Designed to have a small facial profile, a nasal CPAP mask seals around or under the base of your nose and does not cover your mouth, making it ideal for those who can consistently breathe through their nose. Nasal CPAP masks have three main design types: over-the-nose, under-the-nose, and hollow frame. The three designs differ in facial touchpoints to either provide you with an open line of sight with less nasal bridge irritation or to ensure a secure seal while being less expensive. Uniquely, the DreamWisp Nasal combines the flexibility of a hollow frame with the coverage of an over-the-nose cushion.

Nasal CPAP masks have a nasal cushion that is made of silicone, gel, foam, or cloth to provide a comfortable sleep apnea therapy experience. If you’re interested in our top picks, check out our review of the best nasal CPAP masks, or read our buying guide below.

Why Buy a Nasal CPAP Mask?

Not only does breathing through your nose bring air to deeper parts of your lungs than mouth breathing but it also engages the parasympathetic nervous system, triggering your relaxation response. Apart from allowing you to release the stresses of the day and de-escalating your flight-or-fight response, here are a few other things nose breathing can do for you:

• Humidifies the Incoming Breath and Retains Moisture From Exhalation
• Fights Infections by Eliminating Germs and Bacteria
• Strengthens the Lungs and Improves Blood Flow
• Regulates Your Body Temperature More Effectively
• Improves Automatic Brain Functions

Nasal masks are the most popular style of CPAP mask and are a great choice if you:

• Frequently Change Sleeping Positions
• Experience Claustrophobia
• Have a Prescribed Pressure Above 10 to 12 cm H2O

Alternatively, a nasal CPAP mask may not be right for you if you:

• Consistently Experience Nasal Congestion or Seasonal Allergies
• Have a Chronic Nasal Blockage Such as a Deviated Septum
• Typically Sleep With Your Mouth Open

How to Choose a Nasal CPAP Mask

Nasal masks vary in design to accommodate a wide range of needs. Here are some design features and factors to consider when shopping for your ideal nasal mask:

• Cushion Shape: Nasal CPAP masks are traditionally the size and shape of a strawberry, rest on top of your nose, and seal around it. Some masks, like the Fisher & Paykel Evora, feature a nasal cradle design that seals under the base of your nose to provide a more open line of sight and a more minimalistic experience. 
• Headgear Vs. Hollow Frame: A standard nasal mask will have a hose connection at the front of the mask and multi-point adjustable headgear to hold the mask in place. Alternatively, masks like the AirFit N30i feature a hollow frame that delivers air to the front of the mask via a top-of-head hose connection, which is designed to reduce hose drag and provide greater freedom of movement. 
• Cushion Material: Nasal mask cushions are available in silicone, memory foam, cloth, or gel. Gel cushions are on the firmer side and tend to maintain their shape, making them a better option for those with higher pressure settings. Gel cushions adapt well to your facial contours but won’t respond as quickly to changes in your sleeping position as a silicone cushion, which is softer and more flexible. Memory foam is the softest option and will conform well to your face, although it will require more regular replacement. Cloth options like the Circadiance SleepWeaver 3D Nasal Mask are light and breathable, although people tend to either love or hate them with little middle ground. 
• Your Sleeping Style: Regardless of the design, nasal masks are ideal for active sleepers. However, masks with a top-of-head hose connection give you even more freedom to move since the hose will be out and away from you, helping prevent you from accidentally getting tangled up.
• What Does Your Mouth Do When You Sleep?: If your mouth tends to fall open while you sleep, you may be better suited to a full face CPAP mask. However, if you still enjoy the freedom and flexibility of a nasal mask, add a CPAP chin strap to your setup to support your jaw and prevent air from leaking out of your mouth.

Popular Brands:

• ResMed Nasal Masks
• Philips Respironics Nasal Masks
• Fisher & Paykel Nasal Masks

Finding Your Most Comfortable Fit 

Much like clothes shopping, just because you wear a medium in one brand or style does not mean you’ll universally be a medium for every brand or style. Here are two ways to determine the best cushion size when shopping for a nasal CPAP mask: 

Use a Mask Sizing Guide

Sizing guides can be found on the respective CPAP.com product page or manufacturer’s website. Print the sizing guide out and hold your nose up to it to see what size will work best for you. 

Order a Fit Pack to Try All Cushion Sizes

Sizing guides work well as an indicator, but it’s not uncommon to find that a size smaller or larger than what the sizing guide indicates may actually work better for you. Fit packs offer all available cushion sizes with your first mask purchase to make sure that you do not doubt that you’re using the best cushion size for your facial shape.

What Is the Difference Between Nasal and Nasal Pillow CPAP Masks?

Nasal pillow and nasal CPAP masks are similar in design since they both are fit specifically for nose breathers. Nasal pillow masks seal at the base of each nostril while nasal masks either cover your nose completely or seal at the base of your nostrils. The main difference between the two masks is that nasal CPAP masks aren’t inserted into the base of your nostrils like nasal pillow CPAP masks. Nasal masks rest either on top of your nose or under the base of your nostrils. Nasal CPAP masks can also work better in higher-pressure settings than nasal pillow CPAP masks. 

Related Reading: Best CPAP Mask for Side Sleepers: Nasal Pillows vs Nasal Mask

What Nasal CPAP Mask Is Good for Reading or Watching T.V. Before Bed?

If you’re looking for a quiet mask with an open line of sight, the quiet ResMed AirFit N30 checks in at only 18 decibels of sound output and is free of the nasal bridge support, so you can read or watch T.V. before bed. The ResMed AirFit N30 rests at the base of your nostrils to allow you to wear glasses while also wearing your nasal CPAP mask. 

What Nasal Mask Works Great for a Secure Seal?

Incorporating the comfort of a gel nasal cushion, the ComfortGel Blue Nasal comes equipped with a forehead pad to anchor your cushion in place. The forehead pad prevents mask leaks thanks to the plush silicone, making for a comfortable and secure night. The gel cushions conform to your face shape to contour to you.

What CPAP Nasal Mask Works Best for Reducing Nasal Irritation?

Equipped with a cushion that rests just below the nostrils instead of covering your entire nose, the DreamWear Nasal provides a comfortable fit without disrupting your seal. The silicone tubing allows for a soft-to-the-touch material on your face. Since the cushion sits below your nostrils rather than the bridge of your nose, red marks, nasal soreness, and irritation can be a thing of the past.

Related Reading: DreamWear Mask Review