Learn about the 3 main types of CPAP masks, what features each mask provides, and what type of mask maybe be better suited for you.
Full Face Masks
The full face mask covers your mouth and nose. They cover a larger area of your face to create a CPAP seal over both airways. Although some people may find the size of these masks uncomfortable, they're the perfect solution for anyone that require higher pressures or if they breathe through their mouth during sleep.
These masks seal around your nose and mouth in the shape of an oval or triangle and are held in place by four-point headgear.
A physician may recommend full face CPAP masks to anyone who:
Breathe through their mouth primarily
Need a high-pressure CPAP setting
Have allergies or other medical issues that make it difficult for them to breathe through their nose
Sleep on their back
Nasal Masks
The nasal CPAP mask covers your nose from the bridge to your upper lip area. This delivers an indirect airflow to the airway via the nasal mask and works well for anyone who may need higher pressure settings.
These masks seal around your nose in a shape of an oval and are held in place by a four-point headgear.
They do not seal over the mouth and are the most popular masks.
This mask allows you to sleep on your side like the nasal pillows.
Indirect and natural airflow.
Work better than nasal pillows for higher pressure settings.
Various styles to cater to almost any type of facial feature and structure.
Good if you move around in their sleep or sleeps on their side.
A physician may recommend nasal CPAP masks to anyone who:
Move around in their sleep a lot
Need a higher pressure setting on their CPAP machine
Want a good selection of mask options they can pick from
Prefer a more natural airflow
Nasal Pillow Masks
Nasal pillows are a compact and lightweight option for you with designs that allow minimal contact with their face. They work best with prescriptions of low-to moderate pressure settings, since airflow that is direct to the nostrils may be uncomfortable at high settings.
These masks seal around the base of the nose using a soft nasal cushion that are placed inside the nose.
They are held in place by headgear and do not cover the mouth.
This is the preferred design for anyone wanting a mask that is minimal on their face.
A physician may recommend nasal pillows to patients who:
Toss and turn in their sleep.
Experience claustrophobia when wearing larger masks.
Breathe through their nose.
Have a lot of facial hair.
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