CPAP Cushions And Pillows

Cleaning your CPAP nasal cushions daily with warm, soapy water removes facial oils and dirt, helps maintain a good seal, and reduces exposure to bacteria. Washing your face before each night of therapy also helps. Even with regular cleaning, the silicone breaks down over time, so nasal cushions should still be replaced about every two weeks.

CPAP cushions and pillows are often mistaken for the same product since they both create the seal between your face and the mask frame. However, CPAP cushions are used with nasal masks and full face masks, covering the nose or the nose and mouth, while CPAP nasal pillows are used with nasal pillow masks and sit at the entrance of the nostril

Nasal cushions and nasal pillows should generally be replaced about every two weeks (twice a month). Full face mask cushions are typically replaced about once a month. Signs you need a replacement sooner include air leaks, a looser seal, discoloration, or silicone that feels stiff or sticky.

For mouth breathers, CPAP nasal pillow masks are not usually recommended because air pressure can escape through the mouth. However, many mouth breathers can use a nasal pillow mask successfully by adding a chin strap to keep the mouth closed during sleep.

A CPAP nasal cushion typically lasts about 14 days with nightly use. Because the cushion is the part of the mask that touches your skin, it wears out faster than the mask frame or headgear. Daily cleaning helps it last the full two weeks, but it doesn't replace the need for regular replacement.