really stupid question about helmets...
 

is the little sweatband thing a replaceable item?

i have a scott MIPS helmet and google has been no help. perhaps if i knew the cycling term for it, i could find it.

a few passes through the washing machine and it's starting to fall apart. i guess it's supposed to just be handwashed only.

Search for a Scott helmet pad kit.

Rinse out by hand. The pads in most helmets can be replaced.

As the selling shop to order in spare sets

Amazon.com: bike helmet pads replacement

This might be a good place to start, I replaced the padding on mine earlier this summer for about 10 bucks. It made a nice difference.

So it's a Scott taal helmet, and all replacement pad kits seem to be sold on websites in the uk... I may have to go to rei and ask if they can order me one.

Call or email Scott customer service. I know that Bell will send you a set of pads for free, as long as it's a current helmet.

Mine's a one piece in my Bontrager. I call it my octopus. I wash by hand.

Here's my dumb question: Assuming no crashes, life span of a bike helmet? It is suggested that motorcycle helmets get tossed after five years. I'm guessing something similar.

Yep, I've seen recommended 3-5 year lifespan for bicycle helmets. You might be able to get that info directly from the manufacturer, either in the info packet that came with the helmet (if there was one) or by using the contact form on their website to ask a representative directly.