Side sleepers and stomach sleepers do best with nasal pillows, while back sleepers can typically wear nasal pillows, nasal masks, or full-face CPAP masks comfortably.
The first line of defense against obstructive sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.1 While you sleep, pressurized air is delivered directly to your airways via a CPAP mask, ensuring you don’t stop breathing during the night.
A good CPAP mask is one that helps you sleep soundly — and sleep comfortably. Whether you sleep on your side, your back, or your stomach, your mask should be snug on your face and make you feel snug in bed, too.
Luckily, CPAP masks are not designed as a one-size-fits-all; there are plenty of diverse options to choose from.
Understanding Different Types of CPAP Masks
How many CPAP mask options are there, really? About 9,000, give or take.1
Despite the overwhelming number of possibilities, you can quickly narrow your choices down by learning about the main types of CPAP masks and what they have to offer. Let’s explore the three most common ones.
Full-Face Masks
An oronasal mask, also known as a full-face mask, creates a wide seal around your nose and mouth to deliver CPAP treatment.1
The mask attaches to your face with multiple head straps to keep it in place during the night. You can usually customize your headgear for a more secure, comfortable fit.
Many people prefer full-face masks because they1:
- Distribute air pressure more evenly between your nose and mouth.
- Allow you to breathe naturally through your mouth without worrying about air leakage.
Full-face masks are great for those who breathe through their mouths, though they are some of the largest CPAP masks, so they can be obtrusive depending on your preferred sleep position.
Nasal Masks
Nasal masks only cover and deliver air to your nose. They’re less bulky than full-face masks and require more modest headgear to secure them.
One thing nasal mask users need to be aware of is mouth leaks. Mouth leaks occur when some of the pressurized air entering your nasal cavity “leaks out” from your open mouth, which reduces the effectiveness of the CPAP therapy.2
If you experience mouth leaks because you breathe with your mouth open, you can try using a chin strap with your nasal mask, or you may need to switch to a full-face mask. Learn more about how to stop sleeping with your mouth open in our blog.
Nasal Pillow Masks
A nasal pillow mask is the smallest type of CPAP mask available.2 You insert its small silicone prongs into your nostrils, which creates a tight seal for air to flow directly into your nose.
Nasal pillows work for all types of sleepers, and they’re especially useful for claustrophobic sleepers and obstructive sleep apnea sufferers who can’t wear nasal or full-face masks.1
And despite the smaller design, nasal pillows are equally as effective as other CPAP masks.2 However, at higher air pressures, some air might leak out.2 If you require stronger CPAP therapy, talk with your doctor about whether or not a nasal pillow mask is the ideal option for you.
Selecting Your CPAP Mask Based on Sleeping Position
When your CPAP mask accommodates your preferences, you’ll be more likely to keep it on and continue sleep apnea treatment. One of the main concerns CPAP users have is whether or not their mask will work with their preferred sleeping position.
Luckily, CPAP sleeping positions can match your usual positions, if you know which mask to use. Learn more about the best sleeping position for sleep apnea in our blog.
Side Sleepers
If you sleep on your side, part of your face is pressed into your pillow. When you wear certain CPAP masks, like a full-face mask, this position forces the mask into the pillow as well, which might prove less than comfortable and may interfere with the air seal.
So, the best CPAP mask for side sleepers is one that isn’t obstructive and doesn’t dig into your skin. Effective options include smaller masks like:
- Nasal masks
- Nasal pillows
If you sleep on your side but have trouble breathing through your nose, you can try using a chin strap with your nasal mask or nasal pillow, which will hold your mouth closed while you sleep.
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers have a few more CPAP mask options than other types of sleepers. Your face is fully unobstructed, so lucky for you, this is the best sleeping position, allowing you to wear larger masks. Try any of these options:
- Full-face masks
- Nasal masks
- Nasal pillows
Note that sleeping on your back can exacerbate sleep apnea symptoms, so you may want to consider other sleep positions.1 A chat with your doctor can also help illuminate a sleeping option that works best for your specific needs.
Stomach Sleepers
The best CPAP mask for stomach sleepers is a nasal pillow.
Since half or more of your face is covered by your pillow when you sleep on your stomach, you need a CPAP mask that covers as little of your face as possible. Nasal pillows are very small and less awkward than a nasal or full-face mask. They’ll be less likely to dig into your skin and cause discomfort or irritation.
As a stomach sleeper, your CPAP mask options are more limited, but there are ways to customize your mask and your sleep environment for a better fit. If you’re worried about strap imprints or facial marks, you can try:
- CPAP mask liners
- CPAP pillows
Additional Considerations for CPAP Mask Selection
Your preferred sleeping position isn’t the only factor that matters when selecting the right CPAP mask for you. To find your perfect fit, also consider2:
- Sizing – Even though most CPAP mask sizes are standardized (small, medium, large), the fit may vary depending on the mask type and manufacturer. Note that after you find the closest fit, you can adjust and customize your mask for increased comfort. A secure seal and comfort are top priority when it comes to selecting a CPAP mask.
- Facial structure – Your face shape may impact your CPAP mask’s seal, as well as which mask you find most comfortable. If you have a small head, a full-face mask might be cumbersome. Beards and mustaches can also interfere with full-face and nasal masks, respectively, allowing air to leak out. A healthcare provider can help you determine which mask works best for your face.
- Personal preferences – Choosing the best CPAP mask may ultimately come down to your personal preferences. Consider your breathing habits while you sleep. If you struggle to breathe through your nose, a full-face mask may feel best for you. And if you experience any sleep anxiety or claustrophobia from a larger mask, a nasal mask or nasal pillow might be your go-to for better sleep.
Finding a CPAP mask that accommodates all your preferences is possible, though it may require some trial and error before you land on the right one.
Remember to relate your needs and concerns to your doctor; they can help you better navigate the CPAP mask market and show you how to create an ideal, customized fit for more restful sleep.
Tips for Adjusting to Your CPAP Mask
Even after you’ve found the perfect CPAP mask for your sleep position and personal preferences, it takes some time to get used to it.
Here are a few ways to get the best night’s sleep with a CPAP mask:
- Slowly increase the amount of time you wear your CPAP mask for a smoother adjustment period, especially if you’re claustrophobic or have any discomfort.
- Use CPAP-friendly pillows that have contours or cut-outs to accommodate your mask.
- If your CPAP mask dries out your mouth or nose, use a humidifier to add more moisture to the air. Some masks even have built-in humidifying features for this very reason.3
- Experiment with different types of CPAP headgear to reduce undesired side effects like facial marks and hair imprints.
CPAP therapy is meant to alleviate your sleep problems, not create new ones. Making your CPAP mask as comfy as possible will ensure better sleep all around.
Where to Purchase Your CPAP Mask
To purchase your CPAP mask, you’ll need a prescription from your doctor. Depending on where you purchase your mask, you can either upload a copy of your prescription or have your doctor send it directly to the supplier, similar to medicine at your standard pharmacy.1
Once you have your prescription, you can start shopping. Here are a few of your options1:
- Order online – Highest amount of options, least individualized experience
- Shop in-store – Plenty of options, more individualized guidance
- Purchase from a sleep specialist – Least amount of options, most individualized guidance
No matter which route you choose, it’s important to stay in contact with your healthcare team during the CPAP mask selection process. Finding the perfect fit requires communication and collaboration between you and your doctors.
Concluding Thoughts: Enhancing Your Sleep Environment with Casper
If you’re navigating sleep apnea symptoms, an unobstructive and well-fitting CPAP mask is your ticket to safer and more pleasant snoozing. Then, you can enhance your sleep quality even further by transforming your bedroom into a sleep oasis.
That starts with a Casper mattress.
There are as many mattress options as there are CPAP masks, and it’s just as crucial to find the right fit. That’s why Casper helps you determine your ideal mattress, bed sheets, and pillow match based on your sleep position and other preferences.
At Casper, quality sleep is kind of our thing. Learn more about our tireless product testing and how you can benefit from a cozier, more supportive mattress from Casper.
Sources:
- Sleep Apnea.org. CPAP Mask Types. https://www.sleepapnea.org/cpap/cpap-mask-types/
- Sleep Apnea.org. How to Choose a CPAP Mask. https://www.sleepapnea.org/cpap/how-to-choose-a-cpap-mask/
- Mayo Clinic. Which CPAP masks are best for you? https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/in-depth/cpap-masks/art-20546828
