Why is the headband cushion on my headphones falling apart?
This is one of the most common reasons people get in touch with us about the VMK20. The headband cushion breaking down isn't some great mystery – it's physics, chemistry, and sweat. Just everyday life, basically.
If your headband cushion looks like it's been through a small-scale nuclear war, you're in the right place.
What killed the cushion?
Short answer: you did. Or more specifically, your scalp.
The cushions are made of synthetic leather (PU leather), which reacts over time with skin moisture, sweat, and natural oils. This is an industry-wide problem, not just ours. Sony, Bose, everyone – same cushion deterioration, same tears.
The typical timeline goes something like this:
- 0–2 years: Cushion holds up fine with normal use
- 2–4 years: Surface starts flaking and crumbling, especially with daily use
- 4+ years: The cushion has done its job and earned its retirement
A few things speed up the process:
- Sweating – Working out with headphones on, hot offices, summer heatwaves
- Skincare products – Hair gels, sunscreens, and the like eat away at synthetic leather
- Storage – Headphones left on the car dashboard in the sun or in a damp bag
If your headphones are 3–5 years old and the cushion is falling apart, that's normal wear and tear. Annoying, but not a manufacturing defect. Warranty covers material defects within 24 months, not natural deterioration after years of use.
Good news though: unlike gear from the big corporations, our headphones have replaceable parts – no need to chuck the whole thing in the bin.
How to fix it
Swapping the headband cushion is dead easy. All you need is a new cushion and your fingers.
- Order the spare part – You can get the headband cushion from our online store at [valco.fi](https://valco.fi). Look for VMK20 spare parts. If you can't find it, drop us a message at info@valco.fi and we'll dig out the right part for you.
- Remove the old cushion – The old cushion comes off with a pull. It's attached to the headband with clips or slid into a groove. No tools needed.
- Install the new one – The new cushion snaps or slides into place the same way. The whole thing takes about a minute.
If you want to extend the life of your next cushion:
- Wipe the cushion with a dry cloth after use
- Store your headphones somewhere cool and dry
- Avoid collisions between hair products and your headphones
If that doesn't help
If there's something else wrong with the headband beyond just the cushion – say the plastic has cracked or the band is bent – send us an email at info@valco.fi. Include a photo of the damage and your order number, and we'll figure out what to do. Our service team in Kajaani can sort out even the gnarlier cases.
And if the headphones still work fine but look like they've seen combat, it's worth considering a spare parts kit before investing in a whole new pair. The VMK20 is built to last – as long as you swap out the wear parts in time. You wouldn't scrap a car just because the tyres are worn out, would you?
Then again, if the VMK25 has already been catching your eye, well, who are we to stop you. Somebody's got to cover our alimony payments and Death Star instalments.
