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You're in the right place if your Focal headphone ear pads are:

• Peeling, cracking or flaking — particularly on the leather or microfibre surface
• Losing their shape — one pad has become flat, misshapen, or no longer seals properly around your ear
• Deteriorating faster than you'd expect for a premium product
• Or if you simply need to purchase replacement ear pads

This article covers the Focal Bathys ANC (Black and Dune), Celestee, Radiance, Clear, and Utopia headphones.

Understanding ear pad coverage

Ear pads are considered a consumable accessory on all Focal headphones — similar to the tips on earphones or the pads on a guitar fretboard. They wear naturally over time with use and are not covered under the standard warranty for normal gradual softening or compression.

However, there is an important exception: premature deterioration. If your ear pads are peeling, cracking, flaking, or breaking down unusually quickly — particularly within the first 12 to 18 months of purchase — this is treated as a manufacturing defect and is covered under warranty. We have resolved multiple cases of this type on the Bathys ANC (both Black and Dune variants).

If you're not sure which category your situation falls into, read on — we'll help you work it out.

Is my ear pad issue covered under warranty?

Likely covered (contact us):

• Leather or microfibre surface peeling or flaking within 12–18 months of purchase, with normal use
• Stitching coming apart on a relatively new pair
• The foam core breaking down unusually quickly, causing the pad to lose its shape within the first year
• Deterioration that is clearly disproportionate to the age and usage level of the headphones

Generally not covered (replacement purchase):

• Gradual softening or compression of the foam over 2+ years of regular use — this is normal and expected
• Minor cosmetic wear (slight sheen loss, surface texture changes) that doesn't affect sound quality or comfort
• Damage caused by exposure to perfume, sunscreen, hair products, or other chemicals
• Physical damage such as cuts or tears

Not sure? Contact us with a photo of the ear pads and a brief description of how old the headphones are and how often they're used. We'll give you an honest answer.

How to purchase replacement ear pads

Replacement ear pads are available for most current Focal headphone models. Here's what you need to know before ordering:

• Ear pads are model-specific — Bathys Black pads, Bathys Dune pads, Celestee pads, and Radiance pads are all different and cannot be swapped between models
• Colour variants matter — particularly on the Bathys, where the Black and Dune variants use different pad materials and finishes
• Replacement pads are user-installable — no tools required. They press and click into place

To order replacement ear pads, contact us with your headphone model and colour variant. We'll confirm availability, pricing, and lead time. Parts sourced from Focal France typically take 4–8 weeks, though we occasionally have stock available locally for faster dispatch.

How to fit replacement ear pads

Focal ear pads on most headphone models are designed to be user-replaceable without tools:

1. Grip the edge of the ear pad firmly and rotate it anticlockwise (for most Focal models) while gently pulling outward. You'll feel it release from the mounting ring.
2. Inspect the mounting ring and the driver housing for any debris or damage before fitting the new pad.
3. Align the new ear pad with the mounting ring and press it firmly into place, rotating clockwise until it clicks and sits flush all the way around.
4. Check that the pad is evenly seated with no gaps or lifting at any point.

Note: If you're unsure about the fitting procedure for your specific model, contact us before attempting removal — some models differ slightly and we can provide model-specific guidance or a link to the Focal fitting guide.

Contact us

Whether you're making a warranty claim for premature deterioration or purchasing replacement pads, please include:

• Your headphone model and colour variant (e.g. Bathys ANC Black, Celestee Blue)
• Your proof of purchase
• A photo of the ear pads showing the deterioration — this helps us assess warranty eligibility and confirm the correct replacement part
• Approximate age of the headphones and how frequently they are used

Contact Westan Support: Email focal.support@westan.com.au or submit a ticket at support.westan.com.au. We aim to respond within 2 business days.

Frequently asked questions

My Bathys ear pads started peeling after 8 months. Is that covered?

Yes — peeling or flaking within the first 12–18 months with normal use is treated as premature deterioration and covered as a manufacturing defect. Send us a photo and your proof of purchase.

Can I use third-party ear pads on my Focal headphones?

Third-party ear pads are available from some aftermarket suppliers, but we recommend using genuine Focal replacement pads. Non-genuine pads may alter the acoustic properties of the headphones, and fitting them will void any remaining warranty on the ear pad assembly specifically.

How long do Focal ear pads typically last?

With regular use (1–3 hours per day), genuine Focal ear pads typically last 18 months to 3 years before showing significant wear. Exposure to sweat, heat, and skin care products can shorten pad life.

Do replacement ear pads come with a warranty?

Replacement ear pads purchased from Westan carry a 6-month warranty against manufacturing defects from the date of purchase.