Nasal Pillow, Nasal or Full Face: Which CPAP Mask Should You Choose?
Quick answer: There are three main CPAP mask types. Nasal pillow masks seal at the nostrils and are the smallest and lightest. Nasal masks cover or cradle the nose. Full face masks cover the nose and mouth, or sit under the nose and over the mouth. The right one depends mainly on three things: whether you breathe through your mouth at night, how you sleep, and how much contact on your face you’re comfortable with.
The three CPAP mask types at a glance
| Nasal pillow | Nasal | Full face | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where it seals | Inside the nostril openings | Over or under the nose | Over the nose and mouth, or under the nose and over the mouth |
| Size on face | Smallest | Medium | Largest |
| Works if you breathe through your mouth | Not on its own | Not on its own | ✅ Yes |
| Good for side sleeping | ✅ Very good | ✅ Good | Depends on the design |
| Glasses, reading, TV in bed | ✅ Easy | ✅ Mostly easy | Under-nose designs only |
| Comfortable at high pressure settings | Can feel forceful | ✅ Usually | ✅ Usually |
| Facial hair | ✅ Very friendly | Usually fine | Harder to seal |
| Popular ResMed examples | AirFit P10, AirFit P30i | AirFit N30i, AirFit N20 | AirFit F20, AirFit F30, AirFit F30i |
Nasal pillow masks: the most minimal option
Nasal pillow masks use two soft silicone pillows that rest at the opening of each nostril. There’s no cushion across the bridge of your nose and nothing over your mouth.
Often a good fit if you:
- Feel closed-in or claustrophobic in larger masks
- Want to read, wear glasses or watch TV before sleep
- Move a lot or sleep on your side
- Have a beard or moustache. See more mask options for facial hair →
Things to consider:
- At higher pressure settings, some people find air delivered straight into the nostrils feels forceful or dries the nose. If that happens, a nasal mask spreads the airflow over a larger area. Talk to your provider before changing mask types.
- Pillows wear quickly and are usually replaced about every two weeks. See P10 pillow sizing →
Examples: ResMed AirFit P10 (very light, hose at the front) and AirFit P30i (hose connects at the top of the head, popular with side sleepers).
Nasal masks: the middle ground
Nasal masks either cover the whole nose with a triangular cushion or cradle the underside of the nose without touching the bridge.
Often a good fit if you:
- Breathe through your nose at night
- Find nasal pillows too direct or uncomfortable in the nostrils
- Use a higher pressure setting
- Get red marks on the bridge of your nose from other masks (under-nose “cradle” designs avoid this)
Things to consider:
- Like nasal pillows, a nasal mask relies on your mouth staying closed. Some people pair one with a chinstrap. Ask your provider if that suits you.
Examples: ResMed AirFit N30i (cradle-style, hose at the top of the head) and AirFit N20 (traditional over-the-nose cushion).
Full face masks: for mouth breathing
Full face masks cover both the nose and mouth, so therapy continues even if your mouth opens during sleep.
Often a good fit if you:
- Breathe through your mouth at night, or wake with a very dry mouth
- Often have a blocked nose from allergies or colds
- Use a higher pressure setting
Things to consider:
- Full face masks have the largest footprint, which some people find claustrophobic.
- Under-the-nose full face designs, such as the AirFit F30 and F30i, cover the mouth but sit below the nose bridge. They feel more open, and you can wear glasses with them. See which cushions fit the F30 →
- Traditional designs, such as the AirFit F20, cover the nose bridge and suit people who want a secure, familiar fit.
Quick guide: which mask fits how you sleep?
- “I sleep on my side.” Look for a nasal pillow or nasal cradle mask with the hose at the top of the head, such as the P30i or N30i, so the tube doesn’t get caught on your pillow.
- “I toss and turn.” Smaller masks with a top-of-head hose shift less as you move.
- “I breathe through my mouth.” A full face mask. Try an under-nose design if larger masks feel closed-in.
- “I feel claustrophobic in masks.” Start with nasal pillows. They touch the least of your face.
- “I wear glasses or read in bed.” Nasal pillows, nasal cradle masks, or an under-nose full face mask.
- “I have a beard.” Nasal pillows avoid the beard entirely.
- “My pressure setting is high.” A nasal or full face mask often feels more comfortable than nasal pillows.
Tips before you buy
- Check sizes. Most masks come in several cushion or pillow sizes. If you already use a mask, start with the size you have now.
- Consider a fit pack. Some masks come with multiple cushion sizes in the box, which takes the guesswork out of a first purchase.
- A complete mask needs a prescription. A complete mask (frame, cushion and headgear) is a prescription item in the US. Replacement cushions, pillows and headgear aren’t. If your prescription has lapsed, you can usually renew it online →
- Masks work across machines. Standard masks connect to any standard CPAP tubing, so a new mask works with the machine you already have.
Frequently asked questions
Which CPAP mask is best for beginners?
There’s no single best mask. Many people start with a nasal pillow or nasal mask because they’re smaller and less closed-in. If you breathe through your mouth at night, a full face mask is usually the better starting point. Your provider can help you choose.
Can I use a nasal mask if I breathe through my mouth?
On its own, a nasal mask relies on your mouth staying closed. Some people add a chinstrap; others switch to a full face mask. Discuss the best option with your provider.
What’s the best CPAP mask for side sleepers?
Small masks with the hose connected at the top of the head, such as nasal pillow or nasal cradle designs, tend to stay sealed best when you lie on your side.
Can I wear glasses with a CPAP mask?
Yes, with nasal pillows, nasal cradle masks or under-the-nose full face masks, since none of them cover the bridge of your nose.
Are nasal pillows comfortable at high pressure?
Some people find nasal pillows feel forceful at higher pressure settings. A nasal or full face mask spreads the airflow over a larger area and may feel more comfortable.
Will a new mask work with my current CPAP machine?
Yes. Standard CPAP masks connect to any standard tubing, so you can change mask type without changing machines.
This article is general consumer information about CPAP masks. It is not medical advice. Your mask type and settings should be chosen with your healthcare provider.