How Long Do CPAP Masks Last?

Everyone thinks about how long a newly bought CPAP machine is going to last before they have to buy it again or replace it. Typically the machine lasts nearly 3 to 5 years, but components like CPAP masks must be changed multiple times yearly. CPAP masks contain several items that are used more and therefore wear out more quickly than the machine.

CPAP supplies need to be changed within three months, like you need to change filters, air tubes and cushions every two months. CPAP mask headgear you can replace every six months. If you want to know more about how long your CPAP mask can last, then read this blog.

About CPAP Masks

CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure) is used mainly for treating breathing problems, most commonly for obstructive sleep apnea. CPAP machines use mild force to open the airway passage to the lungs, which helps you breathe properly at night while you sleep. It has an air tube that connects the machine to a mask or nosepiece that helps deliver constant air pressure to help you breathe while you sleep. The seep therapist recommends CPAP treatment for better and fast results. They are also good if you strive for a good night's sleep.

There are mainly three types of CPAP machines. Each CPAP Machine differs based on its functions: continuous PAP (CPAP), auto-adjusting PAP, and bilevel PAP ( BiPAP). The only difference between these machines is the difference in delivering the air pressure as CPAP users might need varied air pressure for their conditon.

CPAP Masks Feature

 There are different kinds of CPAP masks, such as nasal masks, nasal pillow masks, full face masks, and oral masks, also known as hybrids. 

• It covers the nose to supply air pressure.
• The nasal pillow mask fits right at the nostrils to supply air pressure.
• A full face mask covers both the nose and the mouth to supply air pressure.
• An oral mask delivers air pressure through the mouth.

How Long Does A Brand New CPAP Machine Last?

Brand-new CPAP machines last for about three to five years. However, CPAP components like CPAP masks, humidifiers, and air tubes/hoses must be changed much more frequently than the machine. 

When To Replace Your CPAP Mask?

CPAP machines become a part of your life when you are suffering from sleep apnea. It is recommended to change the components when they wear down to maximise the treatment's efficiency. Knowing when to Replace your mask is important; here are some tips to help you understand when to replace/change the CPAP mask.

Efficiency Of The Seal

CPAP mask covers your nose and mouth by creating a seal, which loosens up after time because of regular use and oil deposits and becomes discoloured. This reduces the effectiveness of the mask and, therefore, the therapy.

Dry mouth

If you have a dry mouth when you wake up, it means there's an air leak that tempers with the air pressure.

Looks Disfigured

Over regular and continuous use of the mask, the elastic in the CPAP mask wears out due to several conditions like sweat, oil deposit, tightening and cleaning.

Results Are No Longer Efficient

If the results are not what they used to be and are affecting it to a level you noticed, it's high time you replace your mask.

Replacing your CPAP Machine, Mask and Other Equipment 

When suffering from sleep apnea or any other disease where you have to use the CPAP machine on a daily basis, components of the machine wear down faster than the machine and hence require to be replaced an interval of time. The time needed to replace every component is different for different parts.

How to know when to change components? When you are not getting the same result as before, the machine's efficiency is falling. Each component has its own life cycle like for. CPAP machines last about 3 to 5 years, the CPAP mask has a life expectancy of about 3 months, for filer and cushions every 2 months and as for CPAP headgear, 6 months.

Importance of CPAP Mask Cleaning

All CPAP parts need regular cleaning so that there is no deposition of both germs and dust particles, which are bad for you and the machine. Since this device is made so that people can breathe properly while sleeping, oil and sweat get deposited on the mask along with germs, and you wouldn't want any contamination entering your lungs. Dust deposition can harm your machine to the level that you might want to replace it before its time.  

Causes of CPAP Mask Leaks

Besides your mask being broken, several reasons can be responsible for CPAP mask leaks. Some of them are as follows-

Improper fit

A gap around your mouth, nose, or cheeks can easily cause an air leak.

Wear And Tear Of Mask Cushion

Using something longer than recommended doesn't always give the optimal function due to wear and tear. The mask's cushion can become messy, which can ultimately cause air leaks.

Defect In Nasal Pillows

If you are using a nasal mask and there is a defect in the mask's nasal pillows, mouth breathing is not optimal, which can cause the air to leak.

Unsteady Sleeping Position

If you frequently change your position while sleeping, then it can cause fitting to lose.

Conclusion 

CPAP has been revolutionary for people with breathing problems; it helps to breathe and has some other beneficial effects on the body, which can give a healthy lifestyle that can last long if used consistently. You can also use CPAP cleaner to clean your CPAP equipment thoroughly.