CPAP Mask Elbows & Connectors

CPAP Mask Elbow Guide

When does a CPAP mask elbow need replacing?

The most common reasons to replace an elbow are a crack or break in the plastic body — which causes air to leak at the connection point — or a swivel joint that has become stiff and no longer rotates freely during sleep. A stiff swivel increases hose drag and can pull the mask out of position, affecting the seal. Elbows can also develop a persistent odour over time that doesn't clear with cleaning, in which case replacement is the most straightforward solution. Note that some frames in the range are sold with an elbow already included — if your frame needs replacing at the same time, a frame-with-elbow bundle may be more economical.

What is a QuietAir elbow, and is it worth upgrading to?

QuietAir elbows are a ResMed-specific upgrade that replace the standard elbow on compatible AirFit masks — including the F20, F30, F30i, N20, and N30i. Rather than directing exhaled air through a single port, QuietAir elbows use a fine mesh diffuser built into the elbow body that disperses exhalation across a much wider area, significantly reducing the hissing sound that some users find disruptive. If the exhalation noise from your mask is bothering you or your bed partner, a QuietAir elbow is one of the most effective and affordable fixes available — and it's a direct swap with no other components required. Standalone diffusers that perform a similar function for other mask models are also available in the diffusers category.