When Should You Replace CPAP Supplies? - A Complete Guide

CPAP Therapy Supplies

If you shop for CPAP supplies online, you will realise that the therapy is delivered to the user through the combination of several different supplies and equipment. The therapy consists of a machine that absorbs the air from the room and pressurizes it. This machine also controls the air pressure. There are also tubes that carry pressurized air to the airways of the user. There is also a mask the user wears to seal off the air and headgear which gives form to the mask. These are the essential supplies of CPAP therapy. Additionally, cushions, pillows and a water chamber to humidify the airflow.

All these parts work in coordination to deliver the therapy efficiently to the user. And it is obvious that when one of these is not working, the efficiency of the therapy is hampered. To maintain the effectiveness of therapy you should know exactly how often to replace your CPAP supplies in Australia.

Replacement Guide for CPAP Supplies

Different parts of CPAP therapy equipment need to be replaced at different periods. Here are five guidelines that will help you understand when to replace those.

1. CPAP Masks

A CPAP mask is one of the most important aspects of CPAP. It provides a perfect seal around your face while covering your nose and mouth. It makes sure that the air which is pressurized, goes straight into the respiratory system without any leakage. If you are using one-time-use masks, then they need to be replaced after every use. It may or may not be for sleeping at night, it could only be a daytime nap. But you must replace the mask if it has been used for 4 hours straight. Replaceable masks should be replaced after around 3 months of usage. If your usage has been high and for long hours, your mask may wear out earlier than that so watch out for signs of damage on the mask and make a decision accordingly.

2. Pillows and Cushions

Although these are not essential parts of therapy, they allow you to administer the therapy comfortably. The pillows help in the placement of the mask so that it does not feel heavy onto your face. Since you wear the mask all night, the placement of it needs to be comfortable and pillows are used for that exact purpose. Since these pillows come in contact with your skin often, you will have to replace them regularly as well. On average, the life of a nasal pillow is 2 weeks and that of cushions that are full-face is a month.

3. Supportive Equipment like Chin Strap and Headgear

These supportive equipment help you keep the mask in place even if you move a lot during your sleep. Not everyone makes use of these and some people just use chin strap and not the head and vice versa. The supplies should be replaced every 6 months as they have minimal contact with your skin. You can order CPAP supplies in Australia online.

4. Filters

Filters will obstruct any particles that might be irritating to your airways. There are so many of such particles that can’t be seen with the naked eye but CPAP filters are successful in obstructing them. Because of that, the filters may wear out within two weeks and hence would need a replacement.

5. Tubes of CPAP Equipment

Tubes are one of the important parts of CPAP therapy and there is no way of administering CPAP therapy with faulty tubing. This tubing carries the pressurized air to the mask and that makes it an essential component of the therapy. As important as it is, it is also prone to damage easily. It may develop some tears on the surface of tubes which will leak the air that is pressurized. To avoid that, the tubing should be changed every 3 months.

6. Humidifiers

A humidifier is one of the non-essential but complementary components of the therapy. It prevents the possible irritation to the airways of the user that can be caused because of constant airflow of pressurized air. The humidifier does not necessarily work with room air. So there are fewer obstructions that it is going to face and hence has a longer life. It can be easily replaced after six months.