Selecting a nasal pillow mask can take some work. While the design sounds like it would be pretty simple and straightforward across the board, dozens of options exist with a variety of unique features.
These masks are meant for people who breathe primarily through their nose. But there are lots of other factors to consider and to be honest, it can get overwhelming! So, whether you’re new to CPAP or have been struggling to find the right mask for years, we’re here to help by highlighting some of our best nasal pillow masks for 2024, starting with the ResMed AirFit P10 Nasal Pillow Mask!
Best Nasal Pillow CPAP Masks in 2024
- Best Overall: ResMed AirFit P10 Nasal Pillow Mask
- Best for Active Sleepers: Phillips DreamWear Gel Nasal Pillow Mask
- Most Comfortable: Brevida Nasal Pillow Mask
- Most Secure Fit: ResMed Swift FX Nasal Pillow Mask
Best Overall: ResMed AirFit P10 Nasal Pillow Mask
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No Forehead Straps | Nasal Pillows Can Cause Nasal Irritation |
| Easy to Put on and Take Off | Some Users Report that the Headgear Stretches |
| Creates Only 21 Decibels of Sound | Straps May Be Too Small for Those with Larger Heads |
| Lightweight Design | Plastic Headgear Adjustor May Cause Discomfort |
| Maximum Visibility | Air Leaks Occur Easily Without the Proper Pillow Fit |
| Nasal Pillows Provide Strong Seal | Direct Airflow Can Cause Discomfort at High Pressure |
| Smaller Design Available | |
| Headgear Features an Adjustable Clip for a Perfect Fit |
Customer Highlights
GO-TO FOR NIGHTLY USE!— 5 Stars: “This pillow mask setup is pretty comfortable and fairly unobtrusive. It stays on whether I’m sleeping on my back or on my side as long as I don’t lie on the tube. The whole thing is very flexible and lightweight. When I sleep on my back, I simply move the tube straight down over my chest, and a bed sheet is enough to hold it in place and prevent it from drooping down to the side. I’ve looked at other masks but have decided to stick with this one for nightly use. The strap and pillows are comfortable. I might consider a backup face mask for when I have a cold and the sniffles, as the pillow mask obviously does not work great in those scenarios.” Verified Purchase 04/26/2023
ResMed AirFit P10 Nasal Pillow Mask Details
Our best overall pick is the tried and true ResMed AirFit P10 Nasal Pillow Mask! If we could use one word to describe this mask, it would be “reliable”. After nearly a decade on the market, it is often the top choice for people who use nasal pillow masks. It offers many of the same features as any other nasal pillow design but with an impressive track record to back it up!
Related Reading: AirFit P10 Mask Review
Why We Chose This Mask
- QuickFit Headgear: This mask is incredibly easy to put on, thanks to ResMed’s QuickFit headgear! This design is generally considered to be “one-size-fits-all” and allows the straps to simply slip over the head, as you would a headband. However, in 2021, this headgear was updated to include an adjustable side clip, which allows you to achieve an even more perfect fit every time!
- Stable, Comfortable Seal: This mask features dual-wall technology, which creates an immediate seal and helps to hold the nasal pillows in place as soon as they are inserted into the nostrils. This added stability also gives you the freedom to move around without having to worry about air leaks or having the nasal pillows fall out.
- Fewer Facial Touch Points: The AirFit P10 is one of the most compact CPAP masks available today. The included headgear has a minimalistic design as well, with just one small strap that goes around the head and connects on either side of the nose.
- QuietAir Technology: Compared to the competition, the AirFit P10 is one of the quietest masks on the market today! Like many modern ResMed CPAP masks, the AirFit P10 Nasal Pillow Mask features QuietAir Technology, which significantly minimizes the sound of air flowing through the mask. This means fewer disruptions for you and the person you sleep beside!
This Mask Is Ideal For
- Side Sleepers: Nasal pillow masks are usually much better for side sleepers compared to traditional-style CPAP masks. This is especially true with the AirFit P10 due to its strong seal and dual-wall cushion design.
- Mild and Moderate Pressure Settings: Most nasal pillows are designed to withstand mild to moderate pressure settings. One of the common complaints we get regarding this style of mask is that they can cause nose irritation if the pressure setting is too high.
- People with Claustrophobia: Thanks to its minimalistic headgear and standard under-the-nose nasal pillow design, the AirFit P10 is a really good mask for people who hate having a CPAP mask covering a large portion of their face.
- For Her Edition: The AirFit P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask For Her is designed specifically to meet the needs of our female customers who prefer a nasal pillow mask. The mask is lightweight and provides a tight seal. It also comes equipped with the QuickFit Headgear. The included nasal pillows are in the sizes of extra small, small, and medium to meet the needs of a smaller facial structure.
Best for Active Sleepers: Phillips DreamWear Gel Nasal Pillow Mask
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No Forehead Straps | Top-of-Head Designs Has Air Flowing Past the Ears |
| Allows for More Movement During Sleep | Nasal Pillows Can Cause Nasal Irritation |
| Soft, Lightweight Frame Design | Additional Headgear Sizes Are Ordered Separately |
| Maximum Visibility | Air Leaks Occur Easily Without the Proper Pillow Fit |
| Gel Nasal Pillows Provide a Strong Seal | May Be Louder than Alternative Designs |
| Smaller Design Available | Direct Airflow Can Cause Discomfort at High Pressure |
| Can Purchase a Fabric Cover to Reduce Skin Irritation |
Customer Highlights
GREAT PRODUCT!— 5 Stars: “I exchanged this to replace the DreamWear Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear. I had a problem with air leakage, which made my nose sore. The headgear is the same on both, it is just the nasal pillows that are different. I really like the headgear as it keeps the hose out of the way and I don’t even notice the sides on my face. The airflow is not obstructed for side sleepers. No air leakage. It may be slightly noisier, but that actually helps me sleep. Great product.” Verified Purchase 09/01/2020
Phillips DreamWear Gel Nasal Pillow Mask Details
Coming in at number two, the DreamWear Gel Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask is one of the more uniquely designed masks on our list! This CPAP mask lets you move around in bed as much as you want, thanks to its uniquely designed headgear and strong nasal pillow seal. The DreamWear may be preferred by a wearer who dislikes a mask with headgear straps on their face or dislikes a mask that seems tight or claustrophobic. It also uses gel nasal pillows to create a secure seal around the nostrils to boost your comfort level.
Related Reading: DreamWear Mask Review
Why We Chose This Mask
- Top-of-Head Hose Connection: Thanks to its top-of-the-head hose connection point and 360-degree movement, this mask lets you move freely in bed and even sleep on your side without getting tangled up in those tubes and hoses!
- Soft Fit Silicone Frame: While masks with top-of-the-head hose connections are great for active sleepers, many of those masks feature bulky tubing that isn’t flexible or comfortable. However, this DreamWear frame is made with soft silicone that doesn’t dig into your face, even while tossing and turning.
- Gel Nasal Pillows: While most traditional nasal pillows are made with silicone, this DreamWear mask features gel pillows. There are a few potential benefits to this. Gel tends to conform to the shape of your nostrils more readily and holds that shape longer. Some people find that they get a stronger seal with gel pillows.
- Minimal Facial Touch Points: This minimal contact design won’t block your field of view, meaning fewer red marks and a lower risk for skin sensitivity. Plus, you have a wide-open field of view, so you can enjoy reading or watching TV before drifting off to sleep!
This Mask Is Ideal For
- Active Sleepers: Thanks to the top-of-the-head hose connection, 360-degree swivel, and minimal facial touch points, this mask is perfect for people who toss and turn at night!
- Facial Hair: With a gel nasal pillow design and a reputation for having a strong seal, the DreamWear Gel Nasal Pillow mask is a great option for people with facial hair who struggle to wear other styles of CPAP masks.
- Watching TV or Reading: Like many nasal pillow masks, this DreamWear mask offers a clear field of view which means you can wear it while watching TV or even reading in bed!
Most Comfortable: Brevida Nasal Pillow Mask
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No Forehead Straps | Direct Airflow Can Cause Discomfort at High Pressure |
| Easy to Assemble | Nasal Pillows Can Cause Nasal Irritation |
| Allows for More Movement With Swivel Attachment | Headgear Straps Can Be Difficult to Adjust for Some |
| Inflatable AirPillow Gives Personalized Nasal Pillow Fit | Air Leaks Occur Easily Without the Proper Pillow Fit |
| Maximum Visibility | Some Users May Prefer More Firm Nasal Pillows |
| Smaller Design Available | |
| Unique Design Provides Additional Stability | |
| Easy-to-Adjust Straps |
Customer Highlights
I CAN SLEEP AGAIN!— 5 Stars: “After over ten years of using a CPAP machine, I have FINALLY found a mask that doesn’t leak, is incredibly quiet, and has an outgoing air diffuser/filter that keeps my husband from complaining that I am “blowing air” on him! The headgear is perfect and stays put for the most part. Its low profile allows me to watch tv or read with an unobstructed view. I wake up far fewer times (mostly not at all) to adjust the mask or headgear.” Verified Purchase 01/16/2021
Brevida Nasal Pillow Mask Details
The Brevida Nasal Pillow Mask has generated a lot of buzz, and it’s easy to see why! It offers an innovative design with a personalized nasal pillow fit. We love that this mask is easy to put together and utilizes a lot of unique features to maximize comfort.
Related Reading: Brevida Nasal Pillow Mask Review
Why We Chose This Mask
- Unique Inflatable AirPillow Design: The standout feature of this mask is undoubtedly the AirPillow design, which allows the nasal pillows to inflate into the nostrils as the mask fills with air. This gives you the ultimate personalized CPAP nasal pillow fit and a strong seal that is further supported by an outer shell that resembles a nasal cradle and extends to the base of the cheekbones.
- VisiBlue for Fast Assembly: While some modern CPAP masks can be difficult to set up, this one is user-friendly straight out of the box. The Brevida Nasal Pillow Mask offers a lightweight, simplistic design with color-coded parts, so you can be sure you are assembling it correctly every time! And when it comes time for cleaning, the nasal pillows easily click out of place for quick disassembly.
- Ball and Socket Hose Connection: The Brevida features a swivel-style ball and socket hose connection between the nasal pillow and the mask hose. This design gives you greater freedom to move around in bed, making it much easier to get comfortable before going to sleep.
- Mesh Diffuser: One of the critical components of all CPAP masks is the exhalation port. These ports are basically holes that are strategically located on the shell of the mask, and their purpose is to allow excess air to flow out of the device rather than building up and causing air leaks. On top of this standard feature, the Brevida includes a washable mesh diffuser, which acts as an additional exhalation vent. Because of this design, the Brevida is said to be quieter and less likely to have air leaks compared to many competitors.
This Mask Is Ideal For
- Side Sleepers: The Brevida is supported by adjustable, flattened head straps. Between this headgear design, the ball and socket hose connection, and a supportive nasal cradle shell, this mask is perfect for side sleepers!
- People Who Struggle With Air Leaks: Thanks to its inflatable nasal pillows and cradle-like cushion, the Brevida offers a strong comfortable seal that is unlike most other nasal pillow masks. This unique design means that this mask is definitely worth a try, even if you have experienced air leaks with other masks in the past!
- Wearing Glasses: Similar to side sleeping, finding a CPAP mask that can comfortably be worn with glasses can be hard. However, the flat design of the Brevida headgear lets you slide your glasses over your head straps, allowing them to rest comfortably on your ears as if you weren’t wearing a CPAP mask at all.
Most Secure Fit: ResMed Swift FX Nasal Pillow Mask
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No Forehead Straps | Direct Airflow Can Cause Discomfort at High Pressure |
| Simple to Adjust Headgear | Nasal Pillows Can Cause Nasal Irritation |
| Easy to Put On and Take Off | One-Size Headgear Doesn’t Always Fit All |
| Soft-to-Touch Frame | Air Leaks Occur Easily Without the Proper Pillow Fit |
| Maximum Visibility | Some Users Say the Exhalation Ports Create Noise |
| Smaller Design Available | Headgear Can Be Difficult to Secure Initially |
| Strong Seal Even at Higher Pressures | Extra Small Pillows Must Be Purchased Separately |
| Soft Headgear Wraps Limit Skin Irritations |
Customer Highlights
I RECOMMEND!— 5 Stars: “Over the past 30-plus years, I have tried numerous masks and nasal pillows. This product is the best for a number of reasons – comfort, fit, long-lasting, easy to clean (in the shower), and well-constructed. I recommend this product without reservation.” Verified Purchase 11/03/2020
ResMed Swift FX Nasal Pillow Mask Details
The Swift FX Nasal Pillow Mask has a cool, sleek design with a flexible chamber that provides additional stability for side sleepers. Its silicone headgear is comfortable and easy to adjust, plus it features a unique hose connection, which gives you room to move without losing your mask seal. Additionally, this mask can be paired with a lot of other ResMed accessories, meaning you can customize it to make it comfortable for you!
Why We Chose This Mask
- Highly Adjustable Headgear: It can be tough to get a perfect fit when it comes to CPAP headgear. ResMed’s Swift FX features a buckle at the top of the head plus an adjustable low-profile backstrap.
- Includes Cloth Wraps for Headgear: The ResMed SwiftFX also includes fabric wraps for your headgear. We love that this accessory is included, as they can reduce skin irritation and red marks.
- 360-Degree Swivel Short Tube: The SwiftFX connects to your CPAP machine via a short tube, which swivels 360 degrees. This design gives you some extra room between your mask and your CPAP hose, giving you more freedom to move around while lying in bed.
- Unique Headgear Option: While the standard headgear design works for a wide variety of people, it’s always nice to see alternative options, which is one big reason why we love this mask! Enter Bella Headgear Loops. When you purchase the SwiftFX, you can also order these unique ear loops. This product is designed to replace your traditional style head straps. Simply attach the Bella Headgear to your mask, put the nasal pillows in place, then loop the headgear straps behind each ear as if you were wearing a hospital mask.
This Mask Is Ideal For
- Moderate to Higher Pressure Settings: Most nasal pillow masks are designed to be used with mild to moderate air pressures. However, ResMed’s SwiftFX has dual wall flaps in each nasal pillow and has been shown to maintain a strong seal even at higher pressure settings.
- Side Sleepers: Generally speaking, nasal pillows are the ideal CPAP mask for side sleepers due to their reputation for having a strong seal and minimal facial footprint. That said, some of these masks feature bulky or uncomfortable headgear, which makes side sleeping difficult. But this is not the case with the SwiftFX! It features flat, silicone headgear plus a 360-degree swivel short tube, both of which make it easy to lay on your side!
- For Her Edition: Like the ResMed AirFit P10, the SwiftFX also comes in petite sizes with additional colors!
What to Consider When Choosing a Nasal Pillow Mask
When it comes to selecting the right mask for you, there are several things to consider. Let’s go over the most common factors that people need to keep in mind when getting a new mask!
Expert Recommendations: Your healthcare provider or sleep specialist may have some advice when it comes to choosing a CPAP mask. For example, you may require a higher pressure setting or need a specific style of mask due to a pre-existing condition. So be sure to keep their suggestions in mind!
Fit: Poorly fitted CPAP masks tend to cause all sorts of issues, including skin irritation, air leaks, additional noise, and more! Choosing a mask that fits your face shape and head size is important.
Breathing Style: As the name suggests, nasal pillows are suited to people who are capable of primarily breathing through their noses throughout the night. If you tend to sleep with your mouth open, you can purchase a chin strap to hold it closed while undergoing sleep apnea therapy with any kind of nasal CPAP mask.
Comfort: Not every CPAP mask is going to meet your needs, and that’s okay! Nasal pillow masks are popular among people who find that other styles make them feel claustrophobic. Meanwhile, others may dislike the feeling of having a direct flow of air straight into their nostrils and may prefer a traditional nasal mask.
Compatibility: While most masks are designed to fit with the vast majority of CPAP machines, there are instances where a standard CPAP mask may require an adapter to fit with your machine. The best-known example of this is the ResMed AirMini, which features a smaller-than-normal connection point, but pairs with the Zephair Hose Adapter. So you can continue using your favorite CPAP mask without giving up your favorite machine!
Air Hose Connection: CPAP tubing is famous for getting tangled, especially if you toss and turn in your sleep. Luckily, manufacturers have taken this to heart and begun to get creative when solving this problem. Top-of-the-Head connection points allow for 360-degree rotation while you sleep. So you can get comfortable without getting tangled!
Pressure Setting: While popular, nasal pillows tend to be the last choice among those who require high air pressure settings. This is because the direct flow of air that is produced by nasal pillows is more likely to cause sinus irritation when paired with a stream of high-flow air.
Nose/Nostril Size: Most manufacturers include a selection of nasal pillow sizes when you order one of these masks. However, if you often struggle to get a secure fit, it may be worth trying out a design that provides a more personalized fit, such as the Brevida Nasal Pillow Mask, which we discussed above.
Sleeping Position: If we’re being honest, one of the most difficult aspects of CPAP therapy is ensuring you stay on your back throughout the night. But recent innovations have made this less of a requirement and more of a preference. If you find yourself tossing and turning or like to sleep on your side or belly, it may be worth trying a mask with a top-of-the-head connection point or a nasal pillow mask with additional support around the nose.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Nasal Pillow Masks
Why Does My CPAP Nasal Pillow Mask Hurt My Nose?
There are a few reasons why your CPAP nasal pillow mask could be hurting your nose. The most likely issue is that your nose is reacting to having air blown directly into your nostrils, which is causing nose sores. However, if you are new to nasal pillows, your nose may simply still be sensitive to having some object rub against it each night, or you could actually have an allergy to the materials used to make your mask.
How Can I Make My Nasal Pillow Mask More Comfortable?
To make your CPAP more comfortable, start with making sure you are using the correct mask for your air pressure level. Nasal pillow masks are usually intended for mild or moderate pressures. If you develop nose sores inside your nose, you can try putting a small amount of lanolin on the affected area. Be sure to avoid using petroleum based products while wearing your mask.
How Often Should I Replace My CPAP Nasal Pillow Mask?
You should replace your CPAP mask every three months. However, your nasal pillow cushions should be replaced each month.
Final Thoughts
After coming onto the market a few years ago, nasal pillows have quickly grown in popularity over the years. In fact, experts often suggest starting out with a nasal pillow mask because they tend to be much more comfortable and easier to adjust to. So, if you’ve been struggling to find the right mask for you, maybe it’s time to try out one of these masks today, starting with the ResMed AirFit P10 Nasal Pillow Mask!
2 Responses
Do you accept medicaid with HMO Statwell
Hi Peggy, my apologies but, we do not work with, or accept any insurance. We do however, provide an insurance compliant invoice so that you may request a reimbursement from your insurance company. Please make note that Medicare and Medicaid will not reimburse you for any out-of-pocket expenses to us, as we are an out-of-network provider.
Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance. We can be reached at: 1-800-356-5221, or cpap@cpap.com.
Have a great day!