How to Choose the Right CPAP Mask: Nasal, Pillows, or Full Face?

If you've just been diagnosed with sleep apnea — or you're struggling with the mask you've been given — one of the first questions you'll ask is: which type of CPAP mask is actually right for me? It's a genuinely important question, because no matter how good your CPAP machine is, an uncomfortable or ill-fitting mask will undermine your therapy. The good news is that there's a clear logic to mask selection, and once you understand the key factors, the choice becomes a lot less overwhelming. This guide walks you through the three main CPAP mask types, the factors that should drive your decision, and how to know when you've got the right fit.

The Three Main Types of CPAP Mask

Most CPAP masks fall into one of three categories. Each works differently, suits different people, and comes with its own trade-offs.

1. Nasal Pillow Masks

Nasal pillow masks — commonly referred to as pillow masks —are the smallest and most minimal option available. Rather than covering the nose, they use two soft silicone tips that sit just inside the nostrils, directing airflow directly into the nasal passage. Because they have so little contact with the face, they're the go-to choice for people who feel claustrophobic in larger masks, active or restless sleepers who move around at night, and those who wear glasses or like to read or watch TV before bed.

They're also one of the better options for people with facial hair, since there's far less surface area requiring a seal against the skin. However, they don't suit everyone. If your prescribed pressure is on the higher end, you may find nasal pillows less effective at maintaining a consistent seal. They also aren't suitable for mouth breathers, since all airflow passes through the nose — if your mouth falls open during the night, you'll lose pressure and wake up with a dry mouth.

Best for: Nose breathers, side and stomach sleepers, people with beards, claustrophobic users, those on lower to moderate pressure settings.

Not ideal for: Mouth breathers, users on high-pressure settings, anyone with frequent nasal congestion.

Explore our range of nasal pillow masks from ResMed, Fisher & Paykel, and Philips Respironics.

2. Nasal Masks

Nasal masks cover the nose using a soft silicone cushion, sitting in a middle ground between the minimal contact of a nasal pillow and the full coverage of a full face mask. They tend to offer a more stable seal than nasal pillows — particularly at higher pressure settings — while still being lighter and less intrusive than a full face option.

Traditional nasal mask designs rest on the bridge of the nose, which can leave red marks or cause discomfort for some users. However, a number of modern nasal mask designs have moved away from this entirely. Masks like the Philips DreamWear Under the Nose (UtN), the ResMed AirFit N30i, and the Fisher & Paykel Solo Nasal use an under-the-nose cushion design that seals below the nostrils rather than over the bridge. This eliminates nose bridge pressure and red marks, delivers a clear and open field of vision, and makes these masks a much more comfortable proposition for users who've previously struggled with traditional nasal mask designs.

Like nasal pillows, nasal masks are not suitable for people who breathe through their mouth while sleeping. If you want to use a nasal mask but tend to open your mouth at night, a CPAP chin strap may help keep your mouth closed and maintain the integrity of your therapy.

Best for: Nose breathers, moderate to higher pressure settings, users who want more stability than a nasal pillow, back and side sleepers.

Not ideal for: Mouth breathers (without a chin strap), users prone to congestion.

3. Full Face Masks

Full face masks — also called oronasal masks — create a seal that covers both the nose and the mouth. They're the only mask type that accommodates mouth breathing during sleep, which makes them the standard recommendation for people who breathe through their mouth at night, frequently experience nasal congestion or allergies, or are prescribed higher CPAP pressures.

Because they cover more of the face, full face masks can feel more substantial to wear, and some users — particularly those prone to claustrophobia — need time to adjust. However, modern full face designs have come a long way. Many now feature minimal-contact cushions and under-the-nose seals that significantly reduce the amount of face coverage while still delivering the full nose-and-mouth seal that mouth breathers need.

Best for: Mouth breathers, users with nasal congestion or chronic allergies, those on higher pressure settings, people who find nasal masks leak overnight.

Not ideal for: Side or stomach sleepers (though under-the-nose designs help), people prone to claustrophobia without an acclimatisation period.

Browse our selection of full face CPAP masks, including low-profile minimal-contact options.

How to Choose: The Key Factors

Knowing the three types is the starting point — but which one is right for you comes down to a handful of personal factors. Work through these before making a decision.

A Note on Mouth Breathing

This is the single most important factor in mask selection. If you breathe through your mouth while you sleep — or your mouth falls open during the night — a nasal or nasal pillow mask will cause air to escape through your mouth, reducing therapy pressure and leaving you with a dry, sore mouth in the morning. In this case, a full face mask is the straightforward solution. Alternatively, some nose breathers whose mouths occasionally drift open use a nasal or nasal pillow mask paired with a chin strap to keep the mouth closed. Both approaches work — the right one depends on your comfort preference.

Fit Matters as Much as Type

Even the right type of mask won't perform well if the size is wrong. Most CPAP masks come in multiple sizes — small, medium, and large — and many brands include sizing guides or fit packs to help you find the correct cushion size before committing to a full purchase. Signs your mask doesn't fit correctly include persistent air leaks around the edges, red marks or soreness on the nose or cheeks after use, and difficulty keeping the mask in place through the night.

If your mask is leaking, the instinct is often to tighten the headgear — but overtightening can distort the cushion and actually make leaks worse. Start with a relaxed fit and adjust from there. If leaks persist despite a good fit, it may be worth trialling a different mask type or cushion style entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch mask types once I've started CPAP therapy?

Yes — and many experienced users do switch at some point. You might start on a full face mask and later move to a nasal mask as you become more comfortable sleeping with CPAP, or discover that your mouth stays closed naturally after a few months of therapy. There's no obligation to stay on the same mask type, and trying a different style is a legitimate part of finding what works best for you in the long term.

What's the best CPAP mask for side sleepers?

Side sleepers generally do best with nasal pillow masks or under-the-nose nasal designs. These have a smaller footprint and are less likely to shift or press uncomfortably against the pillow during the night. Several models — like the ResMed AirFit P10 nasal pillow and the ResMed AirFit F30i — are specifically designed with active and side-sleeping users in mind, featuring top-of-head tube connections that keep the hose out of the way.

What's the best CPAP mask for people with facial hair?

Nasal pillow masks are generally the best fit for beards and significant facial hair. Because the seal only needs to form at the entrance to the nostrils — rather than across the cheeks or chin — there's far less surface area for hair to interfere with. If a nasal pillow isn't suitable for other reasons, a full face mask with a larger cushion sometimes achieves a better seal against a beard than a nasal mask does.

I feel claustrophobic in a full face mask — what are my options?

Claustrophobia is one of the most common reasons people struggle with CPAP compliance, and mask choice can make a significant difference. If you're a nose breather, a nasal pillow is your best option — it has the least contact with the face of any mask type. If you're a mouth breather and need full face coverage, look at modern minimal-contact designs that seal under the nose rather than around it. These offer the coverage you need with far less of the enclosed feeling that older full face designs can produce. Gradual acclimatisation — wearing the mask while awake for short periods at first — can also help significantly.

Will my health fund cover a CPAP mask in Australia?

Many Australian private health funds include CPAP equipment — including masks — under their extras cover for sleep apnea treatment. The level of rebate varies significantly between funds and policies, so it's worth checking the specifics of your cover. Keep your receipts, as most funds require a claim to be submitted after purchase.

Ready to Find Your Mask?

The right CPAP mask really does make the difference between treatment that works and treatment that doesn't. If you're unsure where to start, our team of sleep therapists is available to help you work through the options based on your specific situation. Or, if you have a good idea of what you need, browse our full range of CPAP masks — including full face, nasal, and nasal pillow styles from ResMed, Fisher & Paykel, Philips Respironics, and BMC.