CPAP Mask Types Explained: 4 Styles Compared

The 4 Types of CPAP Masks (Nasal, Full Face, Pillow, Cradle)

There are four main types of CPAP masks: nasal, full face, nasal pillow, and nasal cradle. Each one trades off coverage, comfort, and leak tolerance differently. The right type for you depends on three things: whether you breathe through your nose or your mouth at night, what sleep position you use, and how high your prescribed pressure is. All four types work with every modern APAP, CPAP, and BiPAP machine.

Scroll down for the side-by-side comparison table if you want the fast answer. Or take our 5-question Mask Finder Quiz for a personalized recommendation based on your sleep position, breathing style, and comfort preferences. The detailed type-by-type breakdown follows below.

The wrong mask leads to leak, discomfort, and nights where you rip the thing off at 3 AM. The right one disappears.

How to Choose a CPAP Mask Type

If you only remember three rules, remember these:

1. Mouth breather? You need a full-face mask, or a nasal/pillow mask paired with a chin strap (opens in new tab). Air leaking out of your mouth defeats your therapy.
2. High pressure (above ~15 cmH2O)? A full-face mask handles the airflow more comfortably; small nasal pillows can feel like breathing into a hairdryer at high pressures.
3. Side or stomach sleeper? Nasal pillows or nasal cradles win. Their low profile resists being unseated when your face presses into the pillow.

Everything else is preference. Most clinics start nose breathers on a standard nasal mask and only switch when there's a real reason. If you want a personalized walkthrough, the Mask Finder Quiz takes 30 seconds.

Nasal Masks

A nasal mask covers your nose with a cushion that seals around it. It doesn't cover your mouth. This is the most common type of CPAP mask and the one most sleep clinics will try first.

How It Works

The mask sits over your nose, held in place by headgear straps. Air flows through the mask into your nose and down your airway. A built-in exhalation port lets you breathe out without resistance.

Pros

• Balanced seal and comfort. The sealing surface is large enough for a reliable seal but small enough to avoid the bulk of a full-face mask.
• Works well across pressure ranges. Comfortable at both low and moderate pressures.
• Stable on your face. Less likely to shift during sleep than nasal pillows.
• Good peripheral vision. You can read, watch TV, or use your phone before falling asleep.
• Wide selection of styles. More nasal mask options exist than any other type.

Cons

• Mouth breathing is a problem. If you open your mouth during sleep, air rushes out and your therapy drops. You'll need a chin strap (opens in new tab) or to switch to a full-face mask.
• Bridge-of-nose pressure. Some masks press on the nasal bridge, which can cause red marks or soreness over time. If this is a problem, our guide on fixing over-tight headgear covers how to get a better seal with less pressure.
• Not ideal if you have nasal congestion. Allergies, colds, or a deviated septum can make breathing through a nasal mask difficult.

Best For

Nose breathers who sleep on their back or side and use pressures in the 6 – 15 cmH2O range. If you breathe through your nose during the day, a nasal mask is a strong starting point.

Top Pick: ResMed AirFit N20

The ResMed AirFit N20 is one of the most popular nasal masks on the market. Its InfinitySeal cushion adapts to different face shapes without over-tightening, and the magnetic clips make it easy to put on and take off in the dark. Available in small, medium, and large.

Full-Face Masks

A full-face mask covers both your nose and mouth. It's the largest and heaviest type, but it solves problems that the other two can't.

How It Works

The mask creates a seal around your nose and mouth. Air enters the mask and you breathe normally through either your nose or mouth. The machine doesn't care which.

Pros

• Mouth breathing is fine. This is the main reason people choose full-face. If you breathe through your mouth during sleep, a full-face mask keeps your therapy effective.
• Handles high pressures well. At pressures above 15 cmH2O, the larger surface area distributes force more evenly, which can feel more comfortable than nasal options.
• No chin strap needed. You don't have to worry about jaw position during sleep.
• Works during congestion. When your nose is blocked, you can still breathe through your mouth and maintain therapy.

Cons

• Larger leak risk. More sealing surface means more potential for air gaps. Full-face users tend to have higher average leak rates.
• Claustrophobia. Some people feel enclosed or restricted by the amount of coverage.
• Heavier and bulkier. The extra material can feel intrusive, especially for side sleepers.
• Skin irritation. The larger contact area can cause more facial marks and pressure sores.
• Harder to maintain seal while reading or talking. Jaw movement breaks the lower seal easily.

Best For

Mouth breathers, people with chronic nasal congestion, and anyone on higher pressures (above 15 cmH2O). Also a good fit if you've tried a chin strap with a nasal mask and still wake up with a dry mouth.

Top Picks

The ResMed AirFit F20 is the most widely used full-face mask for a reason. Its InfinitySeal cushion works across a wide range of face shapes, and the frame sits lower on the nasal bridge than older designs, reducing pressure marks. The quick-release elbow makes nighttime adjustments simple.

If you have sensitive skin or get pressure marks from silicone, the ResMed AirTouch F20 uses a memory foam cushion instead. It conforms to your face with less pressure, though the foam cushions need replacing every 2 to 4 weeks (as of April 2026).

Nasal Pillow Masks

Nasal pillow masks are the smallest and lightest option. Instead of covering your nose, two small silicone pillows sit at the entrance of your nostrils and create a seal there.

How It Works

The pillows insert slightly into each nostril, creating a direct seal. The headgear is minimal, and the hose may connect at the front or on top of the head depending on the model.

Pros

• Minimal contact. Almost nothing touches your face. This is the least claustrophobic option by far.
• Excellent for side sleepers. Low profile means the mask doesn't get pushed around by your pillow. Top-of-head hose models like the ResMed AirFit P30i are especially good for restless sleepers.
• No facial marks. The only contact point is your nostrils, so you won't wake up with red marks on your nose bridge or cheeks.
• Easy to put on. Minimal straps and a simple design make the nightly routine faster.
• Great for glasses and reading. Nothing obstructs your vision.

Cons

• Uncomfortable at high pressures. Direct airflow into the nostrils can feel harsh above 12 – 14 cmH2O. Some users describe it as a "jet of air" feeling.
• Nostril soreness. The pillows sit inside the nostrils, which can cause irritation, dryness, or sores. Proper sizing is critical.
• Mouth breathing is a problem. Same issue as nasal masks. You'll need a chin strap (opens in new tab) or mouth tape if your jaw drops open during sleep.
• Less forgiving of movement. If the pillows shift out of position, the seal breaks immediately.
• Nasal congestion makes them unusable. Even mild stuffiness can make nasal pillows impractical.

Best For

Side sleepers, people who feel claustrophobic with larger masks, anyone on lower pressures (under 12 cmH2O), and users who want the lightest possible setup. If you've quit CPAP because the mask felt too intrusive, nasal pillows may bring you back.

Top Pick: ResMed AirFit P10

The ResMed AirFit P10 is one of the quietest and lightest masks available. At under 50 grams, you barely feel it. The trident headgear distributes tension evenly, and the QuietAir exhalation port is noticeably quieter than older designs. A consistent favorite among nasal pillow users.

Nasal Cradle Masks

Nasal cradle masks are a newer category that sits between traditional nasal masks and nasal pillows. Instead of covering your nose or inserting into your nostrils, a curved cushion cups under your nose.

How It Works

A soft cradle cushion seals against the area just below your nostrils. There is no forehead frame on most models, giving you an open field of vision. Some designs route the hose over the top of your head to reduce tube drag.

Pros

• No forehead frame. Less bulk than a traditional nasal mask, no red marks on your nose bridge.
• More stable than nasal pillows. The cradle design holds its seal better during movement.
• Good for side sleepers. The compact profile sits well against a pillow.
• Less nostril irritation than nasal pillows. The cushion does not insert into your nostrils.

Cons

• Mouth breathing is still a problem. Same limitation as nasal and nasal pillow masks.
• Fewer size options. Most cradle masks come in fewer sizes than traditional nasal masks.
• May not seal well with certain nose shapes. The under-nose seal depends on the anatomy of your upper lip area.

Best For

Side sleepers who find traditional nasal masks too bulky and nasal pillows too irritating. Good for pressures in the 6 to 14 cmH2O range.

Top Pick: ResMed AirFit N30i

The ResMed AirFit N30i routes the hose over the top of your head, so you can sleep in any position without tube drag pulling on the mask. The cradle cushion is soft and adapts well to different face shapes. One of the most comfortable masks ResMed makes.

Nasal Pillow vs Nasal Mask: Which to Choose

Pick a nasal pillow if you want the lightest possible mask, sleep on your side or stomach, use lower pressures (under ~12 cmH2O), or have facial hair that breaks the seal of a traditional nasal mask cushion. Nasal pillows are also less likely to leave red marks on your nose bridge or cheeks because the only contact point is your nostrils.

Pick a nasal mask if you find the sensation of pillow prongs in your nostrils uncomfortable, use higher pressures (above ~12 cmH2O) where the larger cushion seals more reliably, or have nostril irritation from direct airflow. Nasal masks also handle minor congestion better because the airflow has the entire nasal passage to expand into rather than entering through two small points.

Both require nose breathing. If you mouth-breathe at night, neither type alone is the right answer; you'll need a chin strap (opens in new tab) or a full-face mask.

Full Face vs Nasal Mask: When to Pick Each

Pick a full face mask if you breathe through your mouth during sleep, struggle with nasal congestion or allergies, use high therapy pressures (above ~15 cmH2O), or have failed to keep a chin strap working with a nasal mask. The mouth coverage is non-negotiable for mouth breathers because air escaping through your lips drops your effective therapy pressure to zero.

Pick a nasal mask if you breathe consistently through your nose, want better peripheral vision before sleep, or find full-face masks claustrophobic. Nasal masks have a smaller leak surface area and are generally more comfortable when they fit. They're also lighter and easier to seal at moderate pressures (6 – 15 cmH2O).

If you're not sure which side of the line you fall on, check your CPAP data. Persistent leak spikes that correlate with rising AHI usually mean a mouth seal problem the chin strap isn't catching, and a full-face switch is the more reliable fix.

CPAP Mask Types for Mouth Breathers

If you breathe through your mouth at night, you have three options ordered from least to most invasive:

1. Nasal mask + chin strap. Cheapest, least disruptive change. The chin strap holds your jaw closed so the air your machine pushes into your nose stays in your airway instead of leaking out your mouth. Works for users whose mouth breathing is mild or position-dependent. Watch your leak data: if you still see large leak spikes after a week, escalate.
2. Nasal mask + mouth tape. Some users prefer a soft strip of skin-friendly tape across the lips. Budget option, but lots of clinicians advise against it on safety grounds (you can't yawn, cough, or vomit cleanly). Discuss with your sleep doctor before trying.
3. Full-face mask. The gold standard for chronic mouth breathers. Covers both nose and mouth so it doesn't matter which one you breathe through. Heavier and more leak-prone overall, but the tradeoff is worth it if your therapy is failing on a nasal-only mask.

The data tells you which you actually need. If your leak rate stays under 12 L/min on average with a nasal mask plus chin strap and your AHI is normal, you're done. If leak spikes correlate with apnea spikes, the chin strap isn't enough.

APAP and BiPAP Mask Types

The good news: every CPAP mask type works with every modern therapy machine. APAP (auto-adjusting pressure), CPAP (fixed pressure), BiPAP (separate inhale and exhale pressures), and ASV (adaptive servo-ventilation) all use the same four mask styles. Your prescription specifies the pressure range and therapy mode; the mask is your choice.

A few practical notes:

• High BiPAP pressures favor full-face masks. BiPAP often runs at higher peak pressures than CPAP. If your inhale pressure is above 15 cmH2O, a full-face mask distributes the airflow more comfortably than nasal pillows, which can feel like a jet of air at that range.
• APAP at low minimum pressures works well with nasal pillows. If your APAP range starts at 4 – 6 cmH2O and only occasionally climbs, the lightweight pillow design is comfortable at the bottom of the range and tolerable at the top.
• ASV machines (treatment-emergent central apnea, complex sleep apnea) work with any mask type. Your therapy is determined by the machine's algorithm, not your mask. Pick the mask you can sleep in for 7+ hours.

If you're switching between APAP and BiPAP after a titration study, you don't need to switch masks. Just keep an eye on your leak data after the change in case the new pressure profile breaks the seal at certain pressures.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Which Mask Fits Your Sleep?

Five decision axes, four mask types. Cell color shows strength of fit.

Mask Type

Side sleep

Mouth breathing

Enclosed feel

Comfort range

Leak

01

Nasal PillowNostril tips only

Excellent

Chin strap needed

Very low

4 – 12 cmH₂O

Low

02

Nasal CradleCushion sits under the nose

Excellent

Chin strap needed

Very low

6 – 14 cmH₂O

Low

03

NasalCovers the nose

Good

Chin strap needed

Low

6 – 15 cmH₂O

Low

04

Full FaceCovers nose and mouth

Fair

Ideal

High

8 – 25 cmH₂O

Higher

01

Nasal Pillow

Nostril tips only

Side sleep

Excellent

Mouth breathing

Chin strap needed

Enclosed feel

Very low

Comfort range

4 – 12 cmH₂O

Leak

Low

02

Nasal Cradle

Cushion sits under the nose

Side sleep

Excellent

Mouth breathing

Chin strap needed

Enclosed feel

Very low

Comfort range

6 – 14 cmH₂O

Leak

Low

03

Nasal

Covers the nose

Side sleep

Good

Mouth breathing

Chin strap needed

Enclosed feel

Low

Comfort range

6 – 15 cmH₂O

Leak

Low

04

Full Face

Covers nose and mouth

Side sleep

Fair

Mouth breathing

Ideal

Enclosed feel

High

Comfort range

8 – 25 cmH₂O

Leak

Higher

Strong fit

Workable

Poor fit

Mouth-breathing guidance from AASM 2019 CPAP Clinical Practice Guideline. Leak comparison from Ebben et al. 2014 (Sleep Medicine). Pressure ranges are typical comfort ceilings (clinical convention), not device limits; ResMed masks are rated for the machine's full range (4–20 cmH₂O for nasal / pillow / cradle, 4–25 cmH₂O for F20 / F30). Take the 5-question quiz for a personalized pick.

The diagram above is the fast answer. The table below is the full reference for the same four masks with every feature side by side.

Feature	Nasal	Full Face	Nasal Pillow	Nasal Cradle
Coverage	Nose only	Nose and mouth	Nostril tips	Under nose
Weight	Medium	Heavy	Light	Light
Typical comfort range	6 – 15 cmH2O	8 – 25 cmH2O	4 – 12 cmH2O	6 – 14 cmH2O
Mouth breathing	No (needs chin strap)	Yes	No (needs chin strap)	No (needs chin strap)
Side sleeping	Good	Fair	Excellent	Excellent
Back sleeping	Excellent	Excellent	Good	Good
Claustrophobia risk	Low	High	Very low	Very low
Average leak tendency	Low	Higher	Low	Low
Facial marks	Some (nose bridge)	More	Minimal	Minimal
Nasal congestion	Poor	Good	Poor	Poor
Field of vision	Good	Limited	Excellent	Excellent
Cushion replacement cost	Affordable	Affordable	Most affordable	Affordable

Comfort ranges are clinical convention, not device limits. ResMed's AirFit P10 / P30i / N20 / N30i are all rated 4 – 20 cmH2O; AirFit F20 and F30 are rated 4 – 25 cmH2O. Your mask will technically work across the whole prescribed range; the comfort column above is where most users report each type feels best.

How CPAP Clarity Helps You Evaluate Your Mask

Choosing a mask is step one. Knowing if it's actually working is step two. That's where your data comes in.

CPAP Clarity shows your leak rate chart alongside your events for every session, so you can see the direct relationship between mask seal and therapy quality. When you import your whole SD card folder, the Machine Settings card also shows which mask type your machine thinks you're using (nasal pillow, nasal, or full face), which is helpful for confirming your machine is configured correctly for your mask. Here's what to look for in your data:

• Consistently low leak (under 12 L/min average). Your mask type and fit are working. No changes needed.
• Leak spikes at specific times. You're probably shifting positions and breaking the seal. A different mask style or a CPAP-friendly pillow (opens in new tab) may help.
• High leak all night. Your mask type or size may not be right for your face. Time to try a different style.
• High leak correlating with high AHI. This is the key signal. When leak rises and events rise with it, your mask is actively undermining your therapy. Fixing the mask issue will often drop your AHI significantly.

If you've recently switched mask types, compare your leak averages and AHI before and after. The data tells you whether the switch helped, far more reliably than how you "feel" about the new mask in the first few nights.

Analyze your mask performance free with CPAP Clarity →

Common Questions

Can I switch mask types without seeing my doctor?

Yes. Your prescription covers the machine and pressure settings, not the mask type. You can switch freely. If you're changing because of persistent problems, it's worth mentioning at your next appointment.

How do I know my mask size?

Most manufacturers include a sizing template you can print and hold to your face. Getting the right size matters more than getting the right brand.

How often should I replace the cushion?

Silicone cushions last 1 – 3 months. Nasal pillow cushions wear faster (2 – 4 weeks). Memory foam cushions need replacing every 2 – 4 weeks. When your leak rate starts creeping up and strap tightening doesn't help, a new cushion (opens in new tab) is usually the fix.

What if I breathe through my mouth sometimes but not always?

Try a nasal mask with a chin strap (opens in new tab) first. Check your leak data in CPAP Clarity. If you see frequent large leak spikes despite the chin strap, switching to a full-face mask is the more reliable solution.

Find Your Match

Still not sure which mask type is right for you? Our Mask Finder Quiz asks 5 quick questions about your sleep position, breathing style, pressure range, and comfort preferences, then recommends specific mask models with links to buy. It takes 30 seconds.

Which Mask Type to Start With

There's no universally "best" mask type. The right mask depends on how you breathe, how you sleep, what pressure you use, and what you can tolerate on your face for 7+ hours. If you're deciding between a full face and a nasal mask specifically, our full face vs nasal mask deep dive covers the trade-offs in detail. And if you sleep on your side, our best CPAP masks for side sleepers guide narrows the field to masks designed for that position. If you sleep on your stomach, see our best CPAP masks for stomach sleepers for specific recommendations. Start with the type that matches your breathing style (nose breather vs. mouth breather), then let your data guide the rest. Your leak rate and AHI trends will tell you more than any product review.

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