending on wear and tear. If you take good care of your CPAP machine, you are definitely going to get your money’s worth in usage. Keep an eye out for new technology and comfort features — you may actually want to upgrade a little bit sooner!
Six Month Replacements
Some supplies need to be replaced once every 6 months:
- Headgear and chin straps: May lose elasticity, leading to air leaks or discomfort.
- Water chambers: Keep an eye out for discoloration, calcification, or cracks.
- Non-disposable filters: Most machines use disposable filters, which need to be replaced more often.
Replacing your water chamber is especially important. The humidifier chamber itself is warm and damp which can be a breeding place for bacteria and may mean you should seek a replacement sooner. In fact, it is also highly recommended to soak humidifier chambers in a solution of 1 part white vinegar and 3 parts water for approximately 15-20 minutes once a week before rinsing thoroughly with distilled water.
Three Month or Less Replacements
A number of essential supplies need to be replaced every 3 months or sooner. Please note that a few of these items may be purchased at 3-month intervals but will need to be replaced more frequently.
- Standard and heated tubing: At least once every 3 months
- Masks without headgear: Every 3 months
- Full face cushions: Every month
- Nasal cushions and nasal pillows: Every two weeks
- Disposable filters: Every two weeks
- Standard and heated tubing: At least once every 3 months
- Masks without headgear: Every 3 months
- Full face cushions: Every month
- Nasal cushions and nasal pillows: Every two weeks
- Disposable filters: Every two weeks
These parts of your CPAP equipment get exposed to germs in the air and in your breath every night. Your cushions and pillows also sit directly against your face, which exposes them to the oils on your skin. It’s extremely important to replace these supplies to ensure they remain efficient and germ-free. Additionally, keep in mind that while nasal cushions, nasal pillows, and disposable filters need to be replaced every two weeks, most typically purchase 6 of each every three months.
Routine Maintenance
There are some steps you can take to make sure your supplies last for the recommended time frames and work at their optimal level. It is very important to enter into a routine of cleaning your supplies regularly, which includes sanitizing your mask and tube daily. Cleaning regularly can:
- Keep you healthier by reducing germs, bacteria, and viruses on your CPAP equipment.
- Make your CPAP equipment more efficient and effective.
- Maximize the lifespan of many of your supplies.
As you can see, the replacement schedule for your CPAP machine and supplies is fairly easy to follow. Keep in mind that the replacement schedule we provide is based on a standard insurance replacement schedule and should be used for reference – it’s still important to follow your provider’s replacement schedule.
