With medical supplies especially when used regularly, replacement is essential. CPAP supplies are not excluded from this! Maintaining optimal sanitation and durability for continued success in therapy and respiratory health is vital. Even with regular cleaning replacement is still recommended and there are guidelines for how often these supplies should be replaced. The good news, most health insurers will cover new supplies according to these replacement schedules.
CPAP Filters:
Recommendation: Every two-three months for disposable and six-twelve months for washable although this may vary.
Filter change frequency can depend on your environment, if you keep your windows open or if you smoke or have pets in the home you may want to replace more often. Keeping on a regular schedule for filter replacement will ensure the purity of the air you breath as well as the long-term function of your machine.
Depending on your machine you may have one filter or two. Some filters are washable, and others are disposable. It is important to know what kind of filter(s) your CPAP machine takes and replace with the compatible filter.
CPAP Mask:
Recommendation: Once every six months or sooner if necessary
If you start to notice excessive leaking in your CPAP mask its most certainly time to replace your mask! Replacement ensures optimal performance and comfort. The CPAP mask is designed to deliver the pressurized air to your airways so ensuring its correctly working and sealing is a vital part to CPAP therapy.
As well, making sure you are wearing a mask designed for your individualized comfort is important. Mask comfort is often overlooked but trying a new style or fit or even size, can make an improved difference in therapy compliance.
CPAP Mask Cushion:
Recommendation Once every three months or sooner if necessary
Over time the silicone cushion or nasal pillow on the CPAP mask will start to deteriorate. This can cause the silicone to become soft, leading to possible visible rips or tears. An increase in air leaks, discomfort, skin irritation and/or redness to the skin can be signs of needing a new cushion. The natural oils from your skin can accelerate deterioration of the silicone material.
If you notice your CPAP cushion has become cracked or torn, looks opaque or has changed in colour, or lost cushion shape a replacement is recommended.
CPAP Headgear:
Recommendation once every three months or sooner if necessary
Overtime the headgear which are the straps that wrap around the mask to secure to your head, become stretched and loosened. The Velcro may not secure properly, or the headgear may become torn.
If the mask is not able to be secured or sealed correctly due to headgear wear and tear, you may be overtightening the mask causing ineffectiveness or therapy discomfort.
CPAP Tubing:
Recommendation: Once every six months or sooner if necessary
CPAP tubing overtime can develop tears and tiny holes and may be hard to see with the naked eye. These tears and/or holes can compromise the proper delivery of the prescribed pressure needed to treat your sleep apnea. The connection between tubing and machine or tubing and mask may loosen which will lead to a loss of pressure as well. Bacteria can form and grow inside the tubing if moisture has been left inside of the tube.
If you notice your tubing is opaque, has any tears or holes or does not seal, its time to replace.
CPAP Water Chamber:
Recommendation: Once every six months or sooner if necessary
Overtime you may notice the water chamber in your CPAP device develop discoloration, cracks, and pitted areas allowing bacteria to form or to be trapped. Deterioration or separation to the metal plating on the bottom of the water chamber could lead to leakage causing damage to the internal circuits in the CPAP and void warranty.
Using distilled water and frequent water changes are recommended along with your replacement schedule.
CPAP Machine:
Recommendation once every 5 years or sooner if necessary
The general wear and tear on CPAP devices are most certain, as its being used several hours each night, year after year. But monitoring for any differences to the quality of the machine is important to ensure the correct pressure and function of the unit. If your device stops working or begins to make louder run sounds or noises it may be time to replace your device.
Technology also changes throughout the years in the models of CPAP machines, and you may want to take advantages of those changes by replacing your equipment.
