The mask is arguably the most important piece of equipment in your CPAP therapy arsenal.

There are lots of CPAP machines on the market.

All have different features and advantages, but without a well-fitted mask all the technology in the world won’t help your sleep therapy. Not only can the wrong mask cause minor annoyance with air leaks or chafing, but it can seriously get in the way of the therapy you’ve gone to the trouble of seeking out. In extreme cases, an ill-fitting mask can prove so irritating that patients will simply give up and hang up their hose for good.

But don’t give up – whatever your size, pressure needs or sleeping style there’s a perfect mask for you – it’s just a question of wading into the options and finding the right fit.

So how do you know which mask is right for you? Here’s a breakdown of pros and cons for different mask styles that’ll help you figure it out.

• The classic – the nasal mask
• Pros and cons of Nasal masks
• Shop Nasal Masks
• The big guns – the full-face mask
• Pros and Cons of Full Face masks
• Shop Full Face Masks
• A spin on the original – under the nose masks
• Pros and Cons of Under the nose masks
• Shop Under the nose Masks
• Minimalist’s dream – the nasal pillow mask
• Pros and Cons of Nasal Pillow Masks
• Shop Nasal Pillow Masks
• Putting it all together

---

The classic – the nasal mask

This is far and away the most common style of mask in use, so we might as well start with the classic. The nasal mask goes right to the source of snoring and sleep apnea, keeping your nasal passages open while you sleep by providing positive air pressure through a mask that covers your entire nose, but not your mouth. There are different makes and models, but all nasal masks are made of rigid plastic, held in place with adjustable headgear using some form of cushion to provide a comfortable, leak-free fit on your face.

• Shop all nasal masks

---

Pros and cons of Nasal masks

PROS:

• Widely used, proven technology
• Easy, intuitive fit and adjustments
• Stays securely put even for more “active” sleepers

CONS:

• Some patients can find a larger mask claustrophobic
• Headgear attachments can impede line of sight
• Not suitable for chronic mouth-breathers or those with very high pressure requirements

---

Shop Nasal Masks

---

The big guns – the full-face mask

No matter what the name sounds like, full-face masks don’t actually cover your whole face. Though some may be turned off by their larger size, full face masks actually have a lot of advantages and don’t have to feel like they’re in the way.

Just a little larger than common nasal masks, the full-face versions cover your nose and also dip down over your mouth with an airtight seal. These bad boys will stay in place no matter how high your pressure needs are, have a lower chance of shifting when you move, and will provide continuous pressure even if you’re in the habit of opening your mouth when you sleep. They’re also the only style of mask that works when your nose is congested from a cold or allergies, meaning you continue to get the best sleep you can, just when you need it the most.

They work so well in fact that many who prefer smaller masks will keep a full-face version around as an insurance policy for nights when they’re under the weather.

• Shop all Full face masks

---

Pros and Cons of Full Face masks

PROS:

• A workhorse that won’t let you down even if your apnea demands high pressure treatment
• Will always stay in place and works perfectly for mouth-breathing sleepers
• Keeps working at full efficiency even if your nose is completely blocked, helping you get over a cold faster

CONS:

• They are bulkier than other types of mask
• Those with claustrophobia may find them intimidating

---

Shop Full Face Masks

---

A spin on the original – under the nose masks

Under the nose masks are a relative newcomer to the field, and they aim to provide the same performance and comfort as the classic style but in a less cumbersome shape that allows more freedom and a clear line of sight.

Under the nose designs are available in nasal (covering the bottom of your nose but not your mouth) and full-face (covering mouth and nose) versions. These are technically much like their larger cousins, providing a seal around the nose alone or the mouth along with it, but in a smaller package that sits under the nose for a less bulky feel.

---

Pros and Cons of Under the nose masks

PROS:

• A newer take on a proven design
• Clear line of sight and a more open feel
• No contact or chafing on the bridge of your nose

CONS:

• Can be more challenging to securely fit than classic nasal or full-face masks
• Some people who move a lot in their sleep may find them harder to keep in place

---

Shop Under the nose Masks

---

Minimalist’s dream – the nasal pillow mask

If you love the benefits of CPAP treatment, but can’t stand having a mask covering part of your face, a nasal pillow mask might be just the thing for you. The sleekest, most minimized design available, these masks have unobtrusive hose connections and deliver pressurized air through two little silicone pillows directly into your nostrils.

They leave your nose and mouth completely uncovered, and there are no straps or bars climbing into your field of view. There can be some challenges with these masks – the fit needs to be perfect or they can shift if you toss around at night, occasionally leading to discomfort from over-tightening of straps, and they may not always maintain a seal under extreme air pressure situations.

They can also occasionally irritate the nostrils for new users who aren’t used to them, but using a nasal lubricant makes adapting to the new style much easier. Those minor issues aside, those who are well suited to the freedom of a minimalist nasal pillow mask swear by them.

• Shop all nasal pillow masks

---

Pros and Cons of Nasal Pillow Masks

PROS:

• Sleekest, least obtrusive design available
• Clear sight-lines
• Airy, open, almost not-even-there feel

CONS:

• Some patients can find it difficult to maintain a secure seal
• Care must be taken to avoid over-tightening adjustable straps
• Not suitable for chronic mouth-breathers or those with very high pressure requirements
• Can be irritating when you are not used to it, but with the help of a nasal lubricant, you may find it easier to adapt

---

Shop Nasal Pillow Masks

---

Putting it all together

This outline gives a good overview of the different types of mask available, and finding the right one for you can make all the difference. On top of the different basic types, many masks come with various cushion sizes to adapt to any shape of face, and all have adjustable headgear to fine tune the fit.

Everyone is different, and style considerations aside, the key is finding the mask that works best for you. With the right mask, you’ll get the most benefit possible from your CPAP therapy and find yourself better rested and healthier for it.

If you’re still unsure which style is best for you, speak with one of our expert respiratory therapists – they’ll be happy to assess you and walk you through the options to make sure you find the mask of your dreams.

• Contact us

While wearing a CPAP mask can dramatically change your life for the better, it can come with some unfortunate side effects to your skin: redness, rashes, sores and chafing are unsightly or even painful problems that sometimes go with the territory.

CPAP users, particularly those new to the treatment, can fall victim to air leaks and rubbing that cause skin irritation. Even seasoned veterans will tell you it can happen from time to time, especially to those with more sensitive skin.

Fortunately, there are easy ways to avoid these irritations and get on with enjoying better sleep.

Read on for some helpful tips…

• Size matters.
• Don’t go to sleep with an oily face.
• Avoid heavy moisturizing at bedtime.
• Keep your equipment clean.
• Time for a new mask?
• Shop CPAP masks
• We’re here to help!

---

Size matters.

A mask that’s too big or too small can cause skin irritations.

If your mask is too tight, it’ll leave indents on your face. If it’s too loose, it can leak air – this makes your mask shift around and rub against your skin, sometimes causing pretty painful sores. Adjusting the tightness of the straps on your CPAP mask at home can help customize your fit.

If strap adjustment isn’t enough to fix the problem, you could try a new mask with a different fit. There are masks out there with minimalist designs and reduced contact points; good ones include the AirFit P10, the Swift Fx, the Brevida, the DreamWear, the AirFit N30i and the AirFit P30i.

If you need the coverage of a full face mask but your skin is sensitive, a good option is the Airtouch F20 – instead of silicone, it has an UltraSoft memory foam cushion that’s uniquely comfortable.

It can be tough to tell just which mask you need when you’re new at it – but Apnea Health will help you figure that out.

• Free CPAP check up

---

Don’t go to sleep with an oily face.

Your face can get pretty oily in the course of a day.

Be sure to wash your face with soap and water before putting on your mask, because clean skin will prevent your cushion from sliding around. A mask that moves too much while you sleep will leave red chafing marks on your cheeks. If you can, it’s ideal to do your washing an hour before bed, to avoid transferring products to your mask.

---

Avoid heavy moisturizing at bedtime.

If you need to moisturize your face, Aeromate moisturizer and mask sealer helps alleviate chafing. Its non-petroleum, aloe-based formula soothes sensitive skin while providing a seal around the mask.

If it’s the bridge of your nose that tends to get irritated, try putting a nasal pad under your mask. The Gecko Nasal Pad is a comfortable, soft strip that goes across the nose to reduce irritation and leaks.

• Shop CPAP comfort products

---

Keep your equipment clean.

Cleaning your CPAP mask is important. It helps eliminate bacteria that can cause irritation or infection, and it’s actually easy to do – you can watch Jess’s video to learn best practices for CPAP cleaning.

You should avoid scented soaps, and never use alcohol, vinegar, bleach, or over-the-counter antibacterial agents for cleaning, because they’ll dry out your mask. Remember to think of the mask as delicate, like your skin, even if you’re a pretty tough person.

We recommend you clean your mask daily, and give your headgear a wash once a week.

We’ve put together useful cleaning kits to give your CPAP equipment the proper care:

If you want to be certain your mask is rid of bacteria, the Lumin is your answer. It uses UV light to kill 99.9% of all bacteria, viruses, and other agents that may cause skin infections.

Whichever means you decide to use, remember that maintenance and cleaning are critical ways to avoid skin issues.

• Need more detailed info on cleaning your CPAP?

---

Time for a new mask?

If your mask used to fit perfectly, but lately not so much, there’s a good chance it’s time for a replacement. Mask materials wear with time, and just like your toothbrush, it’s important to replace them regularly.

Clear signs that it’s time for a new mask include cracking, dryness or stiffness on the mask or the cushion. Any yellow discolouration on the cushion also means it’s time to go. Generally, if you notice a lot of leaking that wasn’t there when the mask was new, you should probably look into replacement.

Did you know that most insurers cover 1-2 replacement masks a year? Apnea Health recommends replacing your mask, or at a minimum replacing the cushion, at least once every 9-12 months.

If you start to see signs of wear and tear, it’s important you get a new mask right away.

---

Shop CPAP Masks

---

If you’re having trouble with skin irritation or mask leaks, Apnea Health is here to help!

Why should you replace your CPAP supplies regularly?

• Necessary for hygiene: ensures the safety of your sleep therapy and minimizes chance of getting sick.
• Decreases common problems: mask leaks, build up of calcium in water chamber, growth of bacteria in both water chamber and tube.
• Protect your CPAP and you: filters, filters, filters! We can’t overstate the importance of filters.
• Filters for the CPAP: if you don’t want to wind up with a noisy CPAP after a couple or years, you must change your filters regularly. The filters protect the CPAP’s motor!
• Filters for you: protects you from dust and particles in the air.

---

Did you know?

Did you know that your insurance covers 1-2 masks per year and all CPAP maintenance items, such as filters, tube and water tubs?

Need help with your insurance? Contact us for assistance!

---

Easy-to-choose replacement kits

To make it even EASIER to replace your supplies, we offer replacement kits for the most CPAP machines!

Shop all kits

---

Related links

• Shop featured deals
• Need help with insurance?

If you want success with your CPAP treatment, the number one concern is comfort.

And if you’re suffering from a dry mouth or water in your tube, you’re not setting yourself up for success. Besides choosing the right mask, you need to know how to use your CPAP humidifier to enjoy maximum comfort.

• All our CPAP include a heated humidifier and a heated tube
• How do I find the Climate Control Manual mode?
• Important message for Resmed S9 users
• When should I change the temp in my humidifier and in my heated tube?
• A few important things to note
• Helpful videos from Resmed, Philips and Fisher & Paykel

---

At Apnée Santé, all our CPAP include a heated humidifier and a heated tube. When you begin treatment with us, we set the humidity to Climate Control Auto.

Normally, the Climate Control Auto settings provide the best protection against rain-out (an uncomfortable condition in which humidified air cools too quickly and condenses in your mask, becoming water droplets that dampen your face).

But some nights, it helps to have more control over your humidification to meet your individual needs. To be able to adjust the humidity yourself, you can set your CPAP to Climate Control Manual mode.

---

How do I find the Climate Control Manual mode?

Resmed AirSense users: You can access the Climate Control Manual setting anytime. From your machine’s Home screen:

1. Select My Options
2. Select Climate Ctrl
3. Change default “Auto” setting to Manual
4. Select Humidity Level and turn the dial to change the humidity (1–8; default setting is 4)
5. Select Tube Temp and turn the dial to set the ClimateLine/ClimateLineAir heated tube to the temperature you find most comfortable (60–86⁰F; default setting is 81⁰F).

For more details, see your ClimateLineAir user guide.

---

S9 users: Your equipment supplier must turn on your Climate Control Manual setting for you if they haven’t already.

From your machine’s Home screen:

1. For humidity: Turn the dial to highlight the water drop icon; push the dial, turning the background yellow. Then turn the dial again to set the humidity (1–6, default setting is 3). Push the dial once more to set the new humidity level.
2. For tube temperature: Turn the dial to highlight the thermometer icon; push the dial, turning that background yellow. Then turn the dial again to set the ClimateLine/ClimateLineAir tube temperature (15–30⁰ C, default setting is 27⁰ C). Push the dial once more to set the new temp.

(Watch this helpful S9 video.)

---

When should I change the temp in my humidifier and in my heated tube?

Most patients find cooler air easier to breathe while trying to sleep, especially those who are new to CPAP, wear a full face CPAP mask, and women experiencing hot flashes at bedtime. However, warmer air provides the best humidity and helps reduce nasal irritation since your nose doesn’t have to warm all that CPAP air on its own. It generally helps to increase:

• Humidity if dry air is causing you to wake up with dry mouth, an uncomfortable side effect that 40% of CPAP users experience. If you want more humidity, try manually adjusting it and the temperature one notch at a time. If you reach the highest levels and still feel dry, please contact your respiratory therapist at Apnée Santé. There may be other factors causing your dryness. (You should also check for mask leak if you wake up to find your humidifier’s water chamber empty.)
• Tube temperature if you’re experiencing dryness despite increasing the humidity. Consider increasing your tube temperature by just 1⁰C to see if that provides the best comfort.

---

A few important things to note

There are no right or wrong settings with the humidifier. You need to adjust your CPAP according to your individual needs throughout the year. You may sleep with the windows open during the winter and require more heat in your tube to reduce condensation.

In the summer, when it’s hot and humid in Quebec, you’ll certainly need to turn down the level in your humidifier and you may even turn off the Climate Line heated tube. Trial and error is the best.

And, if you’re still experiencing difficulty please contact your local Apnée Santé clinic. Our clinicians will be happy to help you!

Related blog: Do you really need a humidifier with your CPAP?

---

Helpful videos from Resmed, Philips and Fisher & Paykel

Resmed:

Philips Respironics:

Fisher & Paykel: