CPAP Mask Types Explained:
Nasal, Pillows, Full Face, Hybrid & More
Find the right mask for your face shape, sleep position, and breathing pattern with every style stocked at CPAP Studio covered.
This guide walks through every mask style stocked at CPAP Studio, from the most minimal designs to full-coverage options, so you can make a confident, informed choice.
Why the Right Mask Matters for Sleep Therapy
Consistent nightly use is the single most important factor in effective sleep apnoea treatment. Research consistently shows that discomfort whether from pressure points, air leaks, or a feeling of claustrophobia is the leading reason people abandon therapy within the first few weeks.
Getting the mask right from the start avoids months of frustration. Fortunately, modern designs from brands like ResMed, Philips Respironics, Fisher & Paykel, and BMC have made it easier than ever to find a comfortable, secure fit regardless of how you sleep.
The Main Mask Styles At a Glance
| Style | Best For | |
|---|---|---|
| 👃 | Nasal Masks | Cover the nose only. A popular mid-range choice with a natural breathing feel and good pressure handling. |
| 🔵 | Nasal Pillow Masks | Smallest and lightest. Two soft inserts sit just at the nostrils minimal contact, maximum freedom. |
| 😷 | Full-Face Masks | Cover both nose and mouth. Ideal for mouth breathers or those prescribed higher therapy pressures. |
| ⚡ | Hybrid Masks | Nasal pillow seal with a full-face frame wide field of vision and the coverage of a full-face design. |
Nasal Masks Balanced Comfort for Most Sleepers
A nasal mask forms a triangular seal over the nose, leaving the mouth uncovered. They sit in a comfortable middle ground: less contact than a full-face option, but more stable and better suited to higher pressure settings than nasal pillows.
Who they suit best
| ✓ | People who breathe through their nose during sleep |
| ✓ | Active sleepers who move frequently throughout the night |
| ✓ | Those prescribed moderate-to-high therapy pressures |
| ✓ | Users who find pillow masks insufficient but want to avoid a full-face design |
Popular choices at CPAP Studio include the ResMed AirTouch N30i, which features a soft, breathable fabric cushion for users who find standard silicone irritating, and is available as a fitpack with multiple cushion sizes for an ideal seal.
Nasal Pillow Masks Minimal Contact, Maximum Freedom
Nasal pillow masks are the most compact design available. Two small soft cushions seal directly at the entrance to the nostrils rather than covering the nose bridge or surrounding area. This means almost no facial contact, a completely unobstructed field of vision, and very little to clean each morning.
Who they suit best
| ✓ | People who feel claustrophobic in larger masks |
| ✓ | Glasses wearers or those who read or watch television before sleep |
| ✓ | Side sleepers who struggle with mask displacement |
| ✓ | Users on lower therapy pressure settings |
Full-Face Masks Reliable Coverage for Mouth Breathers
Full-face masks cover both the nose and mouth, creating a single seal around the perimeter of both airways. They are the go-to recommendation for anyone who breathes through their mouth during sleep, experiences nasal congestion, or has been prescribed a higher continuous positive airway pressure setting.
Who they suit best
| ✓ | Mouth breathers or those with chronic nasal congestion |
| ✓ | Users on higher prescribed pressure settings |
| ✓ | Back sleepers who have consistent difficulty maintaining a nasal seal |
| ✓ | People who have tried nasal options without success |
CPAP Studio stocks several well-regarded full-face designs. The ResMed AirFit F40 is one of the most popular its compact, minimal-contact cushion delivers a secure seal with a surprisingly small footprint on the face. For a more established design, the ResMed AirFit F20 features an adaptive cushion that adjusts gently to facial contours and is available with a memory foam variant (the AirTouch F20) for users who find silicone irritating.
Hybrid Masks The Best of Both Designs
Hybrid masks occupy an interesting space between nasal pillow and full-face designs. They use a nasal pillow-style seal at the nostrils rather than a rigid cushion over the nose, combined with a frame that also covers the mouth. The result is a design that suits mouth breathers while offering a more open feel and a wider field of vision than a traditional full-face option.
The ResMed AirFit X30i, available at CPAP Studio, is a well-regarded example. Its top-of-head tube connection reduces pressure on the face and keeps the hose out of the way particularly useful for side sleepers and those who move frequently during the night.
Quick-Pick Guide Which Mask Suits You?
| Your Situation | Recommended Style |
|---|---|
| Nose breather, active sleeper | Nasal Mask |
| Claustrophobic, lower pressure setting | Nasal Pillow Mask |
| Mouth breather, higher pressure setting | Full-Face Mask |
| Mouth breather who dislikes bulk | Hybrid Mask |
| Unsure of your correct cushion size | Fitpack (multiple cushion sizes included) |
Not Sure of Your Size? Try a Fitpack
Getting the cushion size right is just as important as choosing the mask style. Many users start with a size that appears correct but experience persistent leaks because the fit is slightly off. CPAP Studio stocks fitpacks from ResMed and other leading brands these include multiple cushion sizes in a single package, so you can trial each and identify the most secure seal without ordering separately.
Caring for Your Mask A Quick Word
Regardless of the style you choose, regular cleaning is essential for both hygiene and longevity. Cushions and headgear should be washed with mild soap and warm water daily, and replaced every few months depending on use. CPAP Studio carries a full range of replacement cushions, headgear, and frames for all major mask models, so keeping your equipment in top condition is straightforward.
