CPAP Mask Types Guide: Full Face, Nasal, Nasal Pillows, and Hybrid Masks Compared

Quick Answer

Choosing a CPAP mask is often harder than choosing the machine. The wrong mask causes leaks, skin irritation, and therapy abandonment. The right one you barely notice.

This guide covers the four main CPAP mask types, what they’re best at, who they work for, and how to test-fit your first mask before buying.

The Four Mask Types

1. Full Face Masks

Coverage: Nose and mouth Common models: ResMed AirFit F20, AirFit F30, Fisher & Paykel Simplus, Philips DreamWear Full Face

Full face masks cover the bridge of your nose down to below your lower lip. They’re the most prescribed mask type because they work regardless of whether you breathe through your nose or mouth during sleep.

Pros:

• Guaranteed to work for mouth breathers
• More forgiving if you open your mouth during sleep
• Wide pressure range tolerance (works at higher pressures)

Cons:

• Largest contact area — more skin irritation potential
• Bridging (leak near the nose bridge) is common
• Harder to use with reading glasses
• Feels more “claustrophobic” for some new users

Best for: Mouth breathers, people with chronic nasal congestion, high pressure therapy (12+ cmH₂O), CPAP beginners who don’t yet know their breathing pattern.

Best full face CPAP masks → — includes side-sleeping fit notes.

2. Nasal Masks

Coverage: Over the nose only Common models: ResMed AirFit N20, AirFit N30, Philips DreamWear Nasal, Fisher & Paykel Eson 2

Nasal masks sit over your nose with a triangular cushion. Your mouth stays uncovered. This makes them much smaller than full face masks with less skin contact.

Pros:

• Smaller, less obtrusive
• Less skin irritation and fewer contact marks
• Works well with glasses (before bed)
• Less “claustrophobic” feeling

Cons:

• Mouth breathers will need a chin strap or mouth tape
• Teeth clenching or grinding can break the seal
• Requires nasal patency — doesn’t work well with significant congestion
• May leak more at higher pressures

Best for: Nose breathers, low-to-medium pressure needs (4–12 cmH₂O), people who dislike bulky masks, side sleepers (many low-profile nasal masks work well on the side).

3. Nasal Pillows Masks

Coverage: Nostrils only (small silicone pillows seal at the nostril opening) Common models: ResMed AirFit P10, AirFit P30i, Philips DreamWear Nasal Pillow

Nasal pillows are the smallest CPAP mask type. Two small silicone cones sit just inside your nostrils. There’s almost no mask frame touching your face.

Pros:

• Minimal facial contact — no bridge marks
• Best for people with facial hair (beards, mustaches)
• Excellent for side sleepers (pillows sit below the eye area)
• Least claustrophobic option
• Easy to read, watch TV, or wear glasses with the mask on

Cons:

• Some users find the “jet” sensation uncomfortable (air blowing directly into nostrils)
• Still requires nasal breathing — mouth breathers need chin strap/taping
• Can cause nostril irritation with prolonged use at high pressure
• Cushion sizing matters more — wrong size = instant leak

Best for: Facial hair, side sleepers, people who felt claustrophobic with other masks, users who tolerate the nostril sensation, CPAP veterans who want minimal gear.

4. Hybrid Masks

Coverage: Nose and mouth with a minimal frame Common models: ResMed AirFit F30, Fisher & Paykel Vitera

Hybrid masks combine full-face coverage (mouth + nose) with a nasal-pillow-style cushion design that sits under the nose rather than over the bridge. The result is a mask that covers both breathing paths but with less frame than a traditional full face.

Pros:

• Works for mouth breathers without the nose bridge
• No bridge pressure = no “bridging” leak
• Smaller contact area than traditional full face
• Good for people with narrow or flat nasal bridges

Cons:

• Smaller frame means less forgiveness on fit
• Can be harder to get a good seal at high pressures
• Not as widely stocked by DME suppliers

Best for: Mouth breathers with nose bridge sensitivity, people who failed traditional full face masks due to bridge leaks, users who want full-face coverage without the bulk.

Mask Type by Sleeping Position

How to Choose Your First Mask

Step 1: Tape your mouth with a small piece of medical tape before bed (try this awake first). If you can breathe comfortably all night through your nose, try nasal pillows or a nasal mask. If you can’t mouth-breathe freely, start with a full face or hybrid.

Step 2: Consider your facial hair and sleeping position.

• Beard or mustache → nasal pillows or hybrid (minimal facial contact)
• Side sleeper → nasal pillows
• High pressure (12+) → full face or hybrid

Step 3: Test-fit at a local DME if possible. Most suppliers will let you hold different masks to see which frame shape fits your face. Pay attention to where the cushion hits your nose bridge.

Step 4: Buy from a place with a return/exchange window. Many CPAP-specific retailers offer 30-day mask exchanges. Amazon does not.

Common Mask Problems and Fixes

“My mask leaks at the nose bridge” → Try a mask with an under-the-nose cushion (hybrid) instead of over-the-bridge (traditional full face).

“I keep opening my mouth at night” → If you want to use a nasal mask, try a soft chin strap first. If that doesn’t work, switch to full face.

“The mask leaves red marks in the morning” → Loosen the straps slightly. Immediate red marks that disappear within an hour are normal. Marks lasting all day mean the straps are too tight.

“I feel claustrophobic” → Start with nasal pillows in a well-lit room for a few minutes before bed. Wear it while watching TV. Gradually increase wear time.

Disclosure: This guide uses affiliate links to CPAP.com and Amazon. Mask preference is highly individual — we recommend buying from suppliers with exchange policies. CPAP mask selection should be discussed with your sleep specialist or DME provider.

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