Bose Ear Pads Peeling or Flaking? Find Your Model and the Right Replacement

If your Bose ear pads are peeling, replace them with model-specific Wicked Cushions replacement ear pads, including WC PadZ QC Ultra: WC has options for QC35/QC35 II, QC45, QC Ultra, NC 700, QC15, QC25 and older Bose models. Refresh the worn cushions while keeping the headphones you already enjoy.

Why are my Bose ear pads peeling?

Faux-leather cushion surfaces wear with age and use. Sweat, skin oils, and repeated contact can contribute to cracking and flaking; peeling pads do not, by themselves, mean the headphones are broken.

Find your Bose model before buying

Use the full model name on your original box or purchase record. If you are unsure, use Bose’s serial-number guidance; compatible Bose apps show the serial number under Settings > Product Info. Match the full model name.

This table groups alternate names for the same model families. The cooling and cover names are explained just below it. Over-ear and on-ear SoundLink and SoundTrue models need different cushions.

Bose model How to identify it Standard WC replacement Cooling pads / protective covers Customer rating
QuietComfort 35 / QC35 II Look for QuietComfort 35 or 35 II on your box or order. Bose QC35 Replacement Ear Pads QC35 FreeZe; QC-family SweatZ 4.8/5 from 1170 reviews
QuietComfort 45 / SE / SC / QuietComfort Wireless Confirm the full QuietComfort model name on your order. Bose QC45 Replacement Ear Pads QC45 FreeZe; QC-family SweatZ for QC45 only 4.8/5 from 218 reviews
QuietComfort Ultra Gen 1 / Gen 2 Confirm QuietComfort Ultra and its generation on your order. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 1 & Gen 2 Earpads - WC PadZ QC Ultra QC Ultra FreeZe; QC Ultra SweatZ 4.6/5 from 81 reviews
Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 / NC 700 Confirm Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, not QuietComfort. Bose NC 700 Replacement Earpads NC 700 FreeZe; SweatZ Studio 4.8/5 from 299 reviews
QuietComfort 15 / QC15 Look for QuietComfort 15 on the box or order. Replacement Earpads For Bose QC15 Headphones QC35 FreeZe; QC-family SweatZ 4.8/5 from 381 reviews
QuietComfort 25 / QC25 Look for QuietComfort 25 on the box or order. Replacement Ear Pads For Bose QC25 QC35 FreeZe; QC-family SweatZ 4.8/5 from 130 reviews
QuietComfort 2 / QC2; AE2 / AE2i / AE2w Check the exact QC2 or AE2-series name on your order. Replacement Earpads For Bose QC15 Headphones QC35 FreeZe; QC-family SweatZ 4.8/5 from 381 reviews
SoundLink 1 / 2; SoundTrue 1 / 2 over-ear / around-ear Confirm over-ear or around-ear, not on-ear. Bose QC35 Replacement Ear Pads QC35 FreeZe; QC-family SweatZ 4.8/5 from 1170 reviews
QuietComfort 3 / QC3; OE1 / On-Ear 1 Confirm QC3 or OE1; do not confuse it with QC2. Replacement Ear Pads For Bose QC3 No cooling pads or sweat covers listed for these models 4.8/5 from 28 reviews
SoundLink / SoundTrue on-ear; OE2 / OE2i; On-Ear Wireless Confirm on-ear, OE2, or OE2i on the box or order. Replacement Ear Pads For Bose SoundLink & SoundTrue OE2 (On-EAR) No cooling pads or sweat covers listed for these models 4.3/5 from 11 reviews

Standard pads, cooling pads, or covers?

Standard replacement pads replace the worn cushion itself. Pick the model-specific link in the table when your main goal is to replace peeling pads.

Cooling replacements: Bose QC35 Cooling Gel Earpads - WC FreeZe (4.7/5 from 178 reviews) and Bose NC 700 Cooling Gel Earpads - WC FreeZe (4.7/5 from 81 reviews) combine cooling gel with PU leather. Bose QuietComfort 45 Cooling Gel Earpads - WC FreeZe QC45 (4.6/5 from 31 reviews) lists dual-layer cooling gel and extra-thick memory foam. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 1 & Gen 2 Cooling Gel Earpads - WC FreeZe QC Ultra (4.6/5 from 38 reviews) combines dual-layer cooling gel, breathable sports fabric, and PU leather. The QC35 FreeZe listing also covers the older over-ear models shown in the table; that does not make QC45 or Ultra pads interchangeable with them.

Protective covers: Bose QuietComfort Earpad Sweat Covers - WC SweatZ (4.9/5 from 22 reviews) and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 1 & Gen 2 Earpad Sweat Covers - WC SweatZ QC Ultra (4.4/5 from 16 reviews) are silicone covers worn over existing ear pads, not replacement foam cushions. Replace damaged cushions first. For NC 700, the compatibility chart lists Beats Studio 2 & 3 Earpad Sweat Covers - WC SweatZ Studio (4.7/5 from 135 reviews); check that chart even though its product name mentions Beats.

For SE, SC and QuietComfort Wireless, check the cover listing separately: its model list differs from the replacement-pad list.

When to choose genuine Bose cushions

Choose genuine Bose cushions if you need an exact factory match. WC replacements are aftermarket cushions designed for the listed Bose models.

How to replace Bose ear pads

  1. Confirm the model and read the instructions included with your replacement kit.
  2. Turn the headphones off. Follow the model-specific guide to remove the old cushion gently.
  3. Install the new cushion as directed, checking its seating all the way around.
  4. Repeat on the other side, then check fit and comfort before a longer listening session.

WC kits include model-specific installation guidance and require no special tools.

Guarantee and shipping

WC’s 365-day guarantee offers a full refund within 365 days of purchase if you are not satisfied. The policy also says damaged pads are replaced free without returning them; read the policy for the other terms.

WC attempts to ship within two business days. See the shipping policy for destination-specific costs and delivery windows; US standard shipping is free over $40.

Quick answers

Do I need new headphones if my Bose pads are flaking?

Not if the headphones otherwise work. Replace the worn cushions with pads listed for your exact model.

Does Wicked Cushions make Bose QC35 and QC45 pads?

Yes. WC has separate QC35/QC35 II and QC45 replacement listings, plus cooling options for those model families.

Do WC Ultra pads fit both generations?

Yes. The WC PadZ QC Ultra and FreeZe QC Ultra listings explicitly cover QuietComfort Ultra Gen 1 and Gen 2, not other Bose models.

Can SweatZ fix peeling ear pads?

SweatZ covers are not replacement cushions. Replace the peeling pads first, then choose covers that list your model.

Are SoundLink on-ear and over-ear cushions the same?

No. WC lists separate on-ear and over-ear replacements. Match the full model description before buying.