Fully Assembled CPAP Masks
Which Are the Most Popular Types of CPAP Masks?
Getting a restful night's sleep starts with finding the best CPAP mask for you, which means determining which is the right mask style. When treating sleep apnea most CPAP users find a comfortable fit with one of these three mask styles:
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Full Face CPAP Mask
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Nasal CPAP Mask
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Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask
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What Type of CPAP Mask is Ideal for You?
Breathing Styles:
- Mouth Breathers - Full Face Mask (Nasal Mask, Nasal Pillow Mask can be used in conjunction with a CPAP mask chinstrap)
- Nose Breathers - Full Face Mask, Nasal Mask, Nasal Pillow Mask
- Both/Unknown - Full Face Mask, Hybrid Mask
Sleeping Positions:
- Back Sleepers - Full Face Mask, Nasal Mask, Nasal Pillow Mask
- Side Sleepers - Nasal Mask, Nasal Pillow Mask
- Stomach Sleepers - Nasal Pillow Mask
- Active Sleepers - Nasal Mask, Nasal Pillow Mask
Additional Considerations:
- Higher Pressure Settings - Full Face Mask, Nasal Mask
- Frequent Nasal Congestion or Allergies - Full Face Mask
- Glasses Wearer - Nasal Mask, Nasal Pillow Mask
- Facial Hair - Nasal Mask, Nasal Pillow Mask
- Low to Mid Pressure Settings - Nasal Pillow Mask
- Minimal Contact - Nasal Mask, Nasal Pillow Mask
- Claustrophobia - Nasal Mask, Nasal Pillow Mask
Why Choosing the Best Mask Fit is Key
Making certain 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 on the importance of properly fitting your CPAP mask with this helpful blog or our CPAP Mask Fit Guide.
How Do I Choose the Correct Mask Cushion Size?
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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.
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Fit Packs & Starter Kits: Many of the CPAP masks we carry are made available in fit packs or starter kits that include multiple mask cushion sizes within the setup pack, allowing you the opportunity to try on each cushion size to determine the most comfortable and secure fit for your needs.
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Find Your Mask
Common CPAP Mask Cushion/Nasal Pillow Materials
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Silicone: Soft and flexible, silicone mask cushions/pillows are highly responsive to sleep position changes throughout the night.
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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.
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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.
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How to Clean Your CPAP Mask
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):
Part Cleaning Frequency Instructions Full Face Cushions,
Nasal Cushions, & Nasal Pillows
Daily
- Using a mild detergent* and warm, drinking-quality water, gently clean your cushions/nasal pillows to remove any dirt, debris, and oils. Vinegar solutions (3:1, water:vinegar mix) can be used by soaking for 30 minutes to kill accumulated bacteria.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Allow to air dry, avoiding direct sunlight.
Mask Frame
Weekly
- Using a mild detergent* and warm, drinking-quality water, gently clean your mask frame to remove any dirt, debris, and oils. Vinegar solutions (3:1, water:vinegar mix) can be used by soaking for 30 minutes to kill accumulated bacteria.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Allow to air dry, avoiding direct sunlight.
Headgear
Weekly
- Using a mild detergent* and warm, drinking-quality water, gently clean your mask headgear to remove any dirt, debris, and oils. Do not use a vinegar solution.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Hang dry, avoiding direct sunlight.
Chinstrap
Weekly
- Using a mild detergent* and warm, drinking-quality water, gently clean your mask chinstrap to remove any dirt, debris, and oils. Do not use a vinegar solution.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Hang dry, avoiding direct sunlight.
*Avoid using strong detergents or soaps, especially those that contain harsh chemicals, perfumes, dyes, moisturizers, or alcohol.
You can find more useful information regarding CPAP cleaning with this blog:
CPAP Mask Replacement Schedule
Replacing your CPAP supplies regularly is essential to maintaining hygienic and effective CPAP therapy. This not only ensures that your CPAP equipment lasts as long as possible, but helps to prevent air leaks, skin irritation, and other side effects. Below is a recommended replacement schedule for your CPAP supplies:
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Nasal Pillows — Every 2 weeks
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Nasal Mask Cushions — Every 2 weeks
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Full Face Mask Cushions — Every 4 weeks
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Mask Frame — Every 3 months
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Headgear — Every 6 months
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Chinstraps — Every 6 months
- CPAP/BiPAP/APAP Machines — 5 years
Use our helpful Replacement Parts Finder tool to conveniently locate and order your replacement parts:
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Do CPAP Masks Require a Prescription?
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.
30 Day Mask Guarantee
Choose your next mask with confidence with our 30-day guarantee on new CPAP masks. 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.