When to replace a CPAP mask and cushion: maker schedules and insurance rules

By SnorkelMatch, last checked October 10, 2026. How we check

A CPAP mask is not one part but several, and each wears at its own pace. The makers publish replacement schedules for the cushion, the frame and the headgear, and insurance plans have their own ordering rules. Here is what the official documents say, side by side, and the signs of wear that mean a part may need replacing sooner.

Open the fit finder

Fig. 1A six-month strip, one row per part. Dots mark replacement: nasal and nasal pillows cushions twice a month, full face cushions every month, frames every 3 months, headgear every 6 months.

CPAP mask replacement schedule, in one table

Two makers publish schedules that line up closely. ResMed's U.S. tip sheet says its intervals “are based on the current U.S. Medicare replacement schedule” ^[1]. Fisher & Paykel publishes its own schedule for each of its masks^[2]. The table puts the two next to each other.

Part	One maker's U.S. tip sheet^[1]	Another maker's own schedule^[2]
Nasal and nasal pillows cushions	Twice per month	Every 14 days
Full face cushions	Every month	Every 30 days
Mask frame	Every 3 months	Every 3 months
Headgear	Every 6 months	Every 6 months

The second schedule adds a condition to each line: replace sooner if the cushion “begins to leak constantly, becomes discolored or is torn”, if the frame “becomes discolored or cracked”, or if the headgear “stretches beyond adjustment or the hook and fasteners no longer latch”^[2]. In other words, the calendar is the latest date, not the only one.

The second schedule is written for that maker's own masks. Whatever mask you use, its user instructions or your supplier will tell you the schedule that applies to it.

Why the cushion goes first

The cushion is the soft part that touches your face and makes the seal. ResMed's tip sheet says replacing cushions regularly “is important for hygiene”, and that frames sit “in close proximity to your face” ^[1]. Of headgear, it says straps “can become stretched out and lose elasticity with regular use, which can lead to overtightening and discomfort”^[1]. That is the chain to watch: a tired cushion or slack straps lead you to pull the straps tighter, and tighter straps bring their own problems, such as marks on your face.

Signs of wear that mean sooner

ResMed's tip sheet lists what to look for^[1]:

You have to tighten the straps often.
The mask has lost its spring.
Your therapy feels less effective than usual.
The silicone loses its grip and stays greasy, even after cleaning.
The mask seal is deteriorating or getting harder to achieve.

Fisher & Paykel's leak guide makes the same point in four words: “Watch for wear and tear” ^[3]. A cushion that is past its best is one of the usual suspects when a CPAP mask is leaking. If your therapy feels less effective, tell your sleep doctor as well as your supplier: a new cushion is not the only possible reason.

Medicare and insurance: what the order must say

People often search for a “medicare cpap mask replacement schedule”. We read the Medicare policy article for positive airway pressure devices, not the table of allowed quantities, so we do not list quantities here. The policy article does set out how supplies are ordered. In its words: “The order must include the type(s) of supplies ordered and the approximate quantity to be used per unit of time. A new order is required if there is an increase in the quantity of the supply used per month and/or the type of supply used.”^[4]

It also says accessories “are separately reimbursable at the time of initial issue and when replaced”, and that the supplier's records “must support the need to replace the accessory” ^[4]. In practice, your supplier and your plan apply their own rules, and they can tell you what is due and when.

For private insurance, ResMed's tip sheet recommends “contacting your insurance provider to make sure the parts you need are covered under your plan” before ordering, and notes that “Co-pays, deductibles and co-insurance may apply.” ^[1]

Keep the prescription side in order

Masks are prescription devices in the US. The Sleep Foundation says CPAP masks “technically require a prescription, but most suppliers will accept your CPAP prescription for both the machine and mask”^[5]. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute adds a practical reminder: “Be sure to refill prescriptions on time for all of the device's parts that need to be replaced regularly, including the tubes, masks, and air filters.” ^[6]

A simple routine that follows from the documents:

Note the date you start each new cushion, frame and set of headgear.
Ask your supplier which schedule they follow for your mask and how reorders work with your plan.
Look at the parts when you clean them, using the signs of wear above.
If a part fails early, ask your supplier rather than waiting for the date.

In the US, CPAP masks are prescription medical devices (labeled “Rx only”): a mask is ordered through your doctor and fitted by your equipment supplier. We do not sell anything, and we never suggest buying a mask without a prescription. Why masks need a prescription.

Cleaning is not replacing

Cleaning keeps a part usable until its replacement date; it does not move the date. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine says to “Clean your mask, tubing and headgear once a week.”^[7] Fisher & Paykel notes that a common cause of mask irritation is “a buildup of bacteria created by dirt and oil from your skin”, and tells you to check the user instructions for your mask on how to clean it^[8]. Silicone that stays greasy after cleaning is on the list of signs of wear^[1].

If you are still choosing a mask type, the fit finder explains what each type asks of your face and sleep, and the accessories guide explains the parts and add-ons around a mask.

Questions people ask

How often should you replace a CPAP mask cushion?

One maker's U.S. tip sheet, based on the Medicare schedule, lists nasal and nasal pillows cushions twice a month and full face cushions every month. Another maker's own schedule says every 14 days for its nasal and pillows masks and every 30 days for its full face masks, or sooner if the cushion leaks constantly, is discolored or is torn.

What is the Medicare CPAP mask replacement schedule?

We did not read the table of allowed quantities, so we do not list it here. What the Medicare policy article does say is that the order must state the type of supplies and the approximate quantity per unit of time, and that a new order is needed if the quantity per month or the type of supply increases. Your supplier and your plan apply their own rules, so ask them.

How often should CPAP headgear be replaced?

Both makers' schedules we read say every six months. One adds: sooner if the headgear becomes discolored, stretches beyond adjustment or its hook and fasteners no longer latch.

Does insurance pay for replacement CPAP mask parts?

It depends on your plan. One maker's tip sheet recommends contacting your insurance provider before you order, to check that the parts are covered, and notes that co-pays, deductibles and co-insurance may apply.

What are the signs that a CPAP mask needs replacing?

The signs in the makers' documents include having to tighten the straps often, a mask that has lost its spring, silicone that stays greasy after cleaning, a seal that is harder to get, a cushion that leaks constantly or is torn, and a cracked or discolored frame. If any of these show up before the date on the schedule, ask your supplier.

Sources

[1]
ResMed (manufacturer): Tip sheet: CPAP supplies and replacement parts (US)
"These replacement schedule guidelines are based on the current U.S. Medicare replacement schedule."; "Twice per month: Nasal mask cushions, Nasal pillows mask cushions"; "Every month: Full face mask cushions"; "Every 3 months: Mask frame systems"; "Every 6 months: Mask headgear"; replace when "You have to tighten the straps often", "The mask has lost its spring", "The silicone loses its grip and remains greasy, even after cleaning"; "we recommend contacting your insurance provider to make sure the parts you need are covered under your plan"; "Co-pays, deductibles and co-insurance may apply."; also "Your therapy feels less effective than usual" and "Mask seal is deteriorating or becoming more challenging"; "Replacing your mask cushions on a regular basis is important for hygiene"; headgear "can become stretched out and lose elasticity with regular use, which can lead to overtightening and discomfort" Read on 2026-10-10.
[2]
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare (manufacturer): Mask CPAP parts replacement schedule
Cushion: "Replace every fourteen days" (its nasal and nasal pillows masks) or "every thirty days" (its full-face masks) "or if the cushion begins to leak constantly, becomes discolored or is torn"; Frame: "Replace every three months or if the frame becomes discolored or cracked"; Headgear: "Replace every six months or if the headgear becomes discolored, stretches beyond adjustment or the hook and fasteners no longer latch." Read on 2026-10-10.
[3]
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare (manufacturer): How to prevent CPAP mask air leaks
"a certain amount of air leakage is normal to adequately flush out the air you are breathing out"; signs of excessive leakage: "hearing or feeling air leaks above what is intentionally necessary for exhalation", "drying of the eyes, nose or mouth", "nasal congestion", "marks on your face or pain around your nose"; "It should be worn as loose as possible without excessive leaking."; "Reposition the mask by pulling it away from your face and resting it back again"; "Watch for wear and tear"; persistent leaks: "talk to your healthcare provider".; reposition "until the mask seals well and feels comfortable"; your provider "can help provide you with guidance on different seal sizes or mask types" Read on 2026-10-10.
[4]
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), DME MACs: Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) Devices for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Policy Article A52467
"The order must include the type(s) of supplies ordered and the approximate quantity to be used per unit of time. A new order is required if there is an increase in the quantity of the supply used per month and/or the type of supply used."; A7033 is "a replacement nasal cannula-type interface. This interface extends a short distance into the nostrils."; "A liner is soft, flexible material which is placed between the patient's skin and the PAP mask interface. Liners used with a PAP mask are made of cloth, silicone or other materials. Liners are not interfaces for use with a PAP mask."; "A liner used in conjunction with a PAP mask is considered comfort/convenience item. There is no additional payment for liners used with a PAP mask."; "Accessories are separately reimbursable at the time of initial issue and when replaced"; records "must support the need to replace the accessory" Read on 2026-10-10.
[5]
Sleep Foundation: Do you need a prescription for a CPAP machine?
"You need a doctor's prescription to purchase a CPAP machine and face mask."; "CPAP masks technically require a prescription, but most suppliers will accept your CPAP prescription for both the machine and mask."; "you'll also need a CPAP prescription to purchase some CPAP accessories like masks and humidifiers." Read on 2026-10-10.
[6]
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), NIH: Living With Sleep Apnea
Talk to your provider if "You feel claustrophobic or are bothered by the noise" or "Your mask does not stay on or fit well, or it leaks air"; "Your provider may ask you to try different masks or nasal pillows"; "Clean your mask and wash your face before you put on the mask."; "Be sure to refill prescriptions on time for all of the device's parts that need to be replaced regularly, including the tubes, masks, and air filters." Read on 2026-10-10.
[7]
American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), Sleep Education: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
"The CPAP mask may cover only your nose or both your nose and mouth. Another option is to use nasal pillows, which fit in your nostrils. Some other masks fit snugly under your nose."; "The mask must make a seal in order to keep your airway open through the night."; "Your sleep doctor will determine the amount of air pressure needed"; nasal mask: "the most common type of CPAP mask"; full face: "may cover your nose and mouth or may sit under your nose and cover your mouth. This type of mask may help if you have air leaks when using a nasal mask."; nasal pillows: "may help if you have air leaks or don't like the feeling of a mask over your nose and face."; marks or sores "are often due to a poor mask fit"; "Make sure your mask straps aren't too tight. It also may be helpful to buy soft CPAP strap covers"; "If the mask is too big, the straps holding it to your face will need to be pulled tightly"; "A mask that is too small will not seal properly and air will leak out through the edges. The air may blow into your eyes."; "try using a special bed pillow that is shaped for a CPAP mask and tubing"; "Begin using your CPAP for short periods of time during the day while you watch TV or read."; "Clean your mask, tubing and headgear once a week."; "Sometimes a mask style change is necessary to prevent dry nose, mouth or sore throat." Read on 2026-10-10.
[8]
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare (manufacturer): Why am I waking up with CPAP mask marks on my face?
"If you are concerned about pressure marks, you may wish to consider using masks that have a smaller footprint on your face, such as a nasal mask and nasal pillows mask."; "Try not to overtighten your mask as this can cause leaks and marks on the face."; "A common cause of mask irritations and rashes is a buildup of bacteria created by dirt and oil from your skin." Read on 2026-10-10.

Last checked October 10, 2026. General information from official sources, not medical advice. Sleep apnea is diagnosed and treated by a doctor; do not change your pressure or settings yourself, and talk to your sleep doctor or equipment supplier before changing masks. CPAP masks are prescription devices; we sell nothing.