CPAP Mask Types Explained: Nasal, Full Face, and Nasal Pillow

Three Masks, Three Trade-offs

Choosing the right CPAP mask is one of the most important decisions in your therapy. The wrong mask leads to leak, discomfort, and nights where you rip the thing off at 3 AM. The right one disappears.

There are three types: nasal, full face, and nasal pillow. Each has real strengths and real drawbacks. This guide will help you pick the one that matches how you sleep.

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.
• 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 (opens in new tab) 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 Pick: ResMed AirFit F20

The ResMed AirFit F20 (opens in new tab) 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.

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 N30i (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab) 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.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Nasal	Full Face	Nasal Pillow
Coverage	Nose only	Nose and mouth	Nostril tips
Weight	Medium	Heavy	Light
Best pressure range	6 – 15 cmH2O	8 – 20+ cmH2O	4 – 12 cmH2O
Mouth breathing	No (needs chin strap)	Yes	No (needs chin strap)
Side sleeping	Good	Fair	Excellent
Back sleeping	Excellent	Excellent	Good
Claustrophobia risk	Low	High	Very low
Average leak tendency	Low	Higher	Low
Facial marks	Some (nose bridge)	More	Minimal
Nasal congestion	Poor	Good	Poor
Field of vision	Good	Limited	Excellent
Replacement cushion cost	~$15 – 30	~$20 – 35	~$10 – 20

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. Here's what to look for:

• 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.

The Bottom Line

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.