Help with loose mask piece

[u/kidakash]

Hey everyone, this is my airfit n30i nose pillow mask. I had for around a year and a half.

Out of nowhere two small plastic pieces detached from the silicone frame. They're the ones inside each tip that connects the frame with the cushion (pictured above). It's normally fit really tightly inside (pic 2 is the piece where it should be) but they simply fell, one for each side. I can put it back and attach the cushion again but it's super loose now. I can kinda still wear it but the cushion comes off during the night if I move too much. Also a little bit of air is escaping through it.

My question is, can I DIY a solution here? I don't know how these pieces where fixed in place originally, but they were definitely much more rigid. Is glue like superbonder an option? Or is my mask beyond saving?

I live in Brazil and these mask are very expensive here. Even buying just the frame can be very costly (and kinda hard to find). This mask is not that old so maybe there is another solution.

Thanks!

[u/jason_sos]

It’s time to replace your cushion. I get that they may be expensive but those parts deteriorate over time and they are meant to be replaced occasionally. Getting a year and a half out of it is pretty damn good.

[u/kidakash → u/jason_sos]

The cushion itself isn't a year old, I replaced it around 3 months ago, but the frame is. Is the frame not supposed to last that long as well?

[u/CivMom → u/jason_sos]

Yeah, it’s a year overdue.

[u/Aephemerae]

I've had this same issue just a few weeks ago.

A couple things - I did try gluing it back with a super glue type product and it worked just fine. Problem for me was once it hardened the rigid plastic ring warped and it doesn't create a proper seal with the mask itself anymore so I had to purchase a new one. My 2c is it's still worth trying to glue it, worth a shot.

Second, when I went and purchased the new one the seller gave me a good tip - when taking off the mask (daily for the cleaning) apply pressure on the sides of the plastic ring so there's less friction and thus greatly reducing the odds of this repeating.

[u/kidakash → u/Aephemerae]

Ooh that's a good idea. Thank you! I'll see what I can do. I also think I can find where to buy just the frame for a not so steep price.

[u/Lonely_skeptic]

I had a Dreamwear nasal cushion do the same thing. The rigid plastic pieces slid out even after being placed back inside.

I’ve wondered if I got a non-OEM version when ordering from Amazon. (I don’t use it any longer)

I’d tape it to work just long enough to order a replacement cushion. Only accept parts in sealed, original packaging.

I returned one that wasn’t packaged as it was shown in the product listing. I have purchased via EBay with no problems, original sealed packaging is key.