Check the cushion before replacing everything
The soft cushion, nasal cushion, or nasal pillows usually wear before the whole mask frame. Skin oils, cleaning, pressure, and nightly movement can gradually reduce the seal.
- Look for tacky, cloudy, stiff, cracked, stretched, or flattened cushion material.
- Wash and dry the cushion as the manufacturer recommends before judging the fit.
- Try reseating the mask while lying in your normal sleep position.
- Avoid overtightening, which can distort the cushion and make leaks worse.
When headgear causes leaks
Headgear can lose elasticity slowly. If the mask only seals when straps are pulled much tighter than before, the cushion may not be the only problem.
- Elastic feels loose, curled, stretched, or uneven.
- Straps slip overnight after normal washing.
- The mask leaves stronger marks because it needs extra tension to seal.
Rule out tubing and connection leaks
Air noise near the hose cuff, humidifier chamber, or mask elbow can mimic a mask seal problem. Inspect connectors and tubing before ordering a new mask.