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Choices of CPAP mask

There are several types of CPAP mask to choose from. Each mask type has been designed to cater for different sleep positions and the style of sleep i.e. for mouth breathers or nasal breathers. You should choose your mask based on these things to get optimal benefit from your CPAP therapy.

Regardless of which mask you choose, it is important that you persevere with it for at least 10-14 days. Over this time, you can make various adjustments to the head gear, add mask liners and if you choose a mask with a ‘fit-pack’ you can swap and change the mask parts to ensure you get the perfect fit. Think of your mask as a new pair of shoes. To begin with they may feel tight and pinch a little, but the more you wear them, the more comfortable they feel. Your mask is exactly the same.

All masks have universal fittings, so any mask will work with your choice of CPAP machine.

So let’s dive in and look at the various mask types and their features and benefits.

AirFit N20 Nasal CPAP Mask by RedMed | Intus Healthcare

Nasal Cushion CPAP Masks

Nasal cushion CPAP masks are used by around 60% of our customers. The mask has a cushion that sits over the nose and delivers the air pressure into your nostrils. The nasal cushion masks are available with silicone cushions, gel cushions, or skin friendly soft cloth cushions.

Popular nasal cushion masks include:

DreamWear by Philips Respironics

AirFit N20 by ResMed

Eson 2 by Fisher & Paykel

 

Who are they suitable for?

A nasal cushion mask is a good option for nasal breathers, provided they exclusively breathe through their nose at night and their mouth does not drop open. If the mouth does occasionally fall open, you can accessories your nasal cushion mask with a CPAP chin strap which will prevent the mouth from dropping open.

Who are they not suitable for?

A nasal cushion mask is not suitable for mouth breathers, those with chronic sinus issues and those with a deviated septum.

If you are an active sleeper or someone who may find this style of mask claustrophobic or uncomfortable you can consider a Nasal Pillows Mask instead (see below).

Brevida Nasal Pillows CPAP Mask by Fisher & Paykel | Intus Healthcare

Nasal Pillows CPAP Mask

Nasal Pillows CPAP masks are used by around 15% of our customers. Nasal Pillows use small silicone cones that sit on the perimeter of the nostrils. This style of mask creates a good seal and they have the least amount of contact with the face which is why they are sometimes referred to as “minimal-contact masks”. Nasal pillow masks are very lightweight.

Popular nasal pillow masks include:

Fisher & Paykel Brevida

ResMed AirFit P10

Philips DreamWear Nasal Pillows

ResMed AirFit N30

Who are they suitable for?

Those who require a nasal mask but may find a nasal cushion mask uncomfortable or claustrophobic. Those who like to read or watch television in bed and side sleepers.

Who are they not suitable for?

Nasal pillow CPAP masks are not suitable for mouth breathers, those with nasal issues, deviated septum’s or active sleepers. Those with higher CPAP pressure settings, e.g. 12cmH2O should avoid this mask too.

Evora Full Face CPAP Mask by Fisher & Paykel | Intus Healthcare

Full Face CPAP Mask

Full-Face CPAP masks are used by around 25% of our customers. A Full Face Mask uses a cushion that covers your nose and mouth. The cushions are available in silicone, gel or skin friendly soft cloth. These are the most commonly used type of CPAP mask and can be used by anybody. Most people use a forehead support for greater stability.

Popular full face masks include:

Philips Respironics Amara Gel

ResMed AirFit F20

Fisher & Paykel Simplus

Who are they suitable for?

These masks are for mouth breathers and for those who are unsure how they breathe. They can be used if you suffer with sinus or nasal issues or as a second mask at home to use when you have a cold or feel unwell.

Who are they not suitable for?

Side sleepers and those with claustrophobia and active sleepers.

AirFit F30 Hybrid CPAP Mask by ResMed | Intus Healthcare

Hybrid CPAP Mask

Hybrid masks are used by around 3% of our customers. A Hybrid Mask is a full face mask which uses a combination of an oral mask with either nasal pillows or an under-nose cushion. They are open referred to as ‘minimal contact masks’ because they have a smaller contact area when compared to a standard full face mask.

Popular hybrid CPAP masks include:

Philips Respironics Amara View

ResMed AirFit F30

Who are they suitable for?

These masks are designed for users who require a Full Face CPAP Mask but find them claustrophobic or find a Full Face CPAP Mask uncomfortable on the nasal bridge. These masks are great if you like to read in bed or if you are a side sleeper.

Who are they not suitable for?

Avoid this mask if you have nasal issues, a deviated septum if your CPAP pressure setting is high, as the air “jets” may not deliver air as effectively.

SleepWeaver Nasal CPAP Mask | Intus Healthcare

SleepWeaver Skin-Friendly CPAP Masks

The SleepWeaver CPAP mask comes from our skin-friendly range for people who are allergic to silicone, latex or hard plastics. The skin-friendly range is made from soft, breathable fabric cloth. The soft fabric allows you to move during sleep, to sleep on your side or face down. There are no pressure points; therefore, you won’t find yourself with red marks and skin irritation from your CPAP mask.

SleepWeaver CPAP masks are lightweight, designed to be 50% lighter than usual CPAP masks. You have the choice of full-face or nasal masks in the SleepWeaver range.

Who are they suitable for?

These masks are aimed at people with a silicone allergies but can be used by anyone.

SleepWeaver Skin-Friendly Masks
Oracle 452 Oral Mask by Fisher & Paykel | Intus Healthcare

Oral CPAP Mask

Oral CPAP masks are used by around 1% of our customers. Oral Masks sit between the gums and the lips. An oral mask should only be considered as a last resort if every other mask type has been unsuccessful.

Who are they suitable for?

Those who cannot tolerate full face, nasal cushion or nasal pillows masks. Otherwise Oral-only CPAP masks should be avoided.

Who are they not suitable for?

An Oral CPAP Mask is not suitable for nasal breathers because the air is delivered into the mouth.

Oracle 452 Oral Mask

CPAP Mask Sizing

All types of CPAP masks have different measurements; so although you might be a size medium in one mask, you won’t be a size medium in all other masks. Some of our masks come with ‘fit packs’. Fit packs include multiple mask sizes within it. You can find some of these options in our risk-free selection.

If you choose a single-size CPAP mask, we strongly advise you to use the CPAP mask sizing guide. You can find the sizing guide on the ‘downloads‘ tab on the product page for each mask. In the downloads tab, you will find the ‘sizing guide’; simply print this out to scale to find your size.

Your choice of CPAP mask is integral to the successful of your CPAP therapy. If your mask does not fit correctly, you may struggle with air leaks, red marks on your skin or a dry mouth.

Once used, masks cannot be returned for a refund, unless you have mask-fit insurance.

ResMed Full-Face F20 CPAP Mask
Example of a sizing guide

Mask Fit Insurance

Mask Fit Insurance is a service unique to Intus Healthcare. Since launching in 2017, it has helped hundred of CPAP patients find the right mask, who may otherwise have been stuck with a mask which was unsuitable.

What is mask-fit insurance?

Adding mask-fit insurance allows you to try your CPAP mask for 28 days, and if you find it unsuitable, you can return it for a refund.

Please note that you must notify us before the 28 days are up that you wish to return your mask.

It can take a few weeks to get used to your CPAP mask. We suggest adjusting and tweaking your mask over the course of at least 14 days before you decide it’s not for you. It can take this time for you to get used to wearing it.

If you need any further guidance or have any questions, please contact us.