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CPAP Masks FAQs

How do I choose the mask that is right for me?

We provide our customers with many tools to make informed decisions about their mask purchases. Options include:

Calling a CPAP Expert Toll Free. 1-800-356-5221.
Comparison Charts. These charts compare available machines, feature by feature. If you don't know the meaning of a feature, click on the question mark for a definition. Click on the image or name of the product for more detailed product information, pictures and resources.

Compare Most Popular Masks

Compare All Masks
Help Me Choose Guide. We created a guide to help you select the right mask or machine according to your preferences. The guide asks you a series of questions regarding your preferences and your facial features. Based on your answers we provide you with a comparison chart of the masks that meet your criteria. Get started here:

Help Me Choose - Mask
Browse Our Mask Product Categories. These categories show each machine our company offers, ranked by popularity. Popularity is determined by a mix of sales data and our in house opinion of the quality of the machine based on our experience and customer feedback. The best products float to the top of our categories.

Nasal Mask Category

Full Face Mask Category

Nasal Pillow Mask Category

Nasal Prong Mask Category

Hybrid Mask Category

Oral Mask Category

Total Face Mask Category
Return Insurance. With every mask we sell, you have the option of purchasing return insurance. Masks are FDA approved medical devices. Once a mask is used, it cannot be resold to another customer. We were the first in the industry to offer Return Insurance to our customers. Return Insurance provides 30 days for you to try a mask and return it for any reason for a refund of the price of the mask. If you are trying a mask for the first time, return insurance might be right for you.

How can I compare different masks?

Like our machine comparison chart, we have created a CPAP Mask Comparison Guide to help you compare different masks. This guide stacks up every mask we sell, feature by feature. If you don't know the meaning of a feature, click the question mark for a definition. The links below will take you to the most popular masks, or to the different types of masks we sell.

Compare Most Popular Masks

Compare All Nasal Masks

Compare All Full Face Masks

Compare All Nasal Pillow Masks

Compare All Nasal Prong Masks

Compare All Hybrid Masks

Compare All Oral Masks

Compare All Total Face CPAP Masks

Which CPAP masks work on which machines?

All CPAP masks work with all machines.

Are mask cushions interchangeable with other masks or can I use a different size cushion on the same frame?

The answer to this question varies on the mask. For most masks the mask frame will only accept cushions or pillows made for that specific mask. There are two masks by ResMed the Mirage SoftGel Nasal CPAP Mask and the Mirage Activa LT Nasal CPAP Mask where the cushions are interchangeable between the two masks. You can buy one of these masks and buy the same sized cushion of other mask and be able to use the cushions from either mask on the same mask frame.

As for whether you can use different sized cushions for a specific mask on the same mask frame, this also varies on the mask. Many masks frames are compatible with multiple cushion or pillow sizes. We provide this information on the product page. Please review the page of the specific product you are interested in to learn if you will need a different size mask for each size of cushion or pillow.

How often should I replace my mask?

Medicare allows for mask cushion replacement every three (3) months and complete mask system replacement every six (6) months. CPAP manufacturers and vendors suggest these replacement schedules as well.

In our experience, most mask cushions begin to deteriorate after about six months of use. The silicone eventually becomes too soft to hold a seal and headgear straps must be tightened more and more to get the same quality seal.

We strongly suggest replacing cushions and pillows as soon as they start to soften. Air leaks may reduce the effectiveness of CPAP therapy and headgear that is too tight may cause facial sores at pressure points. You can also replace the headgear of your mask if it is stretched out or the Velcro worn out.

To see what parts of your mask are replaceable refer to our Replacement Part Finder. Search for your mask and then see all of the replaceable parts.

How do I care for my mask?

Masks should be washed daily in warm water with baby shampoo and left to air dry. Never use antibacterial soap as it will break down the silicone of the mask. Avoid soaps with lotion or lanolin which can coat the mask and cause it to lose its seal. A safe cleaner is the Control III Disinfectant CPAP Cleaning Solution. Remember to go to bed with a clean face, this will improve your seal and protect the lifespan of your mask.
The best time to clean your mask is in the morning so that the oils from your skin are removed. We recommend using mask wipes to make daily morning cleanings easy. The mask wipes are made from materials that will not break down your mask.

What masks are recommended for people with small faces?

Some nasal and full face masks are offered in smaller sizes. Nasal pillow and nasal prong masks seal only at the nostrils. So with these masks, it only matters how bit the nostrils are. Also most nasal pillows masks come with all sizes included.

We have created a filter so you can easily see the masks that we would recommend for people with small faces. View masks for small faces.

I breathe through my mouth, what are my options?

If you are a mouth breather, you can wear most masks with a few adaptations. The nasal pillow, nasal prong or nasal mask can be worn with a chinstrap.

A full face mask or hybrid mask can be used without a chinstrap because the seal covers your nose and mouth. A full face mask will allow you to breathe through your mouth or through your nose.

If you have or develop chronic sinus problems, a full face mask or an oral face mask are the ones to try. Oral masks work best for mouth breathers with blocked nasal passages. You must use a heated humidifier with the oral mask. CPAP.com sells the Oracle HC452 Oral CPAP mask.

If you are a mouth breather who does not want to or cannot wear a chinstrap, please see our recommended masks for Mouth Breathers.

I sleep on my side or stomach, what are my options?

Sleeping on your side or stomach is preferable to sleeping on your back because sleeping on your back worsens all forms of sleep-disordered breathing. However, sleeping on your side or stomach can present problems to CPAP therapy. Both positions can put pressure on one side of your mask increasing your leak rate. Your options are to (1) try a mask that other side sleepers like (2) try bed pillows made for CPAP users.

Masks: We have found some masks allow for movement in sleeping position better than others. See our recommended masks for Active or Side/Stomach Sleepers.
Special CPAP Pillows: Regular bed pillows can put pressure against the mask and cause leaks. CPAP pillows are made with CPAP users in mind. These special pillows are designed to minimize the contact of the CPAP mask with the pillow, even when you are sleeping on your side.

I have a deviated septum, what mask should I choose?

With a deviated septum, you likely breathe through your mouth. A mask that delivers air to the nasal passageway will not be as effective as one that delivers air to the mouth. A full face mask, hybrid mask, or an oral mask will serve you well.

If you awake in the morning to find your mouth is dry, then you are most likely breathing through your mouth, and one of these masks will work for you. See our masks for Mouth Breathers.

What type of mask works for people with full beards?

Full Face Masks work well for CPAP users with full beards. One tip is to smooth the beard with lanolin where the seal makes contact.

Nasal Pillow Masks are also liked by full bearded CPAP users. If you are a mouth breather remember to use a chinstrap.

Total face masks encompass the entire face and can be an option for people with facial hair.

Masks with a gel or foam cushion can also be better with facial hair to be able to mold better to the face to create a seal.

See our recommended masks for people with Facial Hair.

Why is air leaking from my mouth?

Air leaks from the mouth whenever the mouth is opened during CPAP therapy. This occurs for many reasons, but a very common one is due to nasal irritation from the CPAP airflow.

The correlation between a lack of humidification and mouth leaks is a topic being heavily researched. Studies are now being conducted on the hypothesis that a large amount of mouth leakage is caused by the following cycle:

CPAP therapy is used with ineffective or no humidification.
The nasal membranes are unable to adequately condition the increased airflow and after a few minutes the airway and nasal passages become dry.
To remedy the dryness and obtain moisture, the body uses the mouth to breathe.
CPAP air follows the path of least resistance and leaks out of the open mouth.
The air leaking through the mouth causes more dryness.
Patient wakes up feeling tired with significant dryness in mouth and dry, swollen nasal passages.

The answer to this cycle is humidification. If the mouth continues to open during sleep, a chinstrap may be needed to hold the jaw up so that the mouth can close. If mouth breathing continues, a full face mask, hybrid mask, or oral mask is suggested. See our recommended masks for Mouth Breathers.

Are prescriptions required for mask, machine and/or humidifier purchases?

Yes. Federal law requires we have a valid prescription on file before we ship your mask, machine and/or humidifier.

We provide many easy ways to get your prescription:

We can request your prescription for you! When you checkout, just let us know you would like us to request your prescription, or you can log into your account to have us request your prescription.
Fax your prescription to our Toll Free fax number: 1-866-353-2727, or our international fax number: 713-541-7370
Email your prescription to cpap@cpap.com
Upload your prescription in your account, under the prescriptions section

For more information on prescriptions, please see our Prescription Section of the Learning Center.

What does a mask prescription need to say?

Contains one of the following words or phrases: "CPAP Mask", "CPAP Supplies", "CPAP Humidifier", "CPAP", "Continuous Positive Airway Pressure", "APAP", "AutoPAP", "AutoSet", "Auto CPAP", "Auto Adjusting CPAP", "Self Adjusting CPAP", "BiPAP", "BiLevel", "VPAP", "BiPAP Auto", "BiPAP ST", "Synchrony ST", "VPAP ST"
Contains physician's contact information
Contains physician's signature
Contains the patient's full name

What are the CPAP, BiPAP and Sleep Apnea related billing codes?

EO601 RR is CPAP rental
E0601 NU is CPAP purchase
A7034 is CPAP mask
A7032 is CPAP Nasal mask cushion
A7033 is CPAP Nasal pillows
A7030 is CPAP Full Face mask
A7031 is CPAP Full Face mask cushion
A7044 is CPAP Oral Interface
A7027 is CPAP Hybrid mask
A7028 is CPAP Hybrid mask cushion
A7029 is CPAP Hybrid mask nasal pillow
A7046 is CPAP Humidifier Chamber
A7037 is CPAP tubing, long and short hoses
A4604 is CPAP Heated tubing
A7038 is CPAP disposable filter
A7039 is CPAP gross particle (foam) filter
A7035 is CPAP headgear
A7036 is CPAP chinstrap
E0561 NU is CPAP Passover Humidifier
E0562 NU is CPAP Heated Humidifier
E0470 RR is BiPAP rental
E0470 NU is BiPAP purchase
E0471 RR is BiPAP-ST rental
E0471 NU is BiPAP-ST purchase

Other CPAP items are listed under E1399, which is miscellaneous.

How can I get help from a CPAP Expert?

Ask A Question. Question Submission Form.
Email Us. cpap@cpap.com.
By Phone. 1-800-356-5221 (7 AM -10 PM CST Mon-Fri; 8 AM - 6 PM CST Sat)
By Fax. 1-866-353-2727

How can I find replacement parts for my CPAP Mask?

For many masks there are many parts that are replaceable like the mask cushion, headgear, headgear clicks, mask frame, and other parts. To find what parts are compatible with your mask or to find what parts of your mask are replaceable you can:

Use our Replace Part Wizard to identify your mask and see all the related parts.
Browse for your mask and then click the "Replacement Parts" button on your mask's product page.

How do I stop mask leaks?

Air leaks are caused by masks that are too big, too old, or just the wrong style.

Air leaking into the eyes is usually an indication that the mask is too big (long) as are leaks at the base of the nose. Leaks may also occur under the nose due to facial hair.

As the silicone in the mask cushion ages, it deteriorates and becomes too soft to hold a seal. For many masks, you can get a replacement cushion. See our Replacement Part Finder to see if your mask has a replaceable cushion.

You may be able to tighten it enough to stop the leaking when you go to sleep, but during the night it will loosen and leak.

Mask Leaks may also be caused by the pillow pushing against the mask and changing the position of the mask. There are special CPAP pillows which are are designed to minimize the contact of the CPAP mask with the pillow, even when you are sleeping on your side.

Why is the bridge of my nose sore?

Sores at the bridge of the nose or below the nose are usually due to tightening the headgear straps too much. The pressure will create soreness, then a bruise, and may eventually create an open sore if left untreated.

Headgear is usually tightened too much to reduce or eliminate air leaks. A small degree of this may be necessary, but too much is an indication that the mask is too large, too old or just the wrong style.

If your mask is six to nine months old and the silicone is becoming too soft to hold a seal, try replacing it. Find the right replacement cushion for your mask using our Replacement Part Finder.

It is usually necessary to stop wearing a mask to allow these sores to heal. Nasal pillows are an option in the meantime.

Why do I wake up to find my mask is off?

People remove their mask during sleep because they are not getting enough air.

The CPAP pressure may be reduced if your mask is leaking. Your mask may be too big or too old. We would suggest you resize your mask to be sure you have the best size. If your mask fits you but is six to nine months old, it should be replaced. As the silicone in the mask cushion ages, it deteriorates and becomes too soft to hold a seal. For many masks, you can get a replacement cushion. See our Replacement Part Finder to see if your mask has a replaceable cushion.

If the CPAP air is being delivered effectively, it may be that it is set too low. Pressure settings may require change due to weight gain or loss. The type of sleep study you had and the duration of sleep may indicate that your pressure could be adjusted. You should speak to your doctor if you think your pressure may need to be adjusted.

How do I avoid red marks?

Most red marks on the face are caused by over tightening the CPAP mask. CPAP masks should only be tightened down enough to create a seal. To avoid over tightening your mask, you should work clockwise around the mask, making small adjustments to the headgear, until the mask is securely in place but not overly tight. You should avoid pulling too much on one side of the mask than then other.

By cleaning your mask cushion, nasal pillows, and nasal prongs on a daily basis, you ensure a better seal each time you put on your mask. If you know you have a mask that fits, and are cleaning it daily, and still have red marks, consider using mask straps pads which are soft covering for the headgear straps.

Why is my face breaking out around my nose?

Sores, redness and bumps around your nose can be caused by one three main reasons: facial oils are building up under the mask material; the mask is overly tight; or the mask material is causing an allergic reaction.

A breakout can occur from the facial oils building up under the mask at night. You can help minimize this by washing your face before putting on the mask at night and by cleaning the oils off the mask every morning. If you are still experiencing a breakout, you might consider Nasal Pillow masks which have less material that comes in contact with the skin.

Most masks are made of silicone, which is an inert substance. But silicone is manufactured in chemicals to which some people are allergic. The chemicals normally degrade and disperse over time, but may cause a reaction when first used. The solution is to remove surface chemicals before using the mask. Washing the mask will reduce or eliminate the problem. This process can be accelerated by long soaks in warm soapy water. This method can be used with all types of masks, and should also be applied to mask replacement parts. While soaking the mask will help remove the surface chemicals, it my reduce the life of the silicone.

Sores at the bridge of the nose or below the nose are usually due to tightening the headgear straps too much. The pressure will create soreness, then a bruise, and may eventually create an open sore if left untreated. Your mask should seal when worn comfortably. If you have to over tighten your mask to get a good seal, consider switching to another mask type. To avoid over tightening your mask, you should work clockwise around the mask, making small adjustments to the headgear, until the headgear in securely in place but not overly tight. You should avoid pulling too much on one side of the mask than then other.

Why do I wake up feeling bloated with air in my stomach and intestines?

Bloating is a sign that you are swallowing the CPAP air. There is no real medical solution, but we have found that sleeping position may be a factor. Try sleeping as flat as possible first, even without a pillow. If that position doesn't help, try sleeping on your side or elevated, whichever one you don't sleep in now.

If changing your position doesn't resolve the problem, talk to your doctor about the possibility of lowering your pressure a bit. It may let a few apneas through, but the trade-off might be worth it.

Why am I getting sores inside my nose?

Sores inside the nose may be caused by nasal pillow or nasal prong devices that are too big or the wrong shape for your nose.

If you use nasal pillows, try the smallest size available that seals around your nares. Your nose might also be sensitive to the presence of the nasal pillows, and it might take time for your nose to "toughen up" and adjust to the nasal pillows. Try switching back and forth between the nasal pillow mask and a nasal mask. You might also try nose lubricants to reduce the irritation.

Nasal prongs must be inserted into the nostrils and seal tightly, so they may cause irritation or sores. It may be just a matter of your nose "toughening up" over time, so try switching back and forth between the nasal prong device and a nasal mask. If the sores do not heal, we suggest you discontinue using the nasal prongs.

Sores inside the nose may also be caused by the CPAP air drying out the mucous membrane. Adding moisture with a heated humidifier will help alleviate the problem.

Why is my nose so dried out?

The primary reason why nasal passages sometimes dry out from CPAP use is lack of adequate humidification.

CPAP air is an irritant - to one degree or another - to everyone. The irritation may cause the nasal passages to dry out and bleed, or the mucous membranes may try to protect the nasal passages by producing excess mucous and so congestion results. And the irritation can be cumulative; the problem may develop over time. Furthermore, dry, cracked or bleeding nasal passages are a breeding ground for infection.

Add a heated humidifier to add moisture to the CPAP air and reduce or eliminate the irritation. A passover humidifier may not offer enough moisture. If you are already using a heated humidifier, try turning it up to a higher setting. If that produces condensation in the six foot hose, you should try an insulating cover for the hose. You can also try using a nose lubricant to reduce the dryness.

Why is my mouth dry in the morning?

Dry mouth is a sign that you are opening your mouth while you sleep. If you use nasal mask, breathing through your mouth bypasses any humidification you may be using so increasing the heat will not be effective. Breathing through your mouth while using a nasal mask reduces the benefit of the CPAP therapy.

First be sure the mask is not leaking. If it is six to nine months old and leaking, try replacing it. If it is new and leaking, we can help you get a better size.

If your mask is new and NOT leaking, try a chinstrap to keep your jaw up and mouth closed. If a chinstrap doesn't solve the problem, try masks recommended for Mouth Breathers.

If you use a full face mask and have a dry mouth, try adding a heated humidifier to add moisture.

Why do I wake up with dry eyes?

Air leaking from the mask at the bridge of the nose and over the eyes during sleep will cause the eyes to dry out. The most common reason for air leaking at the nose bridge is that the mask is too big or too long for the nose.

We would suggest you resize your mask to be sure you have the best size. A mask that has an adjustment at the bridge may also be helpful in getting a good fit. Nasal pillow or nose cushion devices which do not rest on the nose are also an option.

It is not advisable to tighten the headgear to eliminate the air leak. Pressure from a mask that is too tight will cause bruises and even open sores if applied long enough.

Why am I congested from CPAP use?

The primary reason why nasal passages sometimes dry out from CPAP use is lack of adequate humidification.

CPAP air is an irritant - to one degree or another - to everyone. The irritation may cause the nasal passages to dry out and bleed, or the mucous membranes may try to protect the nasal passages by producing excess mucous and so congestion results. And the irritation can be cumulative; the problem may develop over time. Furthermore, dry, cracked or bleeding nasal passages are a breeding ground for infection.

Add a heated humidifier to add moisture to the CPAP air and reduce or eliminate the irritation. A passover humidifier may not offer enough moisture. If you are already using a heated humidifier, try turning it up to a higher setting. If that produces condensation in the six foot hose, you should try an insulating cover for the hose. You can also try using a nose lubricant to reduce the dryness.

You can also try using a sinus rinse before going to bed and again once you wake in the morning to help clear your sinuses.

What can I do for sinus and congestion relief?

A lot of new CPAP users report having an increase in sinus congestion after starting CPAP therapy. When treating your Obstructive Sleep Apnea, sinus congestion presents a roadblock to healthy breathing. CPAP air is an irritant - to one degree or another - to everyone. The irritation may cause the nasal passages to dry out and bleed, or the mucous membranes may try to protect the nasal passages by producing excess mucous and so congestion results.

The best option is to add a heated humidifier to add moisture to the CPAP air and reduce or eliminate the irritation. If you are already using a heated humidifier, try turning it up to a higher setting. If that produces condensation in the six foot hose, you should try an insulating cover for the hose. Other options are to:

Wait and See
Visit your the ear/nose/throat doctor, and let them know you are on CPAP therapy.
Try using a sinus rinse before going to bed and again once you wake in the morning to help clear your sinuses.

As a general rule, persons with Obstructive Sleep Apnea should avoid using sedating medicines. Sedating medicines relax the muscles of the air passage even more and can effect your apneas. You should consult your doctor before using these types of medicines.

Does this product contain BPA?

Yes, all CPAP masks either contain BPA or their manufacturer has not released a statement calling their products BPA free. Here is a statement released by Respironics:

Government of Canada Takes Action on Another Chemical of Concern: Bisphenol A

April 25th 2008

To Whom It May Concern

This document represents Respironics' position regarding the use of Bisphenol A in Respironics Sleep and Home Respiratory Devices. On April 18, 2008, the Government of Canada, banned the use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in polycarbonate baby bottles, claiming that the exposure to BPA on newborns and infants up to 18 months of age, could potentially present a health risk to this patient group when the polycarbonate baby bottles are exposed to high temperatures.

At this time, we are able to provide the following information to our customer: NONE of our Sleep and Home Respiratory products which are either breathable or skin contacting are intended for use with newborns or infants under 18 months of age. Therefore, Respironics is in compliance with Health Canada's position for exposure for the identified at risk patient population.

Although Health Canada's restriction for BPA does not include products used for ages above 18 months at this time, Respironics is evaluating its product portfolio and will take the appropriate actions to determine and mitigate any potential risk from use of its products or potential exposure to BPA. It should be noted that NOT all polycarbonate resins contain BPA. In response to the direction provided by Health Canada's device licensing division, Respironics will be evaluating all of our Class II and III medical devices to determine if the resins used in the manufacturer of its products contain BPA.

Further, none of our products or accessories using polycarbonate are labeled for exposure.

In closing it is Respironics position that our products do not pots any increased risk of exposure to BPA for our users and thus our products remain safe for use.

If you have any further question regarding this topic, please feel free to contact me at zita.yurko@respironics.com or at 724-387-4120.

Regards,

Zita Yurko Director, Regulatory Affairs Sleep and Home Respiratory Division Respironics, Inc.

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Did You Know, CPAP Masks

If you are worried about sizing, select a mask with a fit pack so you know your size is in the bag!
Every mask is compatible with every machine.

CPAP.com offers over 70 different masks!
If you experience nasal irritation, consider alternating between your nasal pillow system and your nasal mask.