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The Types of CPAP Masks

A CPAP machine is used to treat individuals with obstructive sleep apnea, a disease that causes its sufferers to stop breathing in their sleep for short periods of time each night. CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. Sleep apnea can lead to exhaustion, physical illnesses and even cognitive impairments if it is not appropriately treated. The CPAP machine consists of a compressor that applies a gentle flow of air through a mask.

  1. Full Face Mask

    • In the early days of CPAP treatment, the full face mask was all that was available. It covers both the nose and mouth and is held in place by straps that go around the head. Many people found the full face mask claustrophobic and elected to end treatment rather than to wear it. Today, most people choose to wear some kind of nasal mask, and that a full face mask is only used if you can't be trained to breathe through your nose at night.

    Nasal Mask with Side Straps

    • The next type of mask to evolve for CPAP users was a nasal mask with a foam cushion to protect the skin and complete the seal. Like the full face mask, it is held in place by head straps. Many users find the nasal mask less confining, but still complain of the red marks the equipment leaves on the face. The side straps on this model also make it uncomfortable to sleep on one's side at night.

    Nasal Pillow Mask, No Side Straps

    • The mount for the tubing on this nasal mask is worn on top of the head like a baseball cap. The part that covers the nose is very small and lightweight. Since there are no side straps, this mask is a better choice if you are more comfortable sleeping on your side.

    Nasal Prong Mask

    • Another type of nasal mask features prongs that fit inside the nostrils. As with standard oxygen, the tubing is looped over the ears, reducing the need for headgear. Although some patients find it invasive and complain that it leaves the insides of their nostrils dry and sore, others prefer this option to more traditional masks.

    Oral Mask

    • Only one company, Fisher & Paykel make an oral mask for mouth breathers. The mouthpiece fits in front of the teeth, with headgear going around the back of the head along the jaw line. This is the first option for mouth-breathers beside the full face mask -- and of the reviews written by more than 74 users on CPAP, the mask scored 3.4 out of 5 stars.

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