Find the Most Comfortable CPAP Mask for You

by Bob Rutan February 28, 2020

What's the most comfortable CPAP mask? Whether you're new to CPAP therapy or have used it for years, it may seem difficult to choose the best type of mask for you. Since everyone has different sleeping styles and comfort needs, it won't always be obvious which mask will be most comfortable. Plus, there are many different mask types, manufacturers, and models to choose from, which further complicates the decision.

That's why RemZzzs® created this guide: to show you that CPAP isn't as uncomfortable as you might think. We're here to help you make an informed decision and find the mask style that best fits your needs.

1. Full-Face CPAP Masks

Our first type of CPAP mask is called the "full-face" mask because it is designed to cover both the nose area as well as the mouth area. These masks are great for users who prefer to breathe through their mouth or both through their mouth and nose. They're especially favored by users with sinus issues or allergies.

There are three main styles of full-face CPAP masks:

Standard Full-Face CPAP Masks

These standard full-face masks are broken down into two styles. The first type covers the nose and mouth area using two straps at the base of the mask, at the corners of the mouth, plus two other straps at the top that run just underneath the eyes. The other type of full-face mask uses similar straps while also securing at the top using a pad in the center of the forehead.

Here are a few of the most popular full-face CPAP masks:

Minimal-Contact Full-Face CPAP Masks

Minimal-contact full-face masks cover both the nose and mouth using a smaller profile with less material contacting the face. These are favored by some users because they don't obstruct your vision and allow the user to wear glasses while in use. That makes them perfect for users who are accustomed to reading or watching TV in bed just before sleeping, helping them maintain their normal routine while using a CPAP machine.

Here's a popular minimal-contact full-face CPAP mask:

Amara View Minimal-Contact Full-Face Mask by Philips-Respironics

Total-Face CPAP Masks

The total-face CPAP mask covers your entire face, including your eyes, like the masks worn by firefighters. They're often preferred by CPAP users who have been unable to find success with any other type of mask.

Here's one of the most popular full-face CPAP mask today:

FitLife Total-Face CPAP Mask by Philips-Respironics

2. Nasal CPAP Masks

Nasal CPAP masks cover only the nose area, creating a seal that runs from just above the mouth, around both sides of the nose, and up to the top of the nose, just between the eyes. Users favor these masks because they deliver less-direct airflow than nasal pillow masks with less face contact than full-face masks. Like with full-face masks, nasal CPAP masks are available in configurations both with and without a forehead pad.

Here are a few of the most popular nasal CPAP masks for comfort:

3. Nasal Pillow CPAP Masks

Nasal pillow CPAP masks cover the nose minimally while creating two separate seals, one in each nostril. They're like "earbud" headphones for your nose. That means many users find them more comfortable and less intrusive than many other CPAP mask types.

Here are a few popular nasal pillow mask options:

More Comfort Options

There are two other notable ways to improve the comfort and performance of your CPAP mask, no matter what type you use. Those include:

CPAP Humidifiers

Many CPAP users have the issue of waking up with dry nasal passages and/or a dry, sore throat. Regardless of what type of mask you use, a great way to address this problem is adding a humidifier to your CPAP machine. This will ensure the air entering your airways is kept at just the right level of moisture to keep you from drying out too much.

CPAP Mask Liners

Most CPAP masks have a hard plastic base with a soft silicone cushion that touches your face. The silicone cushions are notorious for causing the facial skin to sweat; creating discomfort, unsightly red marks, and compromising the seal, which leads to distracting loud noises and dry airways.

That's where RemZzzs® CPAP mask liners comes in!

How RemZzzs® Makes Any CPAP Mask More Comfortable

No matter what type of mask you find is best for your sleep style and needs, a soft, breathable cotton CPAP mask liner from RemZzzs® will make it the comfortable the most comfortable CPAP mask possible while helping optimize its performance. Not only will it reduce discomfort and skin irritation, along with those unsightly red marks on your face, a RemZzzs® liner will also create a tight seal without the need to over-tighten your masks' straps. Our liners even make CPAP masks easier to keep clean!

If you'd like to see for yourself how RemZzzs® mask liners make CPAP therapy more comfortable and effective, find out more below!