How to find your ideal CPAP mask

Having the right mask can make all the difference to your therapy comfort and experience. A well-fitting mask with a good seal will help ensure you receive the most effective therapy possible and make CPAP easier to adjust to.

There is an enormous variety of masks in the market with different styles, cushion types, features and price points which can all be quite confusing, so let us help.

CPAP masks and their features are designed to be different simply because faces are different. What’s important to know is what mask will work for you.

What is a full face CPAP mask?

Let's start with full face masks. A full face mask typically has a cushion that covers both your mouth and nose to create a seal over both airways.  

If you breathe with your mouth open or experience nasal congestion, you may need a full face mask. They are also more suitable if you are prescribed high pressures as they are more tolerable to these pressures than other mask types. 

What is a nasal CPAP mask?

Most nasal masks consist of a cushion that covers the entire nose between the nasal bridge and the upper lip.

If you breathe through your nose and prefer a mask that covers less of your face, a nasal mask may be the answer. If you are a mouth breather, you can still use a nasal mask although you may need a chin strap to help keep your mouth closed.

What is a nasal pillow CPAP mask?

A nasal pillows mask is a small, compact mask with tubular silicone inserts that go inside your nostrils to deliver air.

Because of their design, they are a great choice if you like to read or experience claustrophobia or facial markings caused by other mask types.

What are the other types of CPAP masks?

Most traditional full face, nasal and nasal pillows masks have air tubing connecting to the front of your mask frame.  

A recent design now offers air tubing connecting to the frame at the top of your head. One example is the AirFit N30i, which not only introduces the top-of-the-head tube design but also a nasal cradle cushion. A nasal cradle cushion is narrower than a traditional nasal cushion and covers only the nasal area underneath the nostrils. 

(To help you understand which of our products feature this design in the ResMed AirFit series, these mask product names feature an “i” at the end of their product name). 

Our ResMed Mask options :

To help you find a CPAP mask that will fit and seal well, we’ve gathered together some of our most popular masks and to show you who they will suit best.

Some of these masks are also available in a "for her" variant, which is a specifically designed female range.

ResMed CPAP Full face masks

1. AirFit™ F20
   AirFit F20 is the best performing full face mask in the market thanks to its cushion design, magnetic clips and incredible quietness. Tested to securely seal up to the highest therapy pressures, it’s the mask of choice if you don’t want to compromise on performance.
2. AirTouch™ F20
   Almost everything that has made the AirFit F20 so great has also been packed into the AirTouch F20. The only difference is that instead of a silicone cushion, it features a softer and disposable UltraSoft™ memory foam cushion.
   

ResMed CPAP Nasal masks

1. AirFit N20
   AirFit N20 is a confident step up from its predecessor, the AirFit N10, with a number of innovations to improve seal and fit. Tested to fit a remarkable 99% of patients¹, this mask hits the sweet spot between form and function.
2. AirFit N20 Classic 
   If you want the confidence of traditional forehead support, the AirFit N20 Classic may be a better choice. While it provides all the essentials, it misses out on a few features found on the AirFit N20, such as the magnetic headgear clips.

Nasal pillows and nasal cradle masks

1. AirFit P10
   AirFit P10 is the oldest and best-selling AirFit mask on this list and for good reason. Its unobtrusive design, easy to fit headgear and proven performance have made it the perfect mask for users on a low to moderate therapy pressure.²
2. AirFit N30i
   As the first i model mask of the AirFit 30 series, AirFit N30i introduces the top-of-the-head tube design and nasal cradle cushion. It is ideal if you are an active sleeper, wear glasses, or simply want the freedom to sleep in different positions, including on your side or stomach.
   

Choosing your mask

Choosing the right mask isn’t simply about getting the right mask format. It’s also about fit, size and comfort.

When you go to buy your mask, be sure to ask as many questions and try on as many different types of masks as you can. And remember that there’s nothing wrong with changing to a different mask if the one you have isn’t working.