How Old Is Too Old? When CPAP Equipment Starts Working Against You

Many CPAP users ask the same question after months or years of treatment: “My CPAP still turns on… so why do I feel worse again?”

The answer is often not the machine itself — but equipment that’s simply too old to do its job properly.

CPAP equipment doesn’t usually fail suddenly. It degrades slowly, and when that happens, it can quietly undo the benefits of your therapy.

Why Old CPAP Equipment Is a Problem (Even If It Looks Fine)

CPAP therapy depends on precision. Small changes in seals, airflow, or filtration can lead to:

• Mask leaks

• Reduced pressure delivery

• Poor humidification

• Increased breathing resistance

• Poor sleep quality returning

The most dangerous part?👉 Many patients don’t realise their equipment is the cause.

Signs Your CPAP Equipment May Be Too Old

You may notice:

• Snoring returning

• Dry mouth or nasal congestion

• Mask shifting or leaking at night

• Feeling tired despite good usage hours

• Noisy airflow

• Waking unrefreshed again

If these sound familiar, your equipment may be working against you, not for you.

CPAP Replacement Schedule (What’s Too Old?)

Below is a clinically recommended replacement guide used by sleep professionals.

🧩 CPAP Mask & Accessories

Item	Replace Every	When It’s Too Old
Mask cushion / nasal pillows	1–3 months	Loses seal, leaks, stiff silicone
Mask frame	6–12 months	Warping, cracks, poor fit
Headgear	6 months	Overstretched, slips easily
Chin strap (if used)	6 months	Loses elasticity
Tubing	6–12 months	Stiff, cloudy, noisy airflow

👉 If a mask is older than 12 months, it is almost always compromising therapy — even if it looks “okay”.

🌬️ Filters & Humidification

Item	Replace Every	When It’s Too Old
Disposable air filter	1–2 months	Grey, dusty, restricted airflow
Reusable filter	3–6 months	Won’t clean fully
Humidifier tub	6–12 months	Cloudy plastic, mineral buildup

Blocked filters increase breathing resistance and reduce airflow — a common but overlooked problem in South African environments.

⚙️ CPAP Machine Itself

Component	Expected Lifespan
CPAP device	±5 years (with good care)
Internal motor & sensors	Gradual performance decline
Software & algorithms	May become outdated

A CPAP machine older than 5 years should be clinically reviewed, even if it still functions.

When “Still Working” Isn’t Good Enough

A CPAP that turns on is not necessarily a CPAP that:

• Delivers accurate pressure

• Responds correctly to breathing events

• Compensates for leaks

• Provides optimal comfort

• 
  

Old accessories force the machine to work harder, often leading to:

• Reduced comfort

• Poor sleep quality

• Increased therapy fatigue

• Higher risk of therapy abandonment

• 
  

Why Replacement Improves Results Almost Immediately

Many patients are surprised to find that simply replacing:

• Mask cushion

• Headgear

• Filters

can lead to:

• Better seal

• Quieter therapy

• Improved comfort

• Better sleep within days

This is one of the simplest ways to restore CPAP effectiveness.

How Monitoring Helps Catch “Too Old” Equipment Early

With therapy monitoring and report reviews:

• Gradual leak increases are detected

• Pressure compensation issues are identified

• Declining effectiveness is seen early

This prevents months of struggling with therapy that should be working.

Why Support & Access to Replacements Matters

Easy access to genuine replacement parts is critical for long-term success.

⭐ Trusted Support: CPAP Equip

At CPAP Equip, we ensure:

• Reliable access to genuine replacement parts

• Clear guidance on when items are due for replacement

• Ongoing therapy support and monitoring

• Nationwide delivery

This helps prevent equipment ageing from undermining your treatment.

Quick Self-Check: Is Your CPAP Equipment Too Old?

Ask yourself:

• Is my mask over 6–12 months old?

• Have I replaced my filter in the last 2 months?

• Does my headgear still hold tension?

• Have my symptoms slowly returned?

• Has my therapy been reviewed recently?

If you answered yes to more than one — it’s time for a review.

Final Takeaway

CPAP equipment doesn’t fail loudly — it fails quietly.

✔ Old masks leak

✔ Old filters restrict airflow

✔ Old tubing increases resistance

✔ Old machines may underperform

Replacing worn components on schedule is not an upsell — it’s a core part of effective sleep apnea treatment.