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
Unfortunately we don't sell separate headband cushions. The headband cushion is replaced at our own headphone service, so get in touch and we will sort it out.
If the earpads look tired as well
While the headband cushion is being sorted, take a look at the earpads too. Those you can replace yourself, and you can order them from our online store. They come off with a twist (bayonet mount, no threads), and a new one goes on with a small clockwise turn. If the headphones have been in heavy use for two or three years, it's worth replacing both earpads at the same time. Fresh pads also improve ANC performance because the seal gets better.
If the headband itself is damaged
If the headband cushion has come loose, or there is 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 own service 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.
