We evaluated 12 CPAP Mask models, and after a careful review identified the 5 best CPAP Masks to buy.
Top CPAP Mask Tips:
- A leaky mask can dry out your nose, so make sure your mask fits your face well.
- If you don’t use a full-face mask, a chin strap may help keep your mouth closed while you sleep to lessen the chance of dry mouth.
- Lie down with the CPAP Mask on your face when you make adjustments for the best fit.
Types of CPAP Masks
Source: Virginia Medical Repair
Since the 1980s, doctors have been successfully treating obstructive sleep apnea and other medical conditions with CPAP machines. However, studies show up to 50 percent of patients don’t comply with the instructions for CPAP therapy. Many patients stop the treatment within the first four weeks. The Mayo Clinic says the primary reason patients don’t follow doctor’s orders is an uncomfortable CPAP Mask that moves around or comes off while sleeping or leaves red marks on the face.
To get the best results from your CPAP machine, you need to find the right mask. You may need to try different styles to find the best combination of comfort and efficiency. This will help you maintain your CPAP therapy every night.
There are three types of CPAP Masks to choose from:
- Nasal CPAP Mask: Covers your nose from the bridge to your upper lip. People who need higher pressure often need a nasal mask. These masks aren’t as bulky as a full-face design but feel sturdier than a nasal pillow for some patients.
- Nasal pillow: Very compact and lightweight and sits just under your nostrils to send air directly into your nose. Nasal pillows are designed to have minimal facial contact, which is a benefit for respiratory patients who experience claustrophobia when wearing larger, heavier masks.
- Full-face mask: Covers your mouth and nose, and is often prescribed for those who need higher pressure settings, breathe through their mouth while sleeping, or sleep on their backs. Patients with colds, allergies, or other medical issues that make it difficult to breathe through the nose often find a full-face mask keeps dry nose or mouth symptoms at bay.
| Which CPAP Mask is Best? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Mask Type | Pros | Cons |
| Nasal CPAP Mask | – Less potential for claustrophobia – Offers full field of vision – Works well with glasses – More natural airflow |
– Won’t work with nasal congestion – Facial hair may loosen seal – Chin strap required for those who breathe through the mouth |
| Nasal Pillows | – Very minimal to no leakage – Works well with facial hair – No claustrophobia – Doesn’t impede glasses |
– Can be uncomfortable with higher pressure – Chin strap required if you breathe through the mouth – Possible nosebleeds or dryness |
| Full Face CPAP Mask | – Works well whether you breathe through the nose or mouth – Nasal congestion isn’t problematic – No issues with high-pressure CPAP settings |
– High potential for air leakage – Bulkier than other masks – May move out of place while sleeping |
How to Choose the Best CPAP Mask
Choosing the best CPAP Mask depends on whether you breathe through your mouth, nose, or both; the size and bone structure of your face; and your doctor’s recommendation. You should feel comfortable with the fit, size, and style, but adjusting to a CPAP Mask will likely take a little time. Be sure to give the mask a fair trial, making small adjustments nightly.
Some patients adapt to a CPAP quickly, but for others, choosing the right CPAP Mask can be a process. Don’t get discouraged if your first few nights don’t go smoothly. Regardless of your size, face shape, favorite sleeping position, or whether you breathe through your mouth, your nose, or a combination, there is a CPAP Mask out there for you.
Our Search for the Best CPAP Masks
1. We searched an extensive list of 12 of the best CPAP Masks available
2. We evaluated the products based on our expert-guided buying criteria: ratings from consumers and independent companies, as well as price, features, warranty and comfort
3. We provided you with the CPAP Masks that stood out to us for consideration
CPAP Mask Reviews
We looked at 12 of the best-rated CPAP Masks and compared features to help you find the best CPAP Mask for your needs. Each of our five best CPAP Masks comes with a 90-day warranty and is designed using years of research.
ResMed AirFit N20 Nasal Mask
Comfortable Option |
ResMed AirFit N20 Nasal Mask
We selected the ResMed AirFit N20 Nasal Mask as our pick for the most comfortable CPAP Mask based on consumer reviews. The supreme comfort and performance of the AirFit N20 Nasal Mask are the result of ResMed’s 25 years of research and design experience. The InfinitySeal improves the AirFit N20 fit while lessening leakage by conforming to individual facial features. The mask frame is flexible with integrated padding, so it moves comfortably with you when you change sleep positions during the night. A quick release elbow makes disconnecting from tubing a breeze. Magnetic headgear clips separate the soft headgear from the mask with ease.
- Key Feature: InfinitySeal cushion technology
- Sizing: His and hers sizes
- Therapy Pressure: 4 to 30 cm H2O
- Price: $99.00
ResMed AirFit P10 Nasal Pillow
Easy to Use |
ResMed AirFit P10 Nasal Pillow
We selected the ResMed AirFit P10 Nasal Pillow as the easiest CPAP Mask to use because of the minimalist three-piece design which makes it easy to assemble, fit, and use. ResMed customers say the AirFit P10 is a breeze to use with only three parts to the assembly. The nasal pillow is distinctly labeled for correct placement, with the left and right nostrils and size clearly marked and without Velcro or elastic bands.
- Key Feature: QuietAir woven mesh venting
- Sizing: His and hers sizes
- Therapy Pressure: 4 to 20 cm H2O
- Price: $99.00
Philips Respironics DreamWear Gel Nasal Pillow
Innovative Design |
Philips Respironics DreamWear Gel Nasal Pillow
The award-winning DreamWear Gel Nasal Pillow offers lush comfort or under-the-nose nasal cushions. Designed to seem like you’re not wearing a CPAP Mask at all, DreamWear’s groundbreaking design delivers airflow through a flexible silicone frame wrapped in fabric to feel soft on your cheek. A rotatable hose connection with small integrated vents sits at the top of the head, eliminating tangled hoses, red marks on the face and nose, and any barrier between you and your sleeping partner.
- Key Feature: Top-of-head tube connection
- Sizing: Small, medium, medium wide, and large
- Therapy Pressure: 5 to 30 cm H2O
- Price: $93.00
Philips Respironics DreamWear Under Nose Nasal Mask
Great Freedom of Movement |
Philips Respironics DreamWear Under Nose Nasal Mask
The DreamWear under-the-nose cushion seals both nostrils without being inserted into or covering the nose. The Philips Respironics DreamWear Under Nose Nasal Mask provides freedom to move while sleeping with no air loss from the CPAP machine, red marks on the face, or a tangled hose. Four cushion sizes create a perfect fit to eliminate irritation and dryness caused by some CPAP Masks, and the under the nose cushion is interchangeable without buying any additional parts.
- Key Feature: Top-of-head tube connection
- Sizing: Small, medium, medium wide, and large
- Therapy Pressure: 5 to 30 cm H2O
- Price: $93.00
Fisher & Paykel Simplus Full-Face Mask
Great Performance |
Fisher & Paykel Simplus Full-Face Mask
The Fisher & Paykel Simplus full face mask was awarded for its innovative design after the company logged thousands of hours designing a high performance, comfortable, full-face CPAP Mask. The Simplus CPAP Mask offers ease-of-use at a reasonable cost and a silicone seal that fits anyone, even if they have facial hair. The Fisher and Paykel Simplus full face mask performs well for those who sleep on their side or back and breathe through their mouth or nose.
- Key Feature: RollFit Seal
- Sizing: Small, medium, and large
- Therapy Pressure: 4 to 25 cm H2O
- Price: $109.00
Related CPAP Cleaner
Readers of this CPAP cleaner guide content also found this related content helpful.
Best CPAP Machines
This guide covers CPAP machine types, features and costs as well as a snapshot of the three best CPAP machine companies on the market today.
Best CPAP Cleaners
We evaluated 14 CPAP cleaners to help you narrow the options. We researched sanitation technologies, features, warranties and costs.
Frequently Asked Questions about CPAP Masks
Do I need a prescription to buy a CPAP Mask?
Yes, you need a prescription to buy and use a CPAP. Federal law requires a doctor’s prescription for CPAP Masks, machines, humidifiers, or Provent Therapy.
How can I get past feeling claustrophobic when I’m wearing my CPAP Mask?
Try progressive relaxation exercises to reduce CPAP-related anxiety, and try to wear your mask while you are awake to become accustomed to it.
Take baby steps to get used to the CPAP Mask. First, hold it up to your face with no parts attached. Once you’re comfortable with the feeling of the mask on your face, move onto wearing the mask with the straps. When you feel relaxed while using the CPAP Mask with the straps, turn the machine on. Finally, try sleeping with the mask and CPAP machine running.
How should I clean my CPAP Mask?
Following the instructions that came with your CPAP Mask, disassemble and clean the mask daily. Wash components in warm water with mild detergent, then air dry. Do not use soap with moisturizers and never use bleach, alcohol, or any cleaning solutions containing alcohol to clean a CPAP Mask.
How often should I replace my CPAP Mask or cushion?
CPAP manufacturers recommend replacing the cushion every three months, and a complete mask system replacement every six months. The life of a mask cushion depends on varying factors like hours of use, skin oils, and cleaning. Inspect your mask routinely as poor or irregular care may affect the fit of the cushion, causing performance to suffer.
How do I know if my CPAP Mask is too tight?
If you have to strap your CPAP Mask on so tightly it hurts before you get a good seal, it’s too tight. You may need to make adjustments to the cushion size to get a comfortable fit.
Concluding Thoughts on CPAP Masks
Bottom Line:
Choosing the correct CPAP Mask is not easy and often requires multiple trials, be sure to select the most comfortable mask for you.
With so many different CPAP Mask designs and sizes to choose from, finding the right mask may take some time. There is an adjustment period any time you switch to a different model, so give yourself a while to discover the best CPAP Mask for your medical condition and comfort level.
The Best CPAP Masks
| CPAP Masks | Award | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ResMed AirFit N20 Nasal Mask | Comfortable Option |
| 2 | ResMed AirFit P10 Nasal Pillow | Easy to Use |
| 3 | Philips Respironics DreamWear Gel Nasal Pillow | Innovative Design |
| 4 | Philips Respironics DreamWear Under Nose Nasal Mask | Great Freedom of Movement |
| 5 | Fisher & Paykel Simplus Full-Face Mask | Great Performance |