Sleep apnea affects 1 in 15 adults in the USA, but CPAP treatment can provide a solution. However, to get the best from this treatment, you need the right CPAP mask.
In our quest for the best CPAP masks, we’ve examined the important features and purchase considerations. We’ve looked at quality, comfort and configuration possibilities. We have examined a number of models and have determined a list of great options for different types of sleepers, and mask preferences. This should help you to find the best CPAP mask for your specific requirements and needs.
Other features: MicroFit Dial headgear with 24 size settings, ActiveCell Technology, dual-wall cushion, adjustable headgear
The ResMed Mirage Activa LT is a CPAP mask with active cell cushioning that expands and contracts throughout the night for extra comfort. The seal is not compromised and this ensures that the mask is effective with no need to tighten or over-tighten the straps. There is also a quick release mechanism.
This mask also has a redesigned diffusion vent to help reduce airflow and prevent disturbances to your sleep. Due to this reconfiguration, the mask is 49% quieter compared to the original MirageActiva. So, if you or your partner is a light sleeper, you’ll find this mask is whisper quiet and should not disturb your rest. It is available in four different sizes to suit your facial structure and ensure that you feel comfortable. This makes it the best CPAP mask for side sleepers or back sleepers.
Other features: MicroFit dial, detachable headgear, tight fitting, compatible with most machines and tubing (except for ResMed AirMini)
The Mirage Quattro is a full face mask that has highly customizable options to securely fit all face shapes. There are four sizes and fit adjustability to allow the mask to closely contour and create a tight seal to prevent air leakage and optimize the CPAP performance without any compromise to comfort.
What’s great about this mask is that it has an adjustable dial so you can tighten the forehead support bar to achieve your desired fit. There is also Spring Air dual wall technology along the edge of the mask to ensure it creates a snug feel and hugs the face, while air vents throughout the mask keep it relatively quiet.
Other features: lightweight materials, open vision design, under the nose cushion
The Philips Amara View is one of the best nasal CPAP mask options. It has an under the nose design that will not leave marks or abrasions on the bridge of the nose. The sleek design of this mask means that you don’t need any forehead support. This does mean that it is a light and small mask that is a great option if you wear glasses or like to watch television before you fall asleep. You can relax without compromising your field of vision.
The Amara View is a comfortable face mask that has a silicone finish, so you can wear it with a great seal. The nostril opening creates pressure into the nostril, but you shouldn’t experience the irritation that you may have found with a traditional nasal pillow.
Other features: can’t be used with AirMini; whisper quiet, ultralight flexi-tube
If you’re looking for the best nasal CPAP mask for side sleepers, you’ll want the lightest, smallest mask possible and you’ll appreciate the ResMed AirFit P10. This is one of the lightest sleep apnea masks on the market at just 1.6 ounces. The mask has woven mesh vents or QuietAir vents, to reduce the noise down to a whisper quiet 21dB. The vents can also direct your exhaled air away from your face and your sleep partner for complete nighttime comfort.
The P10 has a split strap headgear design that helps keep the mask from moving as you’re laying on your side. However, only two soft straps actually touch your face.
Other features: InfinitySeal cushion, plush headgear and magnetic clips, quick release elbow and diffused venting
Our pick as the best CPAP mask for mouth breathers has to be the ResMed AirFit F20. This is a full face mask that can provide a comfortable and effective seal regardless of your face shape. The headgear and mask have seven contour points to provide an adaptive, close fit without excessive rubbing or pinching. ResMed have carefully considered this mask to ensure it has a comfortable design. There is a silicone cushion and soft nose bridge with headgear that contours around the chin for additional support.
Like others in the ResMed product line, the F20 features QuietAir venting technology. This has multidirectional openings to allow venting in different areas and break up your exhaled air. This makes the mask gentler to use with reduced noise. The F20 is available with small, medium or large headgear, but the cushion is only available as a small or medium.
Other features: stable fit, flexible movement and connection, supportive chassis, curved cushion design, septum bridge membrane
The ResMed AirFit N30i is a must to include in our list of the best sleep apnea mask options. It has a 360º swivel, hollow frame tubing and a top mounted hose connection, so that even if you tend to move around a lot as you’re sleeping, you won’t compromise the seal. The N30i has been engineered, so that it moves with you. The mask frame has eliminated the excessive bulk in front of your face, while the integrated notching system and springfit design allows the mask to adapt to the shape of your face, so you can customize your fit.
Other features: multi-size cushion design, flexible swivel, clear line of sight, flexible tubing
The Philips Wisp has one of the best CPAP headgear designs. It provides a comfortable, soft fit that can be worn loosely without worry about compromising performance. It easily attaches to the face without the need for a forehead attachment. So, it is a great option for those who like to read or watch television before going to sleep. The mask cushion is lightweight and small with an outer silicone membrane that has minimal contact on the face. You can also choose from three cushion sizes for the best fit and comfort. It is supplied with a small/medium cushion and a large cushion together with an extra large cushion, so you can try out the different sizes for the most comfortable fit. It is also supplied with a flexible, lightweight short tube for easy disconnection and quick cleaning.
Other features: dual system for superior fit, Duo Pack option
As its name suggests, the Philips Respironics ComfortGel Blue has been designed with comfort as its top priority. When you need to wear a CPAP mask every night, even a minor comfort issue can become a big problem that compromises your sleep and rest. This mask is made with innovative gel technology that is designed to provide a custom fit. The premium padding provides adjustability, while the nasal cushion conforms comfortably to the skin to avoid painful pressure points with minimal air leaks. When combined with the gel cushion, the silicone flap of this mask creates a good seal, while protecting the cushion from potentially harmful skin oils to extend its lifespan.
With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to find the best CPAP masks. So, here we’ve compiled a buying guide with the features to look for and answers to frequently asked questions to help you to make a final purchase decision.
Approximately 18 million people in the USA are affected by sleep apnea. So, it stands to reason that there are hundreds of different configurations and styles of CPAP masks to accommodate preferences and different face shapes. However, there are essentially three main types of CPAP masks.
A full face CPAP mask seals around your nose and mouth, making it the best CPAP mask for mouth breathers or those who have difficulties when breathing through their nose. The full face mask allows effective airflow distribution, which makes high pressure settings that are easier to tolerate. It is also a good option if you tend to switch between nose and mouth breathing or simply don’t know which you prefer.
However, full face masks tend to include a forehead pad that can cause irritation. Additionally, the design can limit the field of vision if you like to read or watch television in bed.
As the name suggests, the Nasal CPAP mask is designed to only cover the nose. With a smaller profile, this is a more popular choice for side sleepers or if you have facial hair. Additionally, nasal CPAP masks can accommodate higher pressure settings compared to nasal pillows. These masks can often be combined with a chin strap to prevent sore throats and dry mouth, if you tend to breathe through your mouth, but occasionally breathe through the mouth. However, like the full face mask, they may include a forehead pad that can cause irritation. However, this type is not the best CPAP mask for stomach sleepers.
Nasal pillows rest under the nose and only seal around the nostrils. Rather than having a cushion, these masks feature individual silicone, gel or memory foam pillows. This is the lightest and smallest style of mask with a minimal design that is a good choice for active sleepers or those who enjoy watching television or reading before bed. However, these masks are only suitable for low to medium pressure settings.
As the name suggests, oral masks only cover the mouth, making them a solid choice for mouth breathers. They can accommodate any pressure allowance, but if you tend to switch to breathing through your nose, your CPAP therapy will be interrupted.
Finally, a total face mask is large enough to cover the mouth and nose with a seal over both airways. This is a large mask that covers most of the lower half of the face with side straps to keep it in place. This is a good option for back sleepers or those who need a high pressure CPAP setting. If you tend to sleep lightly or sleep on your side, you may find this type of mask bulky.
Trying to pick the best CPAP can be a little daunting, but here we’ll look into the features you should consider to find the best model for you.
Perhaps the most important consideration when you’re choosing a CPAP mask is the recommendations of your doctor. Your healthcare provider will provide a specific pressure prescription Trusted Source How to Determine CPAP Pressure Settings to Treat Sleep Apnea Learn how sleep apnea severity and other factors determine what CPAP pressure settings are appropriate. www.verywellhealth.com for your CPAP treatment and this will influence your choice of mask. Some masks, like the AirFit P10 are only suitable for low to medium pressure levels, so if you need a higher pressure, you will need to choose a different type or model of mask.
Your doctor can also help guide you through the advantages and potential disadvantages of the different masks to help you to find which style will be most likely a good choice for you.
Another important consideration is machine compatibility. Generally, most masks are designed with a universal fit compatible with all CPAP machines. However, there are exceptions. Some connection equipment is mask specific, so you would need specially fitted adapters to use standard CPAP tubing.
Masks come in different sizes to allow you to find one that suits your head and face size. Without proper sizing and fit, your mask may not create the required seal for your CPAP machine to correctly function. A poor fit can also create discomfort and pain throughout the night.
Generally, masks are available in small, medium and large sizing, but some brands also have women specific sizing or wider options for different face types.
The materials of your mask will not only impact comfort, but also durability. If the mask is hard plastic, it will rub and cause irritation. Most masks feature softer plastic or silicone cushions, but if you have a silicone sensitivity, there are some models with a cloth option.
Your preferred sleeping position will also determine the best choice of CPAP mask. If you’re a back sleeper, you can use any type of CPAP mask, but side sleepers may struggle with bulkier masks that can shift against the pillow and break the seal. Stomach sleepers will be limited to a minimal design such as a nasal pillow, but you should try to break the habit of sleeping on your stomach.
Finally, you need to consider that if you’re an active sleeper, you should look for a mask with a hollow frame for flexibility, so that even if you toss and turn, you won’t interrupt your sleep therapy.
Another important factor is your breathing style. Nose breathers can use any CPAP mask style while mouth breathers should try a full face mask or if you prefer a wider field of vision an oral CPAP mask.
If you don’t know your breathing style, you should consider a hybrid or full face CPAP mask.
An airtight seal is crucial and the mask headgear allows fit adjustment for your mask to help to keep it in place throughout the night. Most masks have headgear made with soft elastic that fits around the back of the head, but the size and shape of straps differs between manufacturers.
We’ve mentioned this before, but it is worth reiterating. A weak seal leads to air leaks and will prevent you receiving the right air pressure as you sleep. The mask fit and the type of mask will impact the seal, so look for a model with lots of adjustability so you can achieve a secure seal.
If you like to read or watch television in bed, some styles of mask can be annoying by restricting your line of sight. In this case, you will want to look for a model with a low profile.
The tubing connects your mask to the CPAP machine, but depending on the mask style it may attach at the top of your head or near your nose. If you’re an active sleeper, you may appreciate a top of the head attachment as it will provide greater flexibility as you move during the night.
If your insurance plan does not cover the full cost of your CPAP mask, price will become a major consideration. Just bear in mind that price does not necessarily correlate with comfort and quality. So, concentrate on the other considerations and then you can narrow down your choices according to your budget.
A warranty can express a manufacturer’s confidence in its products. While many manufacturers offer a 30-day warranty with their CPAP masks, there are some models, like the ResMed AirFit F20 that are supplied with a 90 day warranty.
You’ll need to disassemble your mask and then submerge the mask cushion, headgear and tubing in a sink of warm, soapy water, agitating the pieces in the water with your hands for approximately five minutes. Rinse the parts with fresh water, pat dry and allow them to fully dry before reassembling.
As you can see, there are some excellent CPAP masks on the market today. From the Philips Amara View that does not impede your field of vision to the highly customizable Mirage Quattro, there are some great masks. However, the stand out pick as the best CPAP masks has to be our editor’s choice, the ResMed Mirage Activa LT. This impressive mask has active cell cushioning that ensures extra comfort as it expands and contracts, so you don’t need to over tighten the straps to create a good seal. The vent configuration also ensures this mask is far quieter than the original Mirage Activa, making it ideal for light sleepers or those with a partner who is easily disturbed.
Just remember that if you want the best CPAP masks, you need to consider your own requirements. This will allow you to find a mask that is comfortable, effective and compatible with your CPAP machine levels for an effective treatment plan.
