CPAP Mask Types Explained: Expert Guide for All Sleepers (2025)

Choosing a CPAP mask type that fits your needs, breathing style, and preferred sleeping position is essential for maintaining CPAP therapy compliance. But finding the one that's right for you can be overwhelming–especially if this is your first time buying a CPAP mask.

Our helpful guide to the types of CPAP masks breaks down everything you need to know about these products. Here's what we'll cover:

• Five most common mask designs
• Features, benefits, and drawbacks of popular types of CPAP masks
• Top-rated masks in each popular category
• Important mask parts that you should know
• Alternative mask types you may come across
• How to choose the right mask type for you

You've probably heard of the three main CPAP mask types—nasal pillows, nasal masks, and full face masks. These were designed to support either nose breathing or mouth and nose breathing.

But what you may not know is that these types of CPAP masks can be broken down further. In fact, modern masks can be divided into five categories, depending on whether they seal over the bridge of the nose or around the nostrils.

• 2 types of full face masks for mouth and/or nose breathing
• 2 types of nasal masks for nose breathing
• 1 type of nasal pillow mask for nose breathing

Look for these 5 types of CPAP masks

✓Nasal pillow mask

✓ Nasal cradle mask

✓ Traditional over-the-nose nasal mask

✓ Under-the-nose full face mask

✓ Traditional over-the-nose full face mask

Nasal pillow CPAP masks are compact and lightweight, offering minimal touchpoints, a claustrophobia-friendly design, and an open line of sight. They seal directly at the nostrils, making them ideal for nose breathers and those new to CPAP therapy.

Many people find these masks easier to adjust to compared to other styles, which can improve CPAP compliance rates. However, they can sometimes cause nasal irritation and you may need a chinstrap to keep your mouth closed to prevent air leaks.

Features to look for...

• Top-of-head hose connection
• Front hose connection with short tube
• Mutli-size fit packs to find your cushion size
• Crown straps for stability

Check out our review of best nasal pillow CPAP masks

Nasal cradle masks sit comfortably under the nose, sealing around the nostrils while keeping facial contact minimal and your line of sight open. They're a great option for nose breathers who want a lightweight, low-profile design without feeling claustrophobic.

Unlike nasal pillows, these masks don’t sit inside the nostrils. This can reduce nasal irritation but it can also lead to a less secure seal. Mouth breathers may experience air leaks, though using a chinstrap can easily fix this issue.

Features to look for...

• Top-of-head hose connection
• Front hose connection with short tube
• Mutli-size fit packs to find your cushion size
• Crown straps for stability

Traditional over-the-nose nasal CPAP masks cover the entire nose and are often secured with adjustable four-point headgear. They offer a stable and secure fit, making them a popular choice for those who can comfortably breathe through their nose.

These masks tend to handle higher pressure settings better than nasal pillows or cradles and provide a reliable seal. However, they do put pressure on the bridge of the nose, which may cause redness and irritation. If a nasal mask sits high enough on your nasal bridge, it may obstruct your line of sight.

Features to look for...

• Quick-release elbow
• Full swivel connection
• Short tube
• Magnetic clips
• Crown straps
• Multi-size fit packs to find your cushion size
• Memory foam, cloth, or gel cushions for sensitive skin

Check out our review of best nasal CPAP masks

Under-the-nose full face masks offer full coverage for both mouth and nose but seal around the nostrils rather than over the bridge of the nose. This modern design reduces bulk and keeps your field of vision clearer, making it a good choice for those who find traditional full face masks claustrophobic.

These masks are especially helpful for active and belly sleepers who breathe through their mouth. Under-the-nose full face masks tend to be more adjustable compared to nasal pillows and nasal cradle masks, however, they may cause minor leaks if not fitted properly.

Features to look for...

• Top-of-head hose connection
• Quick-release elbow
• Full swivel connection
• Short tube
• Magnetic clips
• Crown straps
• Multi-size fit packs to find your cushion size

Traditional over-the-nose full face CPAP masks provide complete coverage of both the nose and mouth, making them a solid choice for mouth breathers or those who struggle to keep their mouth closed during sleep.

These masks are known for creating a stable seal and handling higher pressure settings well, thanks to their secure 4-point headgear design.

However, their bulky shape may block your field of vision, leaving you feeling claustrophobic, particularly if you are a new user. Additionally, they create pressure points on the bridge of the nose, which may not be ideal for sensitive skin.

Features to look for...

• Quick-release elbow
• Full swivel connection
• Short tube
• Magnetic clips
• Crown straps
• Multi-size fit packs to find your cushion size
• Memory foam, cloth, or gel cushions for sensitive skin

Check out our review of best full face CPAP masks

Nasal prong CPAP masks deliver air deep inside the nostrils, creating a seal by inflating gently against the nostril walls. This is different from nasal pillows, which seal at the nostril opening.

These masks are secured with headgear worn on top of the head and work best when paired with heated humidification to prevent dryness because there is a higher risk of sinus irritation.

Like other nasal masks, there is a high chance of air leaks if you sleep with your mouth open.

Hybrid full face masks offer the benefits of both nasal pillows and full face masks, but with a lighter, less bulky design. They provide airflow to both the mouth and nasal passages while maintaining an open field of vision, thanks to the absence of forehead supports.

This style is popular among people who want a secure seal without needing a chinstrap, though some may experience initial nasal irritation as they adjust to the nasal pillow component.

Oral CPAP masks feature an oval-shaped cushion that seals around the mouth, delivering air through two inlets while using flaps to keep the mask securely in place.

They’re especially helpful for people with frequent nasal congestion, as they bypass the nose entirely. However, those without congestion may find the airflow escapes through the nose, leading to dryness, and the design can feel more intrusive compared to other mask types.

Total face CPAP masks create a seal around the entire face—including the nose, mouth, and eyes—secured with four-point headgear.

They’re ideal for people who experience air leaks through the corners of their eyes or who have facial conditions that make other mask types uncomfortable or ineffective.

Like traditional full face masks, they provide even pressure distribution, but their full-coverage design prevents air from escaping through unexpected areas, ensuring effective therapy.

When you're looking for the best type of CPAP mask for you, we suggest finding the masks that work for your breathing style and sleeping position, then trying one that makes the least amount of contact with your face.

As a rule of thumb, the more surface area your mask requires to make a good seal, the more potential you have for a leaky mask, which can affect your therapy results.

Breathing style

If you're a nose-breather you can probably use most CPAP masks. If you breathe through your mouth, you'll need a full face mask or something else with mouth coverage.

If you breathe through your nose but sleep with your mouth open you may also benefit from a full face mask, or you could try a chinstrap.

Read about the best CPAP masks for mouth breathing.

Sleeping position

Back sleepers can use just about any CPAP mask, but finding a CPAP mask for side sleeping or stomach sleeping can take a little bit more research.

Learn how to find a mask for your sleeping position.

Skin sensitivities

While modern masks are usually latex-free, the majority of these masks contain silicone. If you have sensitive skin or a silicone allergy, it may be better to get a CPAP mask with memory foam or cloth.

Open line of sight

Whether you're concerned about feeling claustrophobic from your CPAP mask or you just want to keep an open line of sight, you'll want a mask with a low-profile design that doesn't require forehead pads, ideally one that sits under the nose.

See our masks for CPAP claustrophobia.

Facial hair

Having facial hair can make it harder to get a secure mask seal, but there are some good options out there if you know where to look.

If you have a lot of facial hair it's better to choose a nasal-only mask when possible. If you need a full face mask it may be helpful to try a memory foam or gel mask.

Check out our review for top CPAP masks for facial hair.

Arthritis or poor dexterity

Wearing a CPAP mask can be tough if you have dexterity issues. This can affect your mask fit whether you are living with Parkinson's, struggle with arthritis in your hands, or have an old shoulder injury.

Magnet safety

If you have a medical implant, talk to your doctor before buying a CPAP mask with magnets. While some people are able to use a magnetic mask even with an implant, the rule is to maintain at least 6 inches between the magnet and the device. If this is not possible, you may be able to replace existing magnetic clasps with regular ones.

While there are many factors to consider when navigating the different types of CPAP masks, we hope that this guide has helped you better understand the mask types and features you should look for when finding the right CPAP mask type for you!

Remember to always choose a mask based on your breathing style and sleeping position preference first, then consider your other needs like skin sensitivity, claustrophobic tendencies, and medical implants you may need to keep in mind.

If you need more personalized help in choosing the right CPAP mask, don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert customer service team, who is eager to help you reclaim restful sleep and get back to waking up energized and enjoying life!