Removing the Old Cushions

Bose ear cushions pull straight off—no tools needed. Hold the earcup in one hand and grip the cushion edge with your thumb and forefinger, then pull firmly and steadily away from the plastic ring. The cushion will separate cleanly. Do this for both ears.

If the cushion is old or cracked, it may resist at first. Pull at a slight angle rather than straight out, working your way around the edge. Once one side releases, the rest comes free easily. You may see a thin adhesive residue on the plastic ring underneath; this is normal and does not need to be removed.

Key Takeaways

  • Bose cushions are held on by friction alone and pull straight off without tools or damage to the earcup.
  • Replacement cushions come in pairs and cost between $25 and $50 depending on the model, sold directly by Bose or through retailers.
  • The model number on your headphones determines which cushions fit—check the inside of the earcup or the original box before ordering.
  • New cushions slide onto the plastic ring in one smooth motion and seat fully when you hear or feel a soft click.

Identifying Your Headphone Model

Before you order replacement cushions, you need to know which Bose model you own. Look inside the earcup on the plastic ring—you will see a model number printed there, usually something like QC35, QC45, or NC700. If the printing is worn away, check the original box or the Bose website's product pages by searching your headphone style.

Bose makes different cushion sizes for different models, and using the wrong size will leave gaps or cause the cushion to slip during wear. Taking 30 seconds to confirm the model number prevents ordering the wrong part and waiting for a replacement shipment.

Purchasing the Correct Replacement Cushions

Bose sells replacement cushion pairs through their official website and through major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H Photo. Search for your model number plus "replacement ear cushions" to find the exact part. Cushions typically arrive in a sealed package with both left and right pieces.

Genuine Bose cushions are the safest choice because they match the original fit and acoustic design. Third-party cushions exist and cost less, but they vary widely in quality and may not seal properly against your ear. If you choose a third-party option, read reviews from people with your specific model to confirm the fit.

Installing the New Cushions

Hold the earcup in one hand with the plastic ring facing you. Take one new cushion and align it with the ring, then push straight onto the plastic base. Use steady, even pressure—do not twist or angle the cushion. You will feel resistance as the cushion slides on, and it will seat fully with a soft click or snap when it reaches the bottom.

Repeat for the second cushion on the other earcup. The cushion should sit flush against the plastic ring with no gaps or wrinkles. If it feels loose or uneven, pull it off and try again—the fit should be snug and symmetrical on both sides.

Testing the Fit and Comfort

Put on the headphones and adjust them to your head. The new cushions should feel slightly firmer than worn ones, which is normal—they soften slightly after a few hours of wear. Check that both earcups seal evenly against your ears with no gaps on the sides or top.

If one cushion feels looser than the other, remove it and reinstall it. Uneven seating usually means the cushion did not slide all the way down the ring. Wear the headphones for 15 to 20 minutes to confirm comfort before returning to normal use. If you notice sound quality has changed—usually a loss of bass—the cushions may not be sealing properly, and you should check the fit again.

Caring for New Cushions to Extend Their Life

Bose cushions typically last 12 to 18 months with regular use before they begin to crack or compress. You can extend this by wiping them down weekly with a dry cloth to remove skin oils and sweat. If they get wet, let them air-dry completely before wearing the headphones again.

Store your headphones in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or in a hot car, as heat accelerates the breakdown of the cushion material. If you use your headphones during exercise or in humid environments, the cushions will wear faster, and you may need replacements every 9 to 12 months instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use cushions from a different Bose model on my headphones?

No. Bose cushion sizes vary by model, and using the wrong size will create gaps that affect sound quality and comfort. The cushion may also slip off during wear. Always match the model number on your headphones to the cushion packaging.

What do I do with the old cushions after I remove them?

Old cushions can be thrown in the trash. Some recycling programs accept foam and plastic, so check your local guidelines. Do not flush them or leave them where they could be a choking hazard for pets.

How long does it take to replace the cushions?

The entire process takes about 2 to 3 minutes once you have the new cushions in hand. Removing the old ones takes 30 seconds per earcup, and installing the new ones takes another minute. The only waiting involved is for the cushions to arrive after you order them.

Will replacing the cushions change the sound quality of my headphones?

New cushions should restore sound quality to near-original levels if your old ones were compressed or cracked. If the new cushions do not seal properly, you may notice a loss of bass. Check the fit and reinstall if needed. Worn cushions often muffle sound, so new ones typically sound clearer.

Are there any tools I need to replace the cushions?

No tools are required. You only need your hands to pull off the old cushions and push on the new ones. The entire job is done with finger pressure alone.