Full Face CPAP Mask Overview

Full Face FAQs

  Why might I need a full face mask or hybrid mask?

If your mouth drops open during sleep, a full face or hybrid mask may be selected to allow for the CPAP airflow to be delivered through both the nose and mouth. The most common reasons why you would need a full face mask are:

• You have chronic sinus issues and it is not possible to breathe solely through your nose.
• You would like a full face mask to use when you are congested due to seasonal allergies or a cold.
• Your mouth drops open during sleep and using a chinstrap with a nasal, nasal pillow, or nasal prong mask did not meet your therapy needs.

Hybrid Masks are another option for people who fall into the circumstances listed above. Hybrid masks deliver airflow to both the nose and mouth using nasal pillows and an oral cushion.

Here are some of our top selling full face masks:

ComfortGel Blue Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear
Simplus Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear
AirFit™ F10 Full Face Mask with Headgear
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  How do I best fit my full face mask?

With your mask attached to the long hose and the CPAP / BiPAP machine, begin by putting your mask on with the straps as loose as possible. Lie down on the bed and turn on the airflow. Starting with one of the forehead support connections, tighten each strap a small amount, moving around your face from one attachment to the next. Tighten the straps only as much as needed to hold the mask securely in place.

This allows the cushion to maintain a seal during movement. There can be a tendency to over tighten a full face mask which causes one side or the other to lift off the face.

Here are some items we carry that can help with mask leaks:

RemZzzs Padded Full Face CPAP Mask Liners
Silent Night Full Face CPAP Mask Liners
Boomerang Gel Pad
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  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.

  I breathe through my mouth, what are my options?

People who have a deviated septum, small nostrils, or who suffer from seasonal allergies or chronic sinus issues, may breathe through the mouth rather than the nose. If you are a person who breathes through your mouth you may be able to wear most masks with a few adaptations. Add a Chinstrap if using nasal pillows, nasal prongs or a nasal mask.


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

If you suffer from chronic sinus issues, a full face mask or an oral face mask are good options. 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 cannot or who does not want to wear a chinstrap, please see our recommended masks for Mouth Breathers.

Here are some suggested items that may help with mouth breathing:

Hybrid Masks
Oral Masks
Full Face Masks
Chinstraps

  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 to soften the beard where the seal makes contact.

Nasal pillow masks are also liked by full bearded CPAP users. If you are a person who breathes through your mouth 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 as they are able to mold better to the face to create a seal.

See our recommended masks for people with Facial Hair.