This is the second time since I began using the Amara mask (8 years) that I've had to replace the short tube due to damage. It is necessary to connect the mask to the main tubing, but it is significantly more fragile than that tubing. It is too easy to get the short tube tangled in the bedding while getting situated in the bed and accidentally lean on it, which will cause it to break apart like a spring. Once that happens, it is useless and unless you have a spare on hand, the CPAP is unusable until you can order another one. In short, these tubes need to be made of more durable material, more like the longer and larger tubes to which they connect.