Nasal pillows never crack or tear. They just get a little softer every week. Then one night they stop sealing, and you wake up tired without knowing why.
I have used the same style of nasal pillows since my first night on CPAP in 2011. The worn-out parts never announce themselves. That is why I built this schedule. Put in your dates once, and it tells you what is due.
The CPAP replacement schedule insurance follows
Medicare sets how often it will pay for each part. Most private insurance plans copy it closely. The tool above uses these same numbers.
| Part | How often insurance pays |
|---|---|
| Nasal cushion or nasal pillows | 2 per month |
| Full face mask cushion | 1 per month |
| Mask frame | Every 3 months |
| Tubing or hose | Every 3 months |
| Disposable filter | 2 per month |
| Reusable filter | Every 6 months |
| Headgear (the straps) | Every 6 months |
| Chin strap | Every 6 months |
| Humidifier water chamber | Every 6 months |
| The CPAP machine | Every 5 years |
Your own plan may differ. Ask your supplier to confirm what yours allows. For what goes wrong with each part, read how often to replace CPAP supplies.
Why the timing matters
A worn part can undo your therapy
A soft cushion leaks. A leak means less air pressure where you need it. Your machine may then show a higher AHI (the number of times you stop breathing per hour). You can check what your number means with the AHI calculator.
Old parts are harder to keep clean
Tubing and water chambers pick up film and residue over time. Cleaning helps, but it cannot fix a chamber that has gone cloudy or a hose with a crack. Here is how to clean your CPAP.
Insurance runs on a calendar
Insurance pays for each part on a set schedule. Order too early and the claim can be turned down, which leaves the bill with you. Knowing your dates means you order right when you are covered.
Let your supplier do the remembering
Most suppliers run a resupply program. You give them your schedule once, and they contact you when parts are due. Pick the version that asks you first. Automatic shipments are easy to forget about, and that is how surprise bills happen.
If your supplier does not offer resupply, that alone is a good reason to look at another one. This guide on switching CPAP suppliers walks through it.
Your next step
Fill in the dates above, then tap "Add reminders to my calendar." If anything is due now, call your supplier today. No supplier yet? Search your ZIP code on CPAPLocator to find one near you.
CPAPLocator.com is a directory service only. We are not a medical provider. Content is for informational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider.