Nasal Pillow CPAP Masks

Nasal pillow CPAP masks are among the smallest and lightest CPAP masks available today and take up much less space on your face than a full face or nasal mask. Instead of using a cushion, nasal pillow masks use two soft and pliable pillows that are about the size of blueberries. These pillows seal around the base of each nostril, providing direct access to your airway without obstructing your line of sight. With a nasal pillow mask, you can wear glasses, watch T.V., or read a book before bed. The flexible and minimalistic design of nasal pillow masks makes them a great choice for both active sleepers and those who experience claustrophobia with larger mask styles.

Why Buy a Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask?

Breathing through your nose triggers your relaxation response, which helps you to unwind and relax before bed. Nasal breathing engages the parasympathetic nervous system to release the stresses from the day and help counteract the fight-or-flight response.

Breathing through your nose helps you to: 

• Moisten and Warm Incoming Air
• Eliminate Germs and Bacteria to Help Fight Infections
• Facilitate Blood Flow and Lung Strength 
• Maintain Body Temperature
• Improve Automatic Brain Functions 

Nasal pillow masks are extremely popular for their minimalistic style and are a great choice if you:

• Are an Active Sleeper That Frequently Changes Sleeping Positions
• Get Feelings of Claustrophobia
• Experience Soreness on the Bridge of Your Nose From Other Mask Styles
• Wear Glasses or Prefer an Open Line of Sight for Your Bedtime Routine
• Have Facial Hair

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

• Experience Frequent Allergy Symptoms or Sinus Congestion
• Have a Deviated Septum or Another Chronic Nasal Blockage
• Have a Prescribed Pressure Higher Than 10 to 12 cm H2O
• Tend to Sleep With Your Mouth Open

How to Choose a Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask

While nasal pillow masks share a common cushion design, there are still some variables to consider when shopping for the perfect nasal pillow mask for your lifestyle needs such as:

• Headgear vs. Hollow Frame: Most commonly, nasal pillow masks will feature a short hose coming out from the front of the mask that connects to your CPAP tubing. This short hose allows for extra flexibility and less hose drag when changing sleep positions. Alternatively, you’ll see masks with a hollow frame like the DreamWear Nasal Pillow Mask or ResMed AirFit P30i, which use a top-of-head hose connection to keep your hose out and away from your face and body, giving you the ultimate freedom of movement. 
• Your Sleeping Style: Regardless of design, nasal pillow masks are great for active sleepers. However, masks with a top-of-head hose connection offer even greater freedom for the most active of sleepers since the hose won’t be anywhere you can accidentally get tangled up in it. 
• Cushion Material: Nasal pillow cushions are available in silicone or gel. While similar to the touch, gel cushions are a bit firmer and tend to maintain their shape, making them a better option for those with higher pressure settings. Silicone cushions are soft and pliable for added flexibility, which can be good for side sleepers. 
• Do You Breathe Primarily From Your Nose or Mouth?: If your mouth tends to fall open while you sleep, then you may be better suited for a full face CPAP mask. If you still prefer the freedom of a nasal pillow style mask, a CPAP chin strap will support your jaw, preventing air from leaking out of your mouth.

Top Models

• ResMed AirFit P10
• ResMed AirFit P10 For Her
• ResMed Swift FX
• Philips Respironics Nuance & Nuance Pro
• Philips Respironics DreamWear Gel Nasal Pillow

Finding Your Most Comfortable Fit

While many nasal pillow masks follow a familiar pattern, no two masks are exactly alike, meaning finding your ideal fit may be tricky when switching to a new mask.  There are two ways you can find the perfect fit when shopping for a new nasal pillow mask.

1. Order a Fit Pack to Try All Pillows Sizes

Fit Packs are masks bundles that include cushions in all sizes, making it easy to try different sizes to find the one that works best for you. Once you've identified your ideal size, you can order replacement pillows in the same size. Ordering a Fit Pack is truly the most convenient way to determine the best nasal pillow mask size for you.

2. Use a Mask Sizing Guide

To find the sizing guide for the mask you’re interested in, look on the CPAP.com product page or check the manufacturer’s website. Once you've found the sizing guide for your mask, print it out and use it to measure your nose to find the right cushion size for you.

Best Nasal Pillow Mask for Your Lifestyle

Everyone has essential things they need in a mask. We've collected a short list of nasal pillow masks that satisfy some of the most common lifestyle needs. Is yours on the list? Read on to find out!

Quietest Nasal Pillow Mask: AirFit P10

The AirFit P10 Nasal Pillow Mask is lightweight and extremely quiet, checking in at around 21 decibels. This means it makes less noise than rustling leaves or two people whispering. 

Related Reading: AirFit P10 Review

Similar Masks: Brevida Nasal Pillow Mask Review 

Best Mask for Reading or Watching T.V.: DreamWear Gel Nasal Pillow

The DreamWear Gel Nasal Pillow Mask and AirFit P30i are both engineered with a wide-open field of vision that you'll love, giving you the freedom to send a text to a loved one or read a book before bed—all while wearing your CPAP mask. The open view is made possible by a top-of-head hose connection, which keeps your CPAP tube out and away from your nose and also enables 360 degrees of movement. It's a win-win for any bookworm, smartphone user, or newshound.

Related Reading: DreamWear Mask Review

Similar Masks: ResMed AirFit P30i Review

Easiest Nasal Pillow Mask to Adjust: Swift FX

The ResMed Swift FX is on many of our "best of" lists for a good reason. We call it the easiest mask to adjust because it uses a buckle strap on the top of your head and features a low-profile backstrap—the only points you’ll need to adjust. Complicated adjustments in the middle of the night when you're half asleep are certainly not fun, which is one reason why the easy adjustments on the Swift FX have made this mask stand the test of time.

Related Reading: Swift FX Nasal Pillow Review

For an in-depth review of popular nasal pillow masks, read the Best Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask 2022 article.

What's the Difference Between CPAP Nasal Pillow Masks and Nasal Masks?

Nasal pillow masks and nasal masks are closely related in the way that they only deliver air to your nose, but they differ in their approach and design. Nasal pillows seal at the base of each nostril and are about the size of blueberries. A nasal mask seals over your entire nose in a triangular shape, which is about the size of a strawberry. Nasal masks with a nasal cradle design that sits under the nose, such as the AirFit N30i, are also becoming more popular.

What's the Difference Between Nasal Pillow and Nasal Prong Masks?

Nasal pillow masks differ from nasal prong masks, because the nasal prong actually inserts into the nostril. Nasal prong masks are typically used when nasal pillow masks can't create a good enough seal for the wearer but are rarely prescribed and are usually the last resort. Most doctors will try a nasal mask to see if that works before resorting to a nasal prong mask.