The Ultimate Guide to CPAP Mask Types (2025 Edition)
This post was originally posted on May 3, 2020, and updated on October 21, 2025.
When beginning CPAP therapy, selecting the right mask can mean the difference between compliance and non-compliance. CPAP masks come in different types to provide comfort for a variety of users. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to choose which one suits you best. But, it's important to make sure each user gets the best mask to suit their needs, as patients are more likely to stop their treatment if their therapy isn't comfortable. Facial contact, a secure seal, and overall comfort are just some of the factors that make CPAP masks so different. This guide will help you make an informed choice when selecting your mask.
Types of CPAP Masks Explained
This post was originally posted on October 2, 2020, and updated on October 21, 2025.
When beginning CPAP therapy, selecting the right mask can mean the difference between compliance and non-compliance. CPAP masks come in different types to provide comfort for a variety of users. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to choose which one suits you best. But, it's important to make sure each user gets the best mask to suit their needs, as patients are more likely to stop their treatment if their therapy isn't comfortable. Facial contact, a secure seal, and overall comfort are just some of the factors that make CPAP masks so different. This guide will help you make an informed choice when selecting your mask.
Choosing the Right CPAP Mask
CPAP masks are broken down into three main types — full face, nasal, and nasal pillow — with newer options like hybrid and oral masks now available. Every user has their own mask preference based on comfort, sleep style, and pressure needs. The following sections will break down the differences between each CPAP mask type to help you find the best fit.
Full Face CPAP Masks
How Full Face Masks Work
Traditional full face masks completely cover the nose and the mouth, allowing users to breathe through either. Some full face masks include a forehead stabilizer that helps improve the cushion seal for active sleepers. Headgear typically offers four points of contact for stability and easy adjustment.
While full face masks can feel bulkier, many users prefer them for their broader seal and comfort at higher pressures. Newer under-the-nose designs reduce facial contact and help prevent feelings of claustrophobia.
Full Face Masks Are Best For:
- Mouth breathers
- Back sleepers
- Those with nasal congestion
- Users who require high pressure settings
Top-Selling Full Face Masks
Nasal CPAP Masks
How Nasal Masks Work
Nasal masks are triangular or cradle-style masks that cover just the nose. They deliver indirect airflow into the nasal passages and are secured with headgear that wraps around the head. Nasal masks provide a balance of minimal contact and secure seal.
These masks are less bulky than full face masks and are ideal for users who breathe only through their nose. They also support higher pressure settings than nasal pillow masks.
Nasal Masks Are Best For:
- Nose breathers
- Active sleepers
- Higher pressure prescriptions
Top-Selling Nasal Masks
Nasal Pillow Masks
How Nasal Pillow Masks Work
Nasal pillow masks rest at the base of the nostrils and deliver airflow directly through two small silicone pillows. These pillows slightly inflate to maintain a secure seal. Their low-profile design reduces facial contact and potential air leaks.
This mask type is ideal for users who want the least obtrusive option. However, the direct airflow may cause nasal dryness or irritation for some.
Nasal Pillow Masks Are Best For:
- Nose breathers
- People who wear glasses
- Users with facial hair
- Claustrophobic sleepers
Top-Selling Nasal Pillow Masks
Hybrid CPAP Masks
Why Choose a Hybrid Mask
Hybrid masks combine features of both nasal pillow and full face masks. They seal under the nose and over the mouth, making them ideal for users who need a full face solution but want minimal contact around the bridge of the nose.
Oral CPAP Masks
Who Should Use an Oral CPAP Mask
Oral masks secure around the mouth and do not use headgear, which makes them ideal for active sleepers. They are a great choice for users with nasal obstructions or who have difficulty breathing through the nose due to injury or septum issues.
Where Can I Buy a Sleep Apnea Mask?
Choosing the Right CPAP Masks
CPAP masks are broken down into three main types — full face, nasal, and nasal pillow — with newer options like hybrid and oral masks now available. Every user has their own mask preference based on comfort, sleep style, and pressure needs. The following sections will break down the differences between each CPAP mask type to help you find the best fit.
What are the Different Types of CPAP Masks?
Full Face CPAP Masks
How Full Face Masks Work
Traditional full face masks completely cover the nose and the mouth, allowing users to breathe through either. Some full face masks include a forehead stabilizer that helps improve the cushion seal for active sleepers. Headgear typically offers four points of contact for stability and easy adjustment.
While full face masks can feel bulkier, many users prefer them for their broader seal and comfort at higher pressures. Newer under-the-nose designs reduce facial contact and help prevent feelings of claustrophobia.
Full Face Masks are Best For:
- Mouth breathers
- Back sleepers
- Those with nasal congestion
- Users who require high pressure settings
Top-Selling Full Face Masks
Nasal CPAP Masks
How Nasal CPAP Masks Work
Nasal masks are triangular or cradle-style masks that cover just the nose. They deliver indirect airflow into the nasal passages and are secured with headgear that wraps around the head. Nasal masks provide a balance of minimal contact and secure seal.
These masks are less bulky than full face masks and are ideal for users who breathe only through their nose. They also support higher pressure settings than nasal pillow masks.
Nasal CPAP Masks are Best For:
- Nose breathers
- Active sleepers
- Higher pressure prescriptions
Top-Selling Nasal Masks
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Philips Respironics DreamWisp Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear27 ReviewsAs low as $79.00 Regular Price $109.99
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Philips Respironics DreamWear Nasal CPAP Mask With Headgear121 ReviewsAs low as $79.00 Regular Price $109.99
Nasal Pillow Masks
How Nasal Pillow Masks Work
Nasal pillow masks rest at the base of the nostrils and deliver airflow directly through two small silicone pillows. These pillows slightly inflate to maintain a secure seal. Their low-profile design reduces facial contact and potential air leaks.
This mask type is ideal for users who want the least obtrusive option. However, the direct airflow may cause nasal dryness or irritation for some.
Nasal Pillow Masks are Best For:
- Nose breathers
- People who wear glasses
- Users with facial hair
- Claustrophobic sleepers
Top-Selling Nasal Pillow CPAP Masks
Hybrid CPAP Masks
Why Choose a Hybrid CPAP Mask
Hybrid masks combine features of both nasal pillow and full face masks. They seal under the nose and over the mouth, making them ideal for users who need a full face solution but want minimal contact around the bridge of the nose.
Oral CPAP Masks
Why Choose an Oral CPAP Mask
Oral masks secure around the mouth and do not use headgear, which makes them ideal for active sleepers. They are a great choice for users with nasal obstructions or who have difficulty breathing through the nose due to injury or septum issues.
Try MaskFit AR!
To help you find your perfect mask, try out AR MaskFit, a 3D face scanning capability from the comfort of your own home. Based on your face shape and size and other preferences, this advanced technology selects the best CPAP masks for you. Give it a try today!
Where To Buy the Best CPAP Masks
The CPAP Shop has been a trusted retailer of all CPAP masks and CPAP equipment since 2004. We stock thousands of the best CPAP items to help all types of sleep apnea patients treat their sleep disorder. Shop our vast range of products here. For more information or assistance purchasing items on our website, give our expert customer care team a call at 866-414-9700!
