What is the lifespan of a ResMed CPAP machine?

The lifespan of a ResMed CPAP machine is approximately five years. But there’s much more to the story of how long a CPAP machine should last. When you first open the box for your brand-new CPAP machine, you may have a lot of questions—like how long will your new CPAP machine last? What’s the average life expectancy of a CPAP machine? And how often should you replace the different parts like the tubing and water tub? Let’s take a look at each of these questions.

The life expectancy of a CPAP machine differs based on the specific piece of equipment. As noted above, CPAP machines are used for approximately five years; CPAP masks, however, should be replaced several times per year. Why? CPAP masks feature a lot of individual parts that are heavily used and therefore wear out more quickly than other parts. For instance, the cushions on a mask may begin to wear out before the mask straps or the hose connecting your CPAP machine to your mask. How long your CPAP mask lasts is affected by oils from your skin, and even with regular cleaning, a mask will wear down over time.

Beyond that, a mask’s headgear, cushion and pillows can stretch out; the tubing can develop tears or cracks; CPAP air filters can be blocked by dirt. If any of this happens without replacement, your sleep apnea therapy may not be as effective. That’s why regularly replacing your CPAP equipment and components is so important. A majority of CPAP users who regularly replace their supplies report that they get better quality of sleep, and some also report getting more hours of sleep after replacing their supplies. ¹

Replacing your CPAP machine, mask and other components

You might wonder, isn’t it up to your doctor or sleep therapist to make sure your equipment is regularly replaced? Aren’t they the experts on how long CPAP machines last? Shouldn’t they be keeping track of the age of the products you’re using – the CPAP machine, your mask, the hose connecting the two, and all other related accessories?

The answer is yes, and you can also be educated and aware of these timelines, so you can better be prepared for when it is time for replacement items. In addition, you might want to follow up with your physician or sleep therapist if your equipment could be due for replacement as you are noticing your therapy doesn’t seem as comfortable or effective.

ResMed provides an online CPAP supplies replacement guide that provides recommended timeframes for getting new supplies. For example, it’s recommended that you replace your CPAP mask every three months, but you should replace your cushions and filters twice a month. CPAP mask straps are recommended to be replaced every six months, and the tubing connecting your mask to our machine every three months.

The good news is that most health insurers will provide new supplies according to these replacement schedules. Check with your insurance provider to find out if you’re eligible to regularly replace your CPAP equipment. Or talk to your doctor to see whether he or she is aware of these recommended resupply timeframes. Doing so will help keep your sleep apnea therapy as consistent and effective as possible.

Getting new CPAP supplies made easy

ResMed offers a program to help you regularly replace your CPAP supplies in conjunction with your replacement eligibility through your insurance. Learn more about ResMed ReSupply or talk to your equipment provider.