What To Do If Your CPAP Breaks or Your Mask Tears During the Holidays

The festive season should be a time of rest, celebration, and family — not a time to lose sleep because your CPAP mask suddenly tore or your device stopped working. Yet it happens more often than people think. Suppliers close, courier delays kick in, and many patients only realize too late that their equipment was already worn out.

This guide covers exactly what to do, step-by-step, to keep you safe (and sleeping) if your CPAP gives you trouble over the holidays.

1. Stay Calm — There Are Safe Short-Term Solutions

The biggest risk is skipping therapy, especially if you have moderate–severe OSA, heart disease, high blood pressure, or obesity. Even one night without CPAP can cause poor sleep, morning headaches, arrhythmias, and dangerous daytime sleepiness.

Do not panic. There is almost always a backup plan.

2. If Your CPAP Mask Tears

A torn mask or cushion is the most common festive-season emergency.

✔️ Quick Fixes You Can Try Immediately

• Switch to a spare cushion (many ResMed cushions are designed to be replaced regularly).

• Use medical tape to temporarily seal a small tear in the frame or elbow.

• Tighten or loosen the straps — sometimes the tear causes the mask to sit differently and a minor adjustment helps.

• Change to a previous mask you kept in a drawer. Even if not perfect, it’s safer than skipping therapy.

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When a Quick Fix Is NOT Enough

• The tear is in the cushion seal and air leaks loudly

• The headgear is completely stretched

• The mask cannot stay on your face even after adjustments

→ You will need a replacement cushion, headgear or mask as soon as possible (online orders or first business day after the holidays).

3. If Your CPAP Machine Stops Working

Device failure during December is frustrating, but here’s how to troubleshoot:

✔️ Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. Unplug and restart Completely remove the power cable from the wall and the machine for about 1 minute, then plug it back in.

2. Check the power supply Make sure the plug is firmly in the wall, the adapter is properly seated, and any multiplugs or extension cords are working.

3. Check your “figure-8” power cable Many CPAP devices use a standard “figure-8” (C7) power cord between the adapter and the machine. These cables are cheap to replace and easy to find at general electronics stores, supermarkets, and some pharmacies. If the cable is damaged or loose, replacing just that cord may solve the problem.

4. Remove the humidifier tub Take the water chamber out and try running the machine without it (dry mode). Sometimes a mis-seated or cracked tub can cause leaks or error messages.

5. Inspect the filter A severely blocked filter can cause overheating or poor airflow. Replace or clean it (if reusable) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

6. Check the hose Look for holes, cracks, or loose connections at both ends. A damaged tube can make it feel as if the machine “isn’t working” even though it’s still blowing air.

   
   

If none of these steps help and your device still won’t work, treat it as a therapy emergency and use the short-term strategies below until you can replace or repair the device.

4. If You’re Without a Working CPAP During the Holidays

If suppliers are closed or deliveries are delayed, you can still lower your risk while you wait:

✔️ Short-Term Strategies to Reduce Risk

These are not replacements for CPAP, but they can help:

• Sleep on your side Back-sleeping worsens airway collapse. Use a pillow behind your back or a pregnancy / positioning pillow to keep you on your side.

• Elevate your upper body Raise the head of the bed slightly, or sleep with extra pillows under your shoulders and upper back.

• Avoid alcohol in the evening Alcohol relaxes the airway muscles and can dramatically worsen apnea, especially after 17:00–18:00.

• Avoid sedating medications where possible Sleeping tablets, strong pain medications and some antihistamines can also worsen apnea. Never stop chronic meds without medical advice, but do speak to your doctor if you’re unsure.

• Keep your nose open Use saline nasal spray or rinse to reduce congestion and improve airflow through the nose.

• Stick to a regular sleep schedule Going to bed at wildly different times can fragment sleep and make daytime sleepiness worse.

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Once suppliers reopen, replace or repair your equipment as a priority. Don’t “push through” for weeks without therapy.

🎄 5. Prevent a Christmas CPAP Emergency Next Year

Most holiday emergencies happen because parts were already overdue for replacement.

Replace your CPAP supplies on this timeline:

• Cushions / pillows: every 1–3 months

• Filters: monthly (more often in dusty areas)

• Tube: every 6–12 months

• Mask frame & headgear: every 6–12 months

  
  

Set simple reminders:

• 1 December: Do a full check of your mask, tube, filter and humidifier. Make a list of what looks worn or cracked.

• By mid-December: Place orders for anything that needs replacing so it arrives before courier cut-off and public holidays.

  
  

❤️ Final Thoughts

Your sleep and safety matter — even during the festive rush. A torn mask, dodgy cable or tired CPAP doesn’t have to ruin your holiday.

With a bit of troubleshooting, some short-term risk-reduction strategies, and better planning for next year, you can keep yourself (and your family) safer, better rested, and far more cheerful this Christmas.