When is it time to change your CPAP mask seal?

As with anything, it is important to make your CPAP mask last as long as you can. Not only is it important to save the money, but being wasteful is never good either. Many CPAP users replace their CPAP mask and mask seal as often as insurance allows. This is great if your insurance is paying for it in full (usually not), but do you actually need to change it that often?

How long does a CPAP mask last?

CPAP Masks can last a very long time. In many cases customer get months out of their mask. However, while the frame and headgear can last that long the top tier performance does not last that long. It is true that the plastic frame of the mask and the headgear really don’t need to be replaced often at all. With that being said the silicone seal that touches your face should not be used that long. In most cases you will get about 1-3 months of good use out of a silicone seal. To know how long your seal should last you would have to ask, “How do I know when I should replace my mask seal?”.

How do I know it is time to change out my CPAP Mask Cushion/Seal?

The obvious answer to this question is that you would replace the CPAP Mask seal when it doesn’t work anymore. While that sounds like a common sense response there is certainly more to consider. In our years of dealing with CPAP users we have notice that a lot of people only replace the seal when something dramatic happens, like a tear in the silicone. In our experience there are usually signs that you can look for to know in advance of a complete mask failure.

Obvious signs that it is time to change out your seal:

1. Overtightening your mask– If you find yourself tightening the mask headgear more and more as the days go by, then it is probably time for a cushion change. We find that most people do not notice the gradual decline of the seal. Once they replace it they are usually surprised at home much better it feels and performs.
2. Skin irritation or abrasion– A lot of times this will happen at the bridge of the nose or on the nostrils, depending on the style of CPAP mask that you use. This is happening for two reasons usually. The silicone, over time, will harden and become stiff. That causes significant abrasion. The other reason is usually the reason above. Overtightening the mask due to seal issues. In either case a new seal can remedy that for you pretty quickly.
3. Excess leaking– The first thing that you need to ask yourself when your mask is leaking too much is, “Did my mask ever seal well?”. If the answer to that is yes, then you probably should order yourself a new seal for your mask. In a lot of cases we have customers that call and want to try a new mask 30-60 days into their therapy. Most of the time the resolution to the leak is not a new mask style, but a replacement seal for your current mask.
4. Can’t find a good sleeping position– When you first started with this mask you could sleep on your side or stomach with no issue at all. Now you can barely keep things working well even on your back. This is a sign that the mask seal is going bad.

How much do new CPAP Masks cost?

CPAP masks can range widely on cost. Most of them are $80-150, depending on the make and model. However, as we have discussed above, you may not actually need a whole new mask. The good news is that the mask seal is a fraction of the cost of the entire mask kit. Your headgear and hard plastic frame can last for a long time. So why spend the money? Our recommendation is to always try a new seal before spending the money on full mask kit.

How to save money on CPAP mask seals?

Saving money on your CPAP mask seal does not have to involve random websites that have nothing to do with CPAP Equipment. Chances are that if you are buying from one of these 3rd party website you aren’t getting premium product. Most of them are selling overstock inventory or returned items that can no longer be sold as premium inventory. If those silicone parts have been sitting in a warehouse for 6 months, then their is a pretty good chance it’s performance will not be anywhere near what a new seal should be. With that being said, there are good options to save. Here at CPAPmyway we have supply bundles that allow us to save you money on CPAP supplies. Those bundles can include a variety of supplies, mask seals alone or even custom supply bundles. These bundles will save you 40-50% on the mask seals and other supplies that you need.

How to maintain your CPAP Mask Seal?

Proper maintenance and cleaning makes everything last longer. CPAP Mask seals are no different at all. Two things that cause the most deterioration or the mask are storage conditions and your body. Both of those things can be helped with proper maintenance and cleaning.

• Your Body– Believe it or not your body heat, your sweat and the oils from your skin are not good for soft silicone at all. While some of that is unavoidable proper cleaning can help significantly. For instance, cleaning your mask seal with a mixture of dish soap and water or CPAP Mask Wipes will help to remove sweat and oil. This will help it last much longer
• Bad storage conditions– Heat, humidity and even the oxygen in the air all play a roll in deteriorating your mask seal. You can open up your mask seal and just set it on the table next to a mask seal that is still in the original packaging. Within weeks you will notice a difference between the two. You can help yourself though. Store your current mask in a drawer or covered area. Also make sure that you store any extra supplies in a climate controlled area. Most of these issues are really unavoidable. Once you open your mask seal, the clock is ticking.