Find The Most Comfortable CPAP Mask

Most patients actively treating sleep apnea will tell you that one of the hardest things about treatment is becoming accustomed to CPAP therapy. In medical terminology, "patient compliance" refers to a patient's willingness to uphold treatment strategies at all times. For the treatment to be successful, this means wearing your CPAP mask every time you sleep as part of your new routine. However, this becomes very difficult if your mask is causing discomfort or leaking air.

According to current studies, the CPAP compliance rate is about 60%. One reason might be that many users struggle to find the right CPAP mask that allows for comfortable, non-invasive long-term therapy. With this handy guide, ApriaDirect explains different mask varieties, how to choose the best option for you, as well as the top 5 most comfortable CPAP masks for sleep therapy.

What Are CPAP Masks?

CPAP masks serve as the interface for a patient with sleep apnea and the CPAP machine, and there are several styles to choose from. The majority of sleep apnea masks are manufactured from plastic, silicone, or gel-like materials. They usually feature adjustable straps to assist in keeping the mask in place and range in price from $30 to $150.

CPAP masks all function the same way: They transfer air from the CPAP machine to your airways through a hose to keep your airway open while sleeping and avoid obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, sleep apnea masks are not one-size-fits-all; the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) interface must be tailored to your face and degree of comfort. Therefore, once you receive a CPAP prescription from your physician, you will want to compare different options to find the best fit for you.

Types Of CPAP Masks

The most common CPAP masks are nasal pillow masks, nasal, and full-face designs. Nasal masks primarily cover the nose, full-face masks fully cover the mouth and nose, and nasal pillow masks only cover the nostrils, making them the least obtrusive.

Because CPAP masks have to form a tight seal to prevent air leaks, the fitment may also jeopardize the effectiveness of your therapy. The headgear on a CPAP mask can also disrupt sleep, especially if it features rigid anchor straps or plastic clasps. When selecting a CPAP mask, consider both the mask's depth, length, and width and where it lays on your face.

The idea is to select the most comfortable mask you can sleep in.

Nasal Pillows Masks

The nasal pillow mask is placed at the entrance of your nostrils. Soft silicone cushion pillows, that look like earphones, seal your nostrils, pushing pressured air into your nose. The lightweight nasal pillows allow for minimal facial contact.

Using nasal pillows will give you a feeling of freedom as they keep your field of vision clear, making them ideal for patients who wear glasses to read books or watch TV in bed.

They are also ideal for patients who:

• Are claustrophobic

• Dislike facial contact

• Prone to skin irritation and outbreaks

• Sleep on their sides or stomachs

• Have beards or dentures

• Are active/restless sleepers

While nasal pillows fit comfortably with minimal obstruction, they are best for patients who require a lower degree of air pressure.

1. Magnets may be used in some ResMed products and could impact certain medical devices. Please consult the manufacturer's guidelines for more information.
2. Some Philips Respironics masks contain magnets which are contraindicated for those with or sleeping near someone with implants or metallic medical devices. Read more.

Nasal Masks

Sitting on the bridge of your nose to your top lip, nasal masks are the compromise between a full-face mask and a small nasal pillow. They are most suitable for individuals requiring slightly stronger air pressure.

While a nasal pillow directs air straight to the nose, the nasal mask indirectly distributes airflow to your airway. However, like the nasal pillow, it’s also made of a soft, lightweight gel and is available in various sizes.

While nasal masks also have an inconspicuous design that allows for a clean field of vision, they cover the nose considerably more. Due to continual innovation, nasal masks were developed to become lighter and less burdensome and obstructive, making them the most popular masks on the market today.

They are suitable for those who:

• Breathe through their nose during sleep or mouth breathing sleepers who can wear a chin strap comfortably

• Prefer to sleep on their back or sides

• Do not enjoy the more direct pressure generated by a nasal pillow mask

• Do not suffer from frequent nasal congestion

1. Magnets may be used in some ResMed products and could impact certain medical devices. Please consult the manufacturer's guidelines for more information.
2. Some Philips Respironics masks contain magnets which are contraindicated for those with or sleeping near someone with implants or metallic medical devices. Read more.

Full-Face Masks

The full-face mask completely covers your nose and mouth, creating a better seal across your airways by covering most of your face. However, the adjustable side straps ensure a lightweight, air-tight, and comfortable fit.

Full-face CPAP masks are suitable for patients who:

• Breathe primarily through the mouth during sleep.

• Struggle with nasal congestion (Some CPAP equipment users prefer to wear a full-face mask seasonally during cold and allergy season.)

• Require a higher air pressure for CPAP therapy

• Have a deviated septum

• Sleep on their back

1. Magnets may be used in some ResMed products and could impact certain medical devices. Please consult the manufacturer's guidelines for more information.
2. Some Philips Respironics masks contain magnets which are contraindicated for those with or sleeping near someone with implants or metallic medical devices. Read more.

Specialty Masks

The above are the most popular kinds of CPAP masks, but more masks are available for specialized requirements.

• The Oral CPAP Mask only provides air to the mouth, not the nose. People who have trouble breathing through their nose owing to congestion or obstruction can benefit from using an oral mask.

• A Total Face CPAP Mask seals over the whole face, including the nose, eyes, and mouth. While it has the largest surface area, it can reduce feelings of claustrophobia for patients who dislike targeted air pressure to their nose or mouth. It's a suitable alternative for patients with certain facial features who struggle to find a suitable fit with conventional masks.

• A Hybrid CPAP Mask is essentially a cross between a full face mask and a nasal pillow mask, covering the mouth but sealing beneath the nose and featuring the same type of cushions placed over the nostrils. This mask is ideal for patients who prefer to breathe through their mouth but dislike chin straps and prefer to keep the bridge of their nose unobstructed.

• A Nasal Prong CPAP Mask has two prongs that are put into the nostrils and inflated to provide a tight seal. They are placed a bit deeper than nasal pillows but are just as lightweight and have a compact appearance. They are not ideal for those who require high-pressure CPAP therapy.

How To Choose The Best CPAP Mask For Your Comfort

When selecting a CPAP mask, the most important factors to consider are size, fit, and comfort. If the mask does not fit, is uncomfortable, or does not suit your breathing requirements, you are unlikely to comply with CPAP therapy. Take the time to research and seek advice from your physician, and don't be afraid to switch masks if necessary.

Important considerations:

• If you are an active sleeper, you may require the most secure mask available.

• If you feel claustrophobic or if certain portions of your face are easily irritated, you will choose a mask that accommodates this.

• If you have facial hair, select a mask that won't leak because of the uneven surface area.

• Select a mask that offers you the greatest field of vision if you read, watch TV, or use glasses in bed to avoid disrupting your evening routine.

• If you breathe through your mouth, a full face mask or a nasal pillow/mask in combination with chinstraps will be most suited.

• Decide which cushion type is most comfortable for your face, e.g. gel, silicone, foam, fabric, etc.

• Before choosing a mask, discover what accessories are available to make CPAP compliance easier.

• Have your physician prescribe what degree of air pressure you require for your sleep apnea.

• Consider how often you will be required to travel with your mask, e.g. on holiday or for business.

Understand which masks are suitable for different sleeping styles.

Side Sleepers

The most effective sleeping position for sleep apnea is lying on your side to prevent gravity from affecting your airway.

• The best CPAP masks for side sleepers are nasal pillow masks because their low profile sits much higher than the pillow.

• Nasal masks are also suitable as there are options for adjustable silicone headgear, but remember to look for a nasal mask with the tightest seal.

Back Sleepers

If you’re a back sleeper, there are more CPAP mask options to utilize since this posture easily accommodates any mask style. While sleeping on your back may be the ideal posture for any mask, sleeping in this position allows airways to collapse more due to gravity.

• Any mask is suitable for this sleeping position as the mask is less likely to dislodge.

Stomach Sleepers

Sleeping on the stomach is the most uncommon sleeping position, and patients must take special consideration when selecting a CPAP mask. If your face presses against the mask while sleeping in this position, it’s likely to cause air leaks and considerable discomfort. Moreover, it can pull your head into an unnatural position that strains your neck, causing stiffness.

• A nasal pillow mask features a low profile, making them unlikely to become dislodged and thus most ideal for stomach sleepers.

• Ensure you have a pillow that accommodates your CPAP mask as well as its tubing and headgear.

Top 5 Most Comfortable CPAP Masks Options

When you're new to CPAP therapy, choosing the best mask to suit you can feel overwhelming. There are thousands of mask varieties, designs, models, and brands to choose from. ApriaDirect is centered around convenience and support; therefore, we have selected the top 5 most comfortable CPAP mask options to guide you along the first steps of your CPAP therapy journey.

Resmed Mirage Quattro Full Face Mask With Headgear

The ResMed Mirage Quattro offers a customized fit and comfort. The mask features a MicroFit dial with 24 forehead support configurations to accommodate different facial characteristics. The innovative Mirage dual-wall cushion provides a stabilized, air-tight seal, while the cushion's spring air technology accommodates movement while sleeping.

Fisher & Paykel Evora Nasal Mask with Headgear

Unlike any other design, the Fisher & Paykel Evora mask features CapFitTM headgear, which is designed to be worn like a baseball cap, meaning it's a fit you're already accustomed to. The CapFitTM headgear is durable, and the soft knit fabric with AirEdge sides prevents red marks and facial discomfort.

The cushions are soft, compact floating seals with side stability wings that nestle gently under your nose to create a secure seal without impeding your vision or sleeping position.

ResMed AirTouch™ F20 Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear

Even at high CPAP pressures, the AirTouchTM F20 provides excellent comfort and a light, breathing feeling. It’s designed to reduce facial marks and skin discomfort even when sealed and pushed tightly against the face.

The frame flexes organically to match the facial profile of each unique user, reducing facial contact, improving stability, and delivering an unobstructed field of vision. Permeable foam forms a naturally breathable barrier that enables excess heat and perspiration to escape while maintaining treatment pressure and avoiding additional skin irritation and breakouts.

Swift FX Nasal Pillow Mask with Headgear by ResMed - Fit Pack

The Swift FX Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask is soft, simple, and comfortable to wear and care for. The Swift FX enhances your comfort for a soothing therapeutic session and is exceptionally light on your face thanks to the unique headpiece and light, flexible tube. The flexible headpiece and self-guiding nasal cushions are simple to adjust for a custom fit and air-tight seal. Simple assembly and minimum components allow for fast and easy cleaning.

Philips Respironics ComfortGel Blue CPAP Nasal Mask with Headgear

Philips' ComfortGel Blue Nasal Mask with Headgear combines various technologies to provide a higher degree of comfort and an improved overall experience. The one-size-fits-most premium headgear with EZ Peel tabs easily adjusts in four places for a secure, customized fit.

The ball-and-socket headgear attachments facilitate unrestricted movement and uncomplicated mask removal. The silicone Comfort Flap on the Comfort Gel strengthens the seal and can be removed for simple cleaning. The cushion with next-generation gel technology is soft and adapts to your face for enhanced comfort. The premium forehead pad enhances comfort and fit, while the Stability Selector increases and lowers the mask angle, seal, and fit.

Your One-Stop CPAP Equipment Solution

All of these are designed with noise-reducing innovations and ultimate comfort in mind. All masks are available from the ApriaDirect convenient online portal. We have curated a collection of premium quality CPAP mask options from the world's best suppliers, bringing you convenience and quality from the comfort of your own home.

Looking for something specific? Our operators are available to deliver ongoing support every step of the way. Keep an eye out on our online supply portal for amazing discounts on CPAP masks, CPAP machines, and accessories ‒ available for nationwide delivery.