How to fix the VMK25 headband cushion coming loose?
The headband cushion is smiling. A classic. This is by far the most common VMK25-related inquiry, so you’re not alone. The cushion is a consumable — it’s the part that rests on the top of your head for hours every day and takes on sweat, oils, and mechanical stress. At some point it gives in. That’s life.
Good news: this is not a death sentence for your headphones.
Why does the cushion come loose?
The headband cushion is attached to the band with glue and a mechanical fit. When you use the headphones daily — especially if you travel a lot or sweat heavily — the outer material starts to fatigue. Protein leather (that faux leather) doesn’t last forever, no matter how much you wish it would.
Most common reasons:
- Normal wear. A year or two of active use and the cushion starts to flake or gape at the edges. This is perfectly expected.
- Sweat and skin oils. These corrode protein leather over time. In summer heat, the process speeds up.
- Mechanical stress. If the headband spreads a lot when putting it on, the cushion stretches and the adhesive fails at the edges.
Let’s be frank: deterioration of a cushion after more than a year of use is wear, not a manufacturing defect. The warranty covers clear material defects — so if the cushion comes loose within the first few months under normal use, that may be a warranty case.
How to fix it
Replacing the headband cushion is an easy job:
- Order a new headband cushion from the Valco online store (valco.fi) or contact service. The cushion is an inexpensive spare part.
- Remove the old cushion. Gently pull it off the headband. Do not use sharp tools — your fingers are enough.
- Clean the headband surface. Wipe off the old glue residue with a damp cloth. Let it dry.
- Fit the new cushion in place. It snaps into the groove of the headband. Press the edges firmly.
The whole operation takes maybe two minutes. That’s less time than it takes to make coffee.
If the earpads look tired as well
When you’re replacing the headband cushion, take a look at the earpads too. They come off with a twist (bayonet mount) and the new ones snap into place. If the headphones have been in heavy use for two or three years, it’s worth replacing both sets of pads at the same time. Fresh pads also improve ANC performance because the seal gets better.
If that doesn’t help
If the headband cushion still won’t stay in place after replacement, or there’s something mechanically wrong with the headband itself — a crack, a bend, something else suspicious — contact us:
- Email: info@valco.fi
- Include: a photo of the issue and the order number
Our service in Kajaani can fix the tougher cases too. We don’t throw headphones away just because a cushion has failed. The big brands might — we won’t.
And remember: every spare part purchase funds 0.000001% of our Death Star. Thank you for your contribution to galactic security.
