when to replace mask headgear

[angela6]

I had started a topic about when to replace mask cushions and nasal cushions, and people let me know that I was probably overdue for replacements (since the cushions were over a year old).4

I would say my mask headgear is over two years old. It seems like the Velcro isn't sticking as well now. Would washing the headgear restore the stickiness, or is two years long enough to use mask headgear?

thank you

[Julie]

I don't know what washing will do to the velcro (i'd just replace it with storebought strip velcro), but if you've never washed the rest of it, straps, etc., DO it! Your hair contains lots of oil (even if you're unaware of it) and whatever products you use on it, all of which collect minute dust and debris and all of which must end up on your headgear... making it less effective.

[angela6]

I should have been clearer. My mask headgear is over 2 years old, but it has been laundered before. I was thinking that maybe after 2 years of use the headgear just stretches out and the Velcro doesn't stick as well as it used to. How long do most people keep their mask headgear until they replace it?

[RogerSC]

I just replaced my Swift FX headgear after 2 years, and doing that reminded me of how stretchy it was when I started *smile*. Don't think that I'm waiting 2 years next time, maybe a year, and see how much different the new and old are at that point. Headgear is easier to adjust and works better (for me, anyways) when it's stretchy.

[Julie]

For me, it wouldn't matter what others do... only you can judge what state your stuff is in and whether it's no longer responding to normal care. If it needs replacing, replace it. Sorry if I assumed anything before... it was unclear from the note whether you'd cleaned it .

[LSAT]

I never open the velcro on my mask. I set it to fit and I have not opened it since I started using my mask 15 months ago. I haven't noticed any stretching.