CPAP Mask Parts
CPAP mask parts are the consumables to replace regularly to maintain seal, comfort and hygiene. Cushion (silicone part touching the face), headgear (straps), clips and seals: these elements wear and replace every 3 to 12 months depending on usage.
Catalog in active expansion at VivaRespire. Meanwhile, find our complete CPAP masks ResMed, Philips and Fisher & Paykel.
Our catalog CPAP Mask Parts
The CPAP mask is an assembly of multiple parts: rigid frame, silicone cushion, headgear (elastic straps) and fixing clips. Each element has a specific lifespan. Replacing a worn part costs a fraction of a complete mask, and performance returns to its original level.
This category is being expanded at VivaRespire to offer ResMed parts (AirFit and AirTouch ranges), Philips (DreamWear) and Fisher & Paykel (Evora, Solo, Vitera).
What parts make up a CPAP mask?
- Cushion: silicone or foam piece in contact with the face, clear or colored depending on brand. The fastest-wearing part (skin oils, sweat, friction). Replace every 3 to 6 months.
- Headgear: elastic straps holding the mask on the head. Over time elasticity drops and tightening increases, creating face marks. Replace every 6 to 12 months.
- Clips and buckles: plastic parts connecting headgear to frame. More durable (12-18 months), replace if broken or excessive play.
- Frame: rigid mask structure, long lifespan (1-2 years), replace if visible deformation or crack.
- Elbow and exhaust port: standard parts rarely failing, but included in some replacement kits.
When to replace the mask cushion?
The cushion accounts for most of the comfort and the seal. Signs to change:
- Air leaks appearing or worsening (AirSense displays "leak" score on screen).
- Persistent red marks on the face when waking: the cushion lost suppleness and presses too hard.
- Yellowish coloring: oxidation and skin deposits, sign of aging.
- Deformation: silicone no longer keeps its original shape.
- Rough tactile feel: suppleness is lost.
For most patients, a change every 3 to 6 months is ideal. ResMed offers a replacement cushion for each mask. The signs above decide better than a calendar, except for AirTouch memory foam, which ResMed rates for one month.
How to choose the right replacement part?
Each part is specific to the mask model. Check:
- Exact mask reference: e.g. "AirFit F30i" differs from "AirFit F40" even though both are ResMed full-face masks.
- Size: S, M, L for cushions. If your current mask fits well, pick the same size. If unsure, measure with the template provided by ResMed/Philips.
- Material range: AirFit (classic silicone) vs AirTouch (memory foam ResMed). Not interchangeable.
Maintenance tips to extend lifespan
- Daily cushion cleaning with a damp cloth, no soap. Removes skin oils that degrade silicone.
- Weekly full cleaning with warm water + mild unscented soap, rinse thoroughly, air-dry.
- Makeup removal before CPAP: moisturizers and makeup are the leading cause of premature wear.
- No alcohol-based disinfecting wipes: they degrade silicone very quickly.
Why not a new full mask?
Economical: replacing the cushion, or the headgear, costs far less than a complete mask. Over several years, changing only the worn parts as you go, the gap widens considerably. It is also less wasteful: you do not throw away a rigid frame that was not worn out.
See also: all CPAP masks and cleaning accessories to preserve lifespan.
Frequently asked questions: CPAP Mask Parts
How often to change the mask cushion?
Every 3 to 6 months in daily use. For an AirTouch memory foam cushion, ResMed comes down to one month. In practice, change when leaks appear, when silicone yellows, or when persistent face marks occur. With rigorous cleaning, some patients reach 6 months without issue.
Does the AirFit F20 cushion fit the F30?
No. Each ResMed mask model has its specific cushion. F20 (covers nose + mouth above nose), F30 (under nose, "minimal contact") and F40 have different architectures. Cushions are not interchangeable. Always check the exact mask reference before ordering a part.
How do I know which cushion size to pick?
Simple rule: get the same size as your current cushion if your mask fits well. Size is marked on the cushion (S, M, L, sometimes MW for "Medium Wide"). If trying another size (e.g. for lateral leaks), ResMed and Philips provide printable templates to measure your face. Too small squeezes, too large leaks.
New cushion or new full mask?
A new cushion is enough most of the time, provided the frame and the headgear are in good condition: it is the part that wears out, and by far the cheapest to replace. A whole mask is justified if the frame is cracked, if the headgear is badly stretched, or to move to a newer model. Over several years, replacing only the worn parts makes a real difference to the total. Current prices are on each product page.
Why does my cushion yellow quickly?
Silicone yellowing comes from skin oils, sebum and cream residues. Common causes: oily skin, moisturizer applied at bedtime, makeup not removed. Solution: thorough makeup removal before CPAP, daily cushion wiping with damp cloth, weekly soapy wash. With these habits, 6 months is easy.
AirFit or AirTouch cushion: what's the difference?
AirFit: classic clear silicone, sealing by air pressure. Light, durable, washable. ResMed standard range. AirTouch: memory foam molding to the face when warmed by skin heat. Enhanced comfort for sensitive or AirFit-marked skin, but shorter lifespan (1 month recommended) and pricier. Not interchangeable: F20 AirFit ≠ F20 AirTouch.
Should I change the headgear at the same time?
No, headgear lasts 2 to 4 times longer than cushion. Replace every 6 to 12 months depending on use. Wear signs: stretched elastic (you tighten more for same hold), frayed fabric, weak velcro. If you change cushion every 3 months, headgear can run 4 cycles before replacement.
Are ResMed and Philips parts interchangeable?
No, never. Each brand uses its own dimensions, clips and fixing systems. A ResMed AirFit cushion doesn't fit a DreamWear frame and vice versa. Stick to the brand and model of your mask. You can however change model within a brand (e.g. AirFit N20 → AirFit P30i to switch from nasal to pillow).