CPAP Gear Hub Mask Leak Pre-Order Checklist

Use this worksheet before buying replacement mask parts or leak-related accessories.
It is for equipment-shopping organization only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, prescription guidance, pressure-setting guidance, or a replacement for a sleep clinician, respiratory therapist, DME provider, manufacturer instructions, or emergency care.

1. What changed first?

[ ] Leak started gradually
[ ] Leak started after a cleaning routine changed
[ ] Leak started after replacing a cushion or strap
[ ] Leak started after changing sleep position
[ ] Leak started after hose routing changed
[ ] Leak is mostly near the eyes or cheeks
[ ] Leak may be mouth leak with a nasal mask or nasal pillows
[ ] Leak comes with discomfort, skin irritation, pressure concerns, symptoms, or therapy-data concerns

If discomfort, skin irritation, pressure concerns, symptoms, or therapy-data concerns are present, stop treating this as only a shopping problem and contact a clinician, respiratory therapist, or DME provider.

2. Write down the exact current setup.

Machine brand/model:
Mask brand/model:
Mask style:
Current cushion or pillow size:
Current headgear size:
Hose type/diameter:
Humidifier or heated hose details:
Last cushion or pillow replacement date:
Last headgear replacement date:
Last hose replacement date:
Cleaning method used this week:

3. Check the likely equipment cause before ordering.

Cushion or nasal pillows:
[ ] Looks worn, cloudy, torn, flattened, oily, or misshapen
[ ] Correct exact size and model confirmed
[ ] Compatible replacement part confirmed

Headgear:
[ ] Strap is stretched out or no longer holds fit
[ ] Tightening more has not helped or worsens comfort
[ ] Correct headgear size and model confirmed

Hose tugging:
[ ] Leak happens mostly when turning over
[ ] Hose pulls mask sideways
[ ] Hose routing, hose holder, or different hose length may be relevant

Cleaning residue:
[ ] Seal area and cushion were cleaned according to manufacturer instructions
[ ] Parts were fully dried before use
[ ] Fragrance, oil, or residue may be affecting seal

Mouth leak or fit question:
[ ] Mouth leak is suspected
[ ] Mask style may not match current comfort needs
[ ] Provider/DME input is needed before guessing through more purchases

4. Safer next shopping step.

[ ] Buy the exact compatible cushion or nasal pillows only
[ ] Buy exact compatible headgear or strap only
[ ] Compare mask options for sleep position or comfort
[ ] Compare hose routing or hose holder options
[ ] Pause and ask clinician/DME provider
[ ] Pause because the issue may involve symptoms, therapy data, pressure comfort, sores, or recurring fit problems

5. Do not decide these from a shopping page.

- pressure settings
- diagnosis or therapy effectiveness
- whether persistent symptoms are normal
- whether skin sores or pain can be ignored
- whether therapy data changes are safe
- whether a prescription, insurer, or DME rule applies

Related CPAP Gear Hub pages:
- Mask leak troubleshooting: /cpap-mask-leak-troubleshooting-equipment/
- CPAP replacement checklist: /cpap-replacement-checklist/
- CPAP mask cushion replacement guide: /cpap-mask-cushion-replacement-guide/
- Side sleeper mask guide: /best-cpap-masks-for-side-sleepers/