Mask Buying Guide

Don’t know which mask to choose? No problem. Here’s a handy guide to help you find the right mask for your unique needs.

For a more personalized recommendation, try out our Mask Finder Quiz.

The 3 Main Mask Styles

Nasal Masks

  • Features:
    • Covers the nose only (traditional), or rests under it (nasal cradle)
    • Suitable for many sleeping positions
    • Good for any pressure setting
    • Good for beards
    • Small footprint with secure seal
  • Ideal For:
    • Those who can consistently breathe through their nose
    • Those who find full face masks claustrophobic
    • Those looking for a secure, but still minimal design
  • Not Good For:
    • Deviated septums
    • Mouth breathing
Popular options in this style include the AirFit/AirTouch N20, AirFit N30/N30i, ComfortGel Blue Nasal, Evora Nasal, & Dreamwear Nasal.

Nasal Pillow Masks

  • Features:
    • Minimal design with cushions that fit into the base of the nostrils
    • Allows for a clear field of vision
    • Lightweight and compact
    • Great for any sleeping position
    • Great for beards
  • Ideal For:
    • Users who wear glasses
    • Those who feel claustrophobic with larger masks
    • Pressure settings under 15 cmH2O
  • Not Good For:
    • Pressure settings over 15 cmH2O
    • Deviated septums
    • Mouth breathing

Popular options in this style include the AirFit P10, AirFit P30i, DreamWear Silicone Nasal Pillow, & Swift FX.

Full Face Masks

  • Features:
    • Covers both the nose and mouth
    • Prevents air leaking out of the mouth
    • Offers a secure seal for those with higher pressure needs
  • Ideal For:
    • Mouth breathing
    • Users with nasal obstructions/deviated septums
    • Back sleeping
    • Pressure settings over 15 cmH2O
  • Not Good For:
    • Stomach sleepers
    • Those who are prone to CPAP claustrophobia

Popular options in this style include the AirFit/AirTouch F20, Mirage Quattro, AirFit F30i, DreamWear Full Face, & AirFit F40.

Key Considerations

Trial and Error

The most important thing to understand when choosing a mask is that just because a mask is popular or designed well does not mean it's going to work well for you.

It's very common to try multiple CPAP masks before finding your perfect fit. That's exactly why we offer our 30 Day Mask Fit Guarantee.

If you don't like your new mask, reach out to our CPAP Guides within 30 days of purchase and we'll refund your mask so you can keep searching for one that's right for you. 

Breathing Style

Your breathing style is going to have a significant influence on the types of masks that will work for you.

If you breathe through your nose and don’t have any obstructions (like a deviated septum), start with a nasal pillow or nasal mask. Otherwise, it may be better to start with a full face mask.

If you tend to breathe through your mouth but don't have any nasal obstructions, you might also like a smaller nasal-style mask with a chinstrap or mouth tape instead of a full face mask.

Pressure Setting

Typically, if your pressure setting is between 4-15 cmH2O, you can likely use whatever mask you like.

If you're on the higher end of that range, and especially if you're over 15 cmH2O, you'll likely find nasal pillow masks to be uncomfortable, though this isn't true for everyone. Nasal cradle masks also tend to be leakier at higher pressure settings.

For pressures over 15 cmH2O, the best options are nasal and full face masks that cover the nose rather than low profile options that cradle the nose.

Mask Footprint

Start with the most minimalistic mask you can find and work your way up from there.

Even if you breathe through your mouth and need a full-face mask, start with low-profile designs that cradle the nose rather than covering it.

Popular examples of low-profile full face masks include the AirFit F40, DreamWear Full Face, & Evora Full Face.

Preferred Sleeping Position

  • Back Sleeper: You can use just about anything!
  • Side Sleeper: Opt for lower-profile masks like nasal cradles or nasal pillows. Also look for masks with hose connections at the top of the head.
  • Active Sleeper: Smaller is better, and masks with hose connections at the top of the head are especially accommodating for tossing and turning.
  • Stomach Sleeper: Nasal pillows and nasal cradle masks are your best bet. If you need a full face mask, look for low-profile options with hose connections at the top of the head.

Material Type

  • Silicone:
    • Soft, flexible, and hypoallergenic
    • The most common material for CPAP mask cushions
    • Usually inflates with air pressure for a more flexible seal
  • Gel:
    • Offers a more customized fit by molding to the face
    • Heavier than silicone
    • Can be good for facial hair or sensitive skin
  • Memory Foam:
    • Soft and conforms to facial contours
    • Needs more frequent replacement
    • Can be good for facial hair
    • Great for sensitive skin
  • Cloth:
    • Great for sensitive skin
    • Lightweight
    • Typically hypoallergenic
    • Cleaning can be more of a hassle

When it comes to material, everyone has their own preference, so it’s important to experiment and see what works best for you.

Hose Connection Style

  • Front Connection:
    • Traditional, connects in front of the face
    • Typically a bit bulkier
    • Usually has at least one swivel to limit tube tangles
    • Can be challenging for stomach sleepers
  • Top-of-the-Head Connection:
    • Modern, connects above the head and flows air around the face
    • Keeps the hose out of the way
    • Ideal for active sleepers who change positions frequently
    • Air pressure noise near the ears can take getting used to
    • May not be great for light/sound-sensitive sleepers

Adjustability

  • Headgear Straps:
    • More adjustment points typically make for a better fit, but are more likely to need readjusting
    • Most masks have convenient magnetic clips which should be avoided if you have magnetically-sensitive or metallic implants

Trying a new mask? Opt for a “fit pack” which includes multiple cushions sizes, so you can find the exact right fit for you.

Day-to-Day Upkeep

  • Dexterity Challenges:
    • If you have arthritis in your hands or other dexterity challenges, look for masks that have minimal designs with very few parts. ResMed's AirFit series is a good place to start, and Fisher & Paykel masks also tend to be designed for ease-of-use.

If you need more assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to our CPAP Guides for a more personal touch.