Which CPAP masks are best for you?
Many CPAP mask options available
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) masks and headgear come in different styles and sizes to comfortably treat sleep apnea.
There are a variety of CPAP masks available to find the best fit for you. Everyone has different needs, preferences and face shape. You may need to try different mask styles before you find one that works best for you.
Proper sizing is important because the right fit adds to comfort and performance. And sizes may vary across styles and brands. For example, if you take a size small in one type, it doesn’t mean you’ll need a small in a different brand. You may need to try on several styles and sizes to find one that’s the most comfortable and works well for you.
Here’s a look at a few CPAP mask styles and some possible benefits of each. Work with your health care provider and your CPAP mask supplier. They can help you find a mask that suits your needs and fits you properly.
Nasal pillow mask
Nasal pillows fit at the nostrils to supply air pressure. These types of masks might be good if:
- You feel claustrophobic in masks that cover more of your face.
- You want a full field of vision for reading or watching TV.
- You want to wear your glasses.
- You have facial hair that interferes with other masks.
Nasal masks
Nasal masks cover the nose to supply air pressure. These masks might be good if:
- Your doctor has prescribed a high air pressure setting.
- You move around a lot in your sleep.
Full-face masks, also called oronasal masks
Full face masks cover the nose and mouth to supply air pressure. These masks might be a good choice if:
- You have nasal blockage or congestion that makes it hard to breathe through your nose.
- You breathe through your mouth at night despite a month of trying a nasal mask or nasal pillow. A nasal mask or nasal pillow are typically combined with a heated humidity feature, a chin strap or both to keep your mouth closed.
Oral mask, known as a hybrid mask
A hybrid mask delivers air pressure through the mouth. These masks might be right for you if:
- You breathe through your mouth.
- You wear eyeglasses.
Jan. 31, 2024
- Olson EJ (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Oct. 27, 2021.
- Lima de Andrade Xavier J, et al. Clinical decision-making for continuous positive airway pressure mask selection. Sleep Medicine Clinics. 2022; doi:10.1016/j.jsmc.2022.07.011.
- Friedman M, et al. CPAP, APAP and BiPAP. In: Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Surgical and Non-surgical Therapy. 2nd ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 14, 2023.
- Weaver TE, et al. Assessing and managing nonadherence with continuous positive airway pressure. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed October 6, 2021.
- Genta PR, et al. The importance of mask selection on continuous positive airway pressure outcomes for obstructive sleep apnea. An official American Thoracic Society workshop report. Annals of the American Thoracic Society. 2020; doi:10.1513/AnnalsATS.202007-864ST.
- Kryger M, et al., eds. Positive airway pressure treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. In: Principles and Practice of Sleep Medicine. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 14, 2023.
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