How Often Should You Update Your CPAP?

By Brittany Washington

2 min read

After switching suppliers, I've learned so much about when I need to replace my CPAP supplies – like the cushion should be replaced every month. I had no idea the previous company would give me the headgear and the mask, and I could replace it every 6 months.

I need to have an update sent to my machine to try to lower the pressure to make it more tolerable. At first, I was told the CPAP supply company received the script from my doctor for the changes and could do it remotely.

My CPAP was too old for an online update

I got a call later on that because of the age of my machine (it has 2G versus 4G), I would have to bring in the machine to get the settings changed. This sparked a question: how often is it recommended to upgrade to a new CPAP machine?

I've had a few different machines over the past almost 20 years. This current CPAP machine I have is the Air Sense 10 for her and is almost half the size of the relic I had before it. I got a call that I needed to bring my machine in because it's too old to be updated online.

Insurance coverage, repairs, and setting changes

That promoted the question of how often you should change out your CPAP. My insurance covers a new machine every 7 years. After 5 years, they will no longer do repairs on the machine. My machine is 6 years old; it still works fine. The only thing is the inconvenience of bringing my machine in regularly for setting changes.

The biggest difference in this machine compared to the newer models is that it is only 2G vs. 4G internet capability. So, as we test out a slightly lower pressure for more comfortable sleep, I'll have to haul it in again if it needs to be changed back up or lowered more.

Keeping an eye on my CPAP's battery

I am told to look out for an error message about the battery as the first sign my machine is going out. When I see that message, I should call my doctor to get in and get a script for a new machine.

When I get a new machine, I am told that I will be essentially renting to own the machine. The insurance will pay for the machine each month, and I will have to pay a percentage of the machine monthly as well. I can't wait to upgrade to a new machine that can be upgraded over the line and has a heated humidifier.

Looking forward to future CPAP upgrades

Before running into an issue with my older machine, I had no idea how often you should be replacing your CPAP. I have seen a lot of upgrades to the machines throughout my years on CPAP therapy and look forward to seeing the advancements they continue to make.

Having the heated humidifier definitely solves one of my newest complaints of cold air blowing in my face without having to purchase a different type of tubing or tubing cover to adjust the temperature of the air coming through the humidifier.

When was the last time you changed to a new CPAP machine model? What has been the best upgrade feature of your CPAP device?

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The SleepApnea.Sleep-Disorders.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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patti Member
<inline-mention username="Brittany Washington" user-id="4151120"/> I was having terrible problems with my Cpap supplier getting my supplies when I had just gotten my AirSense 10. They didn’t tell me that there was a chip in there that told them how much I used it, and that you had to use it 4 hours a day, 25 days out of 30 a month, or your insurance wouldn’t pay for supplies. Coming from an antiquated Cpap that had no chip, I was horrified. I had been telling them for months the mask wouldn’t stay on, I needed a new one. The only way I was able to get one is to find it myself online and told them to order it. I didn’t get supplies for 16 months, until I started seeing a sleep specialist. He forced them to start getting my supplies. The point of this (sorry, I take the long route to the point), is I found that I could deal directly with the main sales dept of the supply company, bypassing the local company that treated me to the above nonsense. They call me every month to find out if I want them to send a cushion. Every 90 days I can get the whole package, cushion, hose, water tank, head frame, etc. It’s so nice dealing with them directly, with them calling me, so I don’t forget. I did find out the past month that you could put your water tank in the dishwasher, after you take out the rubber gasket. So I left that off my order the other day. It’s nice to be able to cut costs when you can. Good luck. 
1. Matt Gentry Member
 Thank you for sharing your experience with us, <inline-mention username="patti" user-id="4119000"/>; I'm happy to hear that everything got sorted out with getting your new supplies. 😊 Warmly, — Matt G. (<a href='https://sleepapnea.sleep-disorders.net' target='_blank'>sleepapnea.sleep-disorders.net</a>) Team Member
75andholding Member
Question to Google How often does Medicare allow a new CPAP. Answer: approximately every 5 years Your CPAP machine should be replaced after approximately 5 years of use. The good news is, Medicare and most other insurers typically provide coverage for a new CPAP machine around the same time frame. 
1. Lisa Bond, RPSGT, RST, FAAST Member
 <inline-mention username="75andholding" user-id="4521301"/> True but it can be a problem if you are new user, don't know that, and you have an Equipment provider that is not exactly on the ball. It's really something all the new users need to know. We don't always have the option of who our equipment provider is. Warmly, Lisa (Team Member)
Matt Gentry Member
This is excellent information <inline-mention username="Brittany Washington" user-id="4151120"/>; thank you for sharing. 🙂 Warmly, — Matt G. (<a href='https://sleepapnea.sleep-disorders.net' target='_blank'>sleepapnea.sleep-disorders.net</a>) Team Member