CPAP Masks

Finding the right CPAP mask starts with choosing the right mask type. Most CPAP users find a comfortable fit with one of these three main mask styles:

Full Face CPAP Mask

If you're looking for a secure seal around your nose and mouth, then a full face CPAP Mask would be a great fit for you. A key benefit to full face mask options is that you can either breathe through your nose or mouth, as opposed to being restricted to breathing exclusively through one or the other. For the same reason, full face CPAP masks are generally a great sleep therapy mask option for CPAP users who experience frequent nasal congestion and chronic allergies.

In terms of comfort, full face CPAP masks distribute airflow over more surface area, meaning the pressure from the mask seal is less concentrated, this is why certain individuals with obstructive or central sleep apnea may find a full face mask more comfortable than a nasal mask or nasal pillow mask. Because of their larger frame profile, full face masks generally obstruct less of your vision, meaning a better field of view for reading or watching television in bed.

If your AHI requires you to use higher pressure settings, one of our many full face CPAP mask options may be especially ideal for you.

Nasal CPAP Mask

Nasal CPAP masks are designed to create an effective seal around your nose without covering or creating an obstruction around your mouth, making them an excellent option for those with sleep apnea who breathe primarily through their nose.

Nasal masks are generally the most popular style for sleep apnea treatment because of the flexibility they offer in terms of comfort, allowing you to change your sleeping position while maintaining a good mask seal. This means that if you toss and turn while you sleep, a nasal CPAP mask may be a great fit for you.

The minimal framing of most nasal CPAP masks also makes them great for those who don't want to feel constricted or may experience claustrophobia.

Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask

If you're looking for a lightweight and minimal CPAP mask wearing experience, then it may be worth exploring nasal pillow CPAP masks. By design, nasal CPAP masks occupy a very small portion of your face. While a traditional nasal CPAP mask uses a cushion that fits over your nose, a nasal pillow CPAP mask features two, very small and flexible pillows that fit comfortably in your nostrils. This allows the mask to distribute pressurized air without relying on a lot of equipment going over your face.

The biggest benefit of nasal pillow CPAP masks is that they allow the wearer full range of vision (especially if you're a glasses wearer). So if your bedtime routine includes reading a book or enjoying some television, a nasal pillow CPAP mask may be a good option for you.

Since nasal pillow CPAP masks are so versatile, they tend to be great choices for active sleepers, less mobile sleepers, and those who may experience claustrophibic moments while wearing a CPAP mask.

What is Your Breathing Style?

• What is an Oral/Mouth Breather? Mouth breathing occurs when air is inhaled and exhaled through your mouth instead of your nose, making full face CPAP masks ideal. Nasal masks and nasal pillow masks can be used when paired with a chinstrap.

• What is a Nose/Nasal Breather? If you breathe through your nose, you'll generally benefit most from a nasal mask, or nasal pillow mask, which delivers pressurized air directly into your nose to help keep your upper airway open to prevent sleep apnea.

• Both/Unknown: CPAP users that breathe through both their nose and mouth or are unsure may be prescribed a full face mask or a hybrid mask.

What Is Your Sleeping Position?

• What is the best CPAP mask for Back Sleepers? Lucky you! Back sleepers can use any kind of CPAP mask.

• What is the best CPAP mask for Side Sleepers? This position is the best for snoring, but bulkier mask styles may shift against your pillow and break your seal. The slimmer profile of a nasal CPAP mask or nasal pillow mask will help keep a proper seal, so you can maintain your airflow all night.

• What is the best CPAP mask for Stomach Sleepers? As someone with sleep apnea, you should try to break this habit, but as far as CPAP masks go, you’ll want a minimal design, such as a nasal pillow CPAP mask. Look for one with a mask cushion made of gel or memory foam since it will be pressed against your skin.You may also wish to try a CPAP pillow to help prevent mask shift or getting tangled in your tubes!

• What is the best CPAP mask for Active Sleepers? Look for a mask with a hollow frame and a hose connector that attaches to the top of the head. The top-mount CPAP hose will keep you from getting tangled in your tubing as you toss and turn, while the hollow frame provides flexibility without interrupting your sleep therapy.

What Is Your Pressure Setting?

• What is the best CPAP mask for Low to Medium Pressure Settings? You’ll be safe with any style sleep apnea mask.

• What is the best CPAP mask for High Pressure Settings? Both full face and nasal CPAP masks can accommodate high pressure settings; however, full face CPAP masks may be more comfortable since they distribute the airflow over a larger area. You’ll likely need to avoid nasal prong or nasal pillow CPAP masks.

Sleeping Position:

• What is the best CPAP mask for Back Sleepers? Full Face Masks, Nasal Masks, Nasal Pillow Masks.

• What is the best CPAP mask for Side Sleepers? Nasal Masks, Nasal Pillow Masks.

• What is the best CPAP mask for Stomach Sleepers? Nasal Pillow Masks.

• What is the best CPAP mask for Active Sleepers? Nasal Masks, Nasal Pillow Masks.

Breathing Style:

• What is the best CPAP mask for Mouth Breathers? Full Face Masks (Nasal Masks, Nasal Pillow Masks can be used in conjunction with a CPAP chinstrap).

• What is the best CPAP mask for Nasal Breathers? Full Face Masks, Nasal Masks, Nasal Pillow Masks.

• What is the best CPAP mask for breathing through both your nose and mouth (or if unknown)? Full Face Masks, Hybrid Masks.

Additional Considerations:

• What is the best CPAP mask for experiencing frequent nasal congestion or allergies? Full Face Masks.

• What is the best CPAP mask for wearing glasses, reading, scrolling your phone, or watching TV? Nasal Masks, Nasal Pillow Masks.

• What is the best CPAP mask for facial hair? Nasal Masks, Nasal Pillow Masks.

• What is the best CPAP mask for minimal contact? Nasal Masks, Nasal Pillow Masks.

• What is the best CPAP mask for claustrophobia? Nasal Masks, Nasal Pillow Masks.

Each different type of mask is different, but the most universal instructions for putting on a CPAP mask is to place your cushion over your nose or mouth (or both), pull your headgear over or around your head, and make your final modifications to any adjustable straps, ensuring your personalized mask fit is snug for a secure seal, but not overtightened.

Making sure you find an optimal, comfortable fit for your CPAP mask plays a significant role in the effectiveness, safety, compliance, and overall experience of your sleep therapy. Establishing a secure mask seal prevents pressurized air from leaking between your face and your mask cushion, promoting steady airflow to your upper airway. This helps to eliminate side effects caused by a poorly fit CPAP mask, such as skin irritation, dry eyes, nasal congestion, discomfort, and reduced CPAP therapy effectiveness.

Find more information check out our blog on 'The Importance of Properly Fitting Your CPAP Mask' or our CPAP Mask Fit Guide.

• Mask Cushion/Nasal Pillow Sizing Guides: Use our helpful Mask Sizing Guide Directory to view, download, and print out any available mask cushion/nasal pillow sizing guide PDFs we have listed. These guides include instructions, tips, and diagrams for finding the perfect mask cushion/nasal pillow size for you.

• Fit Packs & Starter Kits: Many of the mask assembly kits we carry are made available in fit packs or starter kits that include multiple cushion sizes so you can try on each cushion size to determine the most comfortable and secure fit for your needs.

Take advantage of our Find Your Mask feature and get a specialized recommendation from our wide selection of options for the best available CPAP mask customized to meet your needs.

• Silicone: Soft and flexible, silicone mask cushions/pillows are highly responsive to sleep position changes throughout the night.

• Memory Foam: Memory foam offers the softest available cushion/pillow option and effortlessly conforms to your face. However, memory foam cushions/pillows typically have to be replaced more frequently than other materials.

• Gel: Providing a more firm cushion option, gel cushions/pillows maintain their shape while adapting to your unique facial shape and contours, making them ideal for higher pressure settings.

Regularly cleaning your CPAP mask parts and components is crucial for avoiding the accumulation of bacteria, debris, oils, and other contaminants. This will help prevent the buildup of germs that may cause skin irritation and other unwanted side effects.

Before following the instructions below, first make sure your CPAP machine is unplugged from the power source, disconnect your mask and air tubing from your CPAP machine, and disassemble your mask components into 3 parts (mask cushions/pillows, headgear, and frame):

Always allow all parts to air dry (or hang dry), avoiding direct sunlight.

*Avoid using strong detergents or soaps, especially those that contain harsh chemicals, perfumes, dyes, moisturizers, or alcohol.

To keep your CPAP therapy both effective and hygienic you should replace the individual parts of your mask according to the recommended schedule. This will help ensure that your CPAP mask is clean and free from air leakage, and always maintains the perfect fit.

• Nasal Pillows — Every 2 weeks

• Nasal Mask Cushions — Every 2 weeks

• Full Face Mask Cushions — Every 4 weeks

• Mask Frame — Every 3 months

• Headgear — Every 6 months

• Chinstraps — Every 6 months

Many of your favorite CPAP masks are available prescription-free thanks to our convenient non-RX CPAP mask kits! However, a fully assembled CPAP mask with headgear (including Fit Packs and Starter Packs) or any masks purchased through insurance do require a current prescription from a licensed healthcare provider (such as your Sleep Specialist).

If you need help obtaining or updating your prescription, we can help! Simply email us at info@cpapsupplies.com with your request.

Our 30-day guarantee on new CPAP masks let's you choose your next mask with confidence. If you’re not fully satisfied with your purchase, you’ll get the full amount towards a new mask – at no extra cost!

Learn more about our 30-Day Mask Guarantee.