About Sleep
Sleep Related Conditions
Sleep Disorders
Around 33 million adults in the U.S. utilize a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine at night to treat obstructive sleep apnea [1]. A CPAP machine typically requires the use of a sleep apnea mask. But how do you know which is the right one?
Discover the 5 best sleep apnea masks in this article to help relieve your sleep apnea. Understand the different mask styles, features, and benefits.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Fisher & Paykel Evora Full Face CPAP Mask
Best for Side Sleepers: ResMed AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow Mask
Most Comfortable Fit: ResMed AirFit™ N30i Nasal CPAP Mask
Best Full-Face Option: ResMed AirFit F30i Full-Face Mask
Most Budget-Friendly: Philips Respironics DreamWear Nasal Mask
Ranking The 5 Best Sleep Apnea Masks
1. Best Overall: Fisher & Paykel Evora Full Face CPAP Mask
Fisher & Paykel’s Evora Full Face CPAP Mask is designed to support your sleep performance at night. With a minimal design and custom dynamic support technology, it gives users the freedom of movement at night while ensuring that the mask stays in place. That way, you can keep switching positions without worry.
We ranked this the best mask overall due to its minimal contact design, overall flexibility, and comfort for users. In addition, the product has received mostly positive reviews from users.
Key Features:
- Low profile design, providing a clear line of sight for those who read or watch TV
- Minimal design with an under-the-nose floating seal to keep the mask in position
- Made with soft, silicone cushion to minimize pressure against the face
- Breathable headgear allows heat and moisture to escape for user comfort
- Minimizes noise for a quiet sleep at night
- 30-Day warranty period
Cost: Starts from $149
Who may love it: Those who deal with stuffy or congested noses, or those looking for a minimal contact full-face mask.
Who may want to avoid it: Those who do not like wearing full face masks.
2. Best for Side Sleepers: ResMed AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow Mask
ResMed’s AirFit P10 Nasal Pillow Mask is a minimal and lightweight mask that is suitable for active sleepers who find themselves constantly moving around at night. With its nasal pillow cushion and slip-on headgear, it barely comes into contact with your skin. This makes it easy to use and suitable for those with sensitive skin.
A nasal pillow mask like this is best for side sleepers as it is not too bulky and stays on securely.
Key Features:
- Nasal pillow cushion for stability when you switch sleep positions
- Slip-on headgear for ease of use
- Made of only three parts for easy assembly and clean-up
- QuietAir woven-mesh vents to reduce sound
- QuickFit headgear clip to easily adjust the mask
Cost: $80-$108
Who may love it: Those with sensitive skin, wear glasses, or have claustrophobia.
Who may want to avoid it: If you are a mouth breather.
3. Most Comfortable Fit: ResMed AirFit™ N30i Nasal CPAP Mask
ResMed’s AirFit N30i Nasal CPAP Mask is a nasal cradle mask that keeps nasal tubings out of your way, making sleep a more comfortable experience. It allows you to sleep on your stomach and it is easy to put on and take off with a slip-on design.
This is one of the most comfortable CPAP masks that is suitable for all sleep positions and allows you to move freely.
Key Features:
- Top-of-head connection tubing for more freedom
- Nasal cradle cushioning sits under the nose
- QuietAir vent for sound reduction
- Slip-on design for putting on and taking off
- A quick-release elbow that allows you to get up without disconnecting the mask
Cost: $118
Who may love it: If you are a stomach sleeper, you have a bed partner or sleep in multiple positions.
Who may want to avoid it: If you are a mouth breather or suffer from nasal congestion.
4. Best Full-Face Option: ResMed AirFit F30i Full-Face Mask
ResMed’s AirFit F30i Full-Face Mask is one of the best full-face mask options as it comes with a lightweight frame and full-face cushion to relieve pressure on the nasal bridge. The top-of-head connection also allows you to sleep comfortably even if you are a mouth breather so you don’t have to worry about not being able to breathe properly.
Key Features:
- Top-of-head connection tubing for more freedom
- UltraCompact cushion to prevent irritation and redness
- Magnetic clips to snap your mask on and off easily
- A quick-release elbow that allows you to get up without disconnecting the mask
Cost: $128
Who may love it: Suitable for mouth breathers, light sleepers, and active sleepers
Who may want to avoid it: If you have facial hair or sleep on your stomach
5. Most Budget-Friendly: Philips Respironics DreamWear Nasal Mask
Philips Respironics DreamWear Nasal Mask is a CPAP mask that can help you get the best sleep possible. With a slip-resistant design, it helps to hold the mask securely in place so you don’t have to worry about air leaks at night. In clinical trials, users also reported that the mask is easier to use, more comfortable, and allows for more movement.
Additionally, this nasal mask is the cheapest compared to all our other options on the list. This makes it perfect if you are looking for an affordable sleep apnea mask.
Key Features:
- Top-of-head connection tubing for more freedom
- Slip-resistant design to hold your mask securely in place
- Headgear comes with arms to prevent leakage of air
- The cushion comes in four sizes— small, medium, medium-wide, large
Cost: $65
Who may love it: Suitable for mouth breathers, light sleepers, and active sleepers.
Who may want to avoid it: If you have facial hair or sleep on your stomach.
See also: How To Stop Mouth Breathing While Sleeping?
Types of Sleep Apnea Masks
There are three main types of sleep apnea masks that you can choose from, which are full face mask, nasal pillow mask, and nasal mask.
Full-face mask
A full-face mask is a mask that covers both the nose and mouth. It is an ideal choice for someone who breathes through their mouth and it also limits the issues that are caused by stuffy or congested nose.
However, this option may not be suitable for someone who sleeps on their stomach or has sensitive skin as it can place pressure on the face. It may also not be ideal for someone with full facial hair as it can cause air to leak.
Nasal pillow mask
The nasal pillow mask is a lightweight and breathable option. It sits below the nose and features silicone pillows that are inserted directly into the nostrils for air.
A nasal pillow mask is best suited for someone who sleeps on their stomach and has facial hair. However, it is not suitable for mouth breathers or if you have sensitive nasal tissues.
Nasal mask
A nasal mask is a mask that has either a triangular or oval frame that fits just over the nose. Nasal masks feel a lot more natural compared to nasal pillow masks and it is suitable for a range of faces. However, it may not suit someone who has nasal congestion or a bunch of facial hair.
Comparison Table of Sleep Apnea Masks Types
To sum the three mask types up, here is a table for comparison:
| What Is It | Who It Is Suited For | Who It Is Not Suited For | |
| Full-Face Mask | A full-face mask is a mask that covers the entire nose and mouth region. | 1. Suited for mouth breathers 2. Those with a congested nose | 1. Not suited for stomach sleepers 2. Those with sensitive skin 3. People with full facial hair |
| Nasal Pillow Mask | A nasal pillow mask is a mask with silicone pillows that are directly inserted into the nostrils. | 1. Suited for stomach sleepers 2. Those with facial hair | 1. Not suited for mouth breathers 2. Those with sensitive nasal tissues |
| Nasal Mask | A nasal mask is a mask with a triangular or oval frame that fits over the nose. | Suited for a range of faces | 1. Does not suit someone with nasal congestion 2. Those with facial hair |
Tips for Choosing Sleep Apnea Masks
To ensure optimal CPAP therapy, selecting the right mask is essential for those struggling with traditional options. For CPAP users, finding the right mask is crucial for comfortable and effective CPAP therapy.
Consider factors such as the best CPAP mask for your needs, ensuring a proper seal to prevent leaking, prioritizing comfort, accommodating facial hair, and addressing any claustrophobia concerns.
1. Size and Pricing Considerations
When selecting a CPAP mask, always carefully assess both the size and pricing to ensure the best fit and value for your sleep apnea treatment. Proper sizing is crucial for comfort and effectiveness, so consider your face shape and dimensions when choosing a mask.
2. Additional Features and Setups
Assessing additional features and setups plays a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness and comfort of your chosen CPAP mask. When selecting a new CPAP mask, consider the various features and setup options available to find your perfect fit.
Some CPAP masks come with setup packs tailored for specific needs, such as compatibility with AirMini™ machines, beard-friendly designs, or sensitive skin considerations. These features aim to improve your overall therapy experience and ensure that you receive the best possible treatment for your sleep apnea.
| Features | Benefits | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| AirMini™ setup packs | Added convenience | AirMini™ machines |
| Beard-friendly designs | Comfort for beard wearers | Various CPAP machines |
| Sensitive skin considerations | Reduced irritation | All CPAP machines |
| Customized setup packs | Enhanced therapy experience | Different CPAP models |
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the right CPAP mask can help to improve your overall well-being and enjoy a restful night’s sleep. When choosing one, it’s important to consider the features, overall comfort, and fit as well as price.
To get more tips on managing your sleep apnea, try out the ShutEye® app. ShutEye® is a patented sleep-tracking app that monitors and records your sleep patterns and snoring levels to provide you with personalized sleep recommendations.
