Frequently asked questions

The right mask comes down to how you breathe and how you sleep. Nasal masks and nasal pillows suit people who breathe through their nose, while full-face masks work best if you breathe through your mouth or are on higher pressures. Side sleepers and anyone who feels closed-in often prefer the minimal contact of nasal pillows. If you're not sure, our team can match a style to your therapy and sleeping habits, and most of our masks come in fit packs so you can find the right size.

Most masks come in a range of sizes, and the best fit is the smallest one that seals comfortably without pressing too hard. Manufacturers provide a printable sizing guide, and our fit-pack options include several cushion sizes in one box so you can try them at your set pressure. A good fit sits without red marks or leaks and shouldn't need to be over-tightened.

Leaks usually come from the wrong size, a cushion that needs replacing, or headgear that's too loose or too tight. Check the cushion isn't worn or twisted, reseat the mask with the machine running, and adjust the headgear so it's snug but not over-tightened — over-tightening often makes leaks worse by deforming the cushion. If leaks continue, the cushion size or mask style may need reviewing.

As a general guide, replace the cushion every 1 to 3 months, the headgear around every 6 months, and the full mask every 6 to 12 months depending on wear. Cushions wear fastest because the silicone softens with skin oils and cleaning, so replacing them on schedule is the simplest way to keep a good seal.

Wipe the cushion daily with a CPAP-safe wipe or mild soapy water, and wash the whole mask weekly in warm water with a gentle, fragrance-free soap, then air-dry out of direct sunlight. Avoid antibacterial or scented soaps and alcohol, which break down the silicone. We stock CPAP-specific wipes and soaps that are safe for mask materials.

Most CPAP, APAP and BiPAP machines use a standard connection, so the majority of masks are cross-compatible. The main exception is machine-specific systems like the ResMed AirMini, which only work with their own dedicated masks. Check this product's listing for its compatibility details, or ask our team if you're unsure whether it suits your machine.

Cushions are specific to each mask model and size, so you'll need the one that matches your exact mask — an F20 cushion won't fit an N20, for example. Check your mask model and current cushion size against this product's listing, or ask our team and we'll confirm the right one.

Your current cushion usually has the size printed on it (S, M, L, or W for wide), often on the underside near where it clips in. If it's worn off, the manufacturer's sizing guide or our team can help you confirm it. If you're between sizes or leaking, it's worth re-checking — cushion size can change as the silicone wears.

As a general guide, every 1 to 3 months. The silicone softens over time with skin oils and cleaning, which is the most common cause of leaks and a mask that no longer seals the way it used to. Replacing on schedule is the cheapest way to keep therapy comfortable.

Clip the fresh cushion on firmly, then fit the mask with the machine running so you can feel where it seals. Adjust the headgear so it's snug but not tight — a new cushion usually needs less tension than a worn one. If it still leaks, the size may need reviewing.

Wipe the cushion daily with a CPAP-safe wipe or mild soapy water, and wash it weekly in warm water with a gentle, fragrance-free soap, then air-dry out of direct sunlight. Avoid antibacterial or scented soaps and alcohol, which degrade the silicone and shorten the cushion's life.

Headgear is specific to each mask model, so you'll need the version made for your exact mask — F20 headgear won't fit an N20, for example. Check your mask model against this product's listing, or ask our team and we'll confirm the right one.

Snug, not tight. Headgear only needs enough tension to hold a gentle seal — you should be able to slip a finger under the straps comfortably. Over-tightening is the most common mistake: it deforms the cushion, causes leaks and leaves marks. If you're pulling the straps hard to stop a leak, the cushion size or a worn cushion is usually the real cause.

As a general guide, every 6 months. The straps lose their elasticity over time, which means you tend to tighten them more to compensate, and that's when comfort and seal suffer. If the straps feel stretched or no longer hold their adjustment, it's time.

Hand-wash in warm water with a gentle, fragrance-free soap, gently squeeze rather than wring it out, and air-dry flat out of direct sunlight. Avoid the washing machine, dryer and hot water, which break down the elastic. Washing weekly keeps oils from degrading the fabric.

Filters are specific to each machine model, so you'll need the one made for your machine — an AirSense 10 filter won't fit a DreamStation, for example. Check your machine model against this product's listing, or ask our team and we'll confirm the right filter and how many you'll need.

As a general guide, replace disposable filters monthly, or sooner if you have pets, dust or hay fever. Reusable filters should be rinsed weekly and replaced every 6 months. A clogged filter makes the machine work harder and can affect air quality, so it's one of the cheapest and easiest parts to stay on top of.

Disposable filters are fine-particle filters you replace rather than clean — they trap smaller particles and pollen. Reusable filters are a coarser foam you rinse and re-use until they wear out. Many machines use one or both. If you have allergies, a hypoallergenic disposable filter is worth considering, and we stock both types for most machines.

Filters sit in a slot on the side or back of the machine and slide out by hand — no tools needed. Slide the old one out, slide the new one in the same way round, and you're done. Check your machine's guide or this listing for the exact location if you're unsure.

Standard tubing uses a common cuff and fits most machines and masks. Heated and machine-specific tubes (like ResMed's ClimateLineAir or F&P's ThermoSmart) are matched to particular machines, so check your machine model against this product's listing, or ask our team and we'll confirm the right tube.

As a general guide, every 6 to 12 months, or sooner if you notice cracks, tears or a smell that won't wash out. Small holes cause leaks and pressure loss that can be hard to spot, so replacing tubing on schedule keeps your pressure accurate.

Heated (climate) tubing warms the air on its way to your mask, which reduces condensation — the "rainout" that leaves water droplets in the tube — and makes humidified air more comfortable, especially in cooler rooms. It's not essential, but if you get rainout or find the air cold or drying, it makes a real difference. It only works with machines designed for it.

Wash weekly in warm soapy water with a gentle, fragrance-free soap, rinse it through, and hang it to air-dry out of direct sunlight — hanging it over a rail or door lets the water run out. A tube brush makes cleaning easier. Make sure it's fully dry before use.

Water chambers are specific to each machine model, so you'll need the one made for your machine. Check your machine model against this product's listing, or ask our team and we'll confirm the right chamber, and whether a cleanable or standard version suits you.

As a general guide, every 6 to 12 months, or sooner if you see cloudiness, cracks, pitting or mineral scale that won't wash off. Standard chambers wear faster than cleanable ones. A chamber that's clouded or scaled is worth replacing to keep the water clean and the seal good.

Distilled water is recommended — it has no minerals, so it prevents the scale build-up that clouds and shortens the life of the chamber. Tap water is fine for the occasional night if that's all you have, but for regular use distilled keeps the chamber cleaner for longer.

Empty it each morning and rinse it, then wash it weekly in warm soapy water with a gentle, fragrance-free soap and air-dry out of direct sunlight. For mineral scale, soak in one part white vinegar to two parts water, then rinse well. Don't put it in the dishwasher unless the chamber is marked dishwasher-safe.

Wipe the cushion and mask daily and wash them weekly in warm soapy water. Wash the tubing weekly and hang it to dry. Empty and rinse the water chamber daily, wash it weekly, and use distilled water to limit scale. Rinse or replace filters on schedule. Air-dry everything out of direct sunlight. CPAP wipes are handy for a quick daily clean.

Daily: wipe the cushion, empty and rinse the water chamber. Weekly: wash the mask, tubing and chamber, and rinse reusable filters. Monthly: replace disposable filters. Keeping to this routine is the simplest way to avoid odours, skin irritation and a mask that stops sealing.

Use warm water with a gentle, fragrance-free soap, or CPAP-specific wipes and cleaners made for the materials. Avoid antibacterial and scented soaps, alcohol, vinegar (except for de-scaling the chamber), bleach and anything harsh — these break down silicone and plastic and can leave residue you'd breathe in. We stock cleaning products that are safe for CPAP equipment.

Batteries and power options are matched to specific machines, often needing the right cable or adaptor kit for your model. Check your machine against this product's listing, or ask our team and we'll confirm the battery and any cable you need.

It depends on your machine, your pressure, and whether you're using the humidifier and heated tubing, which draw the most power. As a rough guide you can expect a night or more per charge on many setups, and turning off humidification and heated tubing extends it considerably. Check this product's listing for its rated run time.

Most CPAP batteries are within airline limits for carry-on, but airlines set their own rules on watt-hours and how many batteries you can bring, and they may ask you to carry enough power for 150% of the flight time. Always check with your airline before you fly, and carry the battery in your hand luggage, not checked baggage.

Charge it from mains power using the supplied adaptor — most take a few hours to reach full. Many adaptors accept 100 to 240V, so they work overseas with a plug adaptor for the country you're visiting, but check the rating on your specific unit. It's worth charging fully before you travel.

A CPAP machine is set to a pressure prescribed for you, so we'll set yours up to your therapy settings before it ships. If you already have your settings or a prescription, add them in your order notes; if you're not sure, get in touch and our team will talk you through what's needed.

We set the machine up to your prescribed therapy settings before it goes out. If you have specific settings, add them to your order notes; otherwise get in touch and we'll arrange it with you, the same way we do for the AirMini range. We can also walk you through how it works once it arrives.

A CPAP delivers one fixed pressure. An APAP (auto-adjusting) raises and lowers pressure through the night as your breathing changes. A BiPAP delivers two pressures — one for breathing in and a lower one for breathing out — and is generally used for specific needs. Which one suits you is something your prescribing clinician determines, and we can supply whatever's been prescribed.

Wipe the outside with a dry or lightly damp cloth, keep it out of direct sunlight and away from water, and stay on top of the parts that need regular care — the filter, tubing, water chamber and mask. Following the replacement schedules for those consumables is what keeps the machine running well.

Warranty varies by manufacturer and model, and is shown on this product's listing. We're an authorised Australian supplier, so your machine comes with genuine manufacturer warranty and support. If you ever need servicing or have an issue, get in touch and we'll help sort it.

Yes — CPAP machines are recognised medical devices and can travel with you, and most are accepted as carry-on that doesn't count toward your baggage limit, though it's worth confirming with your airline. Many machines adjust for altitude automatically; check this product's listing or ask us if you travel to high elevations.

Modern machines are very quiet, typically around a soft whisper at normal pressures. Exact sound levels are on this product's listing. Most of the noise people notice comes from mask leaks rather than the machine itself, so a good mask seal keeps things quiet.

The full list of what's in the pack is on this product's listing — typically the machine, your choice of mask, and the tubing and accessories to get you started. If you'd like to swap the mask or check what's included, get in touch and we'll help put together the right package.