Size, fit, comfort, durability, and machine compatibility are some of the most important factors to examine when shopping for a CPAP mask, as they can greatly impact the success of your therapy. Finding a compatible CPAP mask comes down to multiple variables, but sleep position is one of the most important factors. Side sleepers are especially prone to air leaks, skin irritation, and general discomfort, which is why certain models are more appropriate than others. Minimal, low-profile designs, like nasal pillows, are usually better choices for side sleepers because they tend to cause less friction than full face masks.
While finding the right mask can greatly improve your CPAP therapy, side sleepers can take additional steps to enhance overall performance and sleep quality. When oils and skin cells collect on the mask, they can interfere with a snug fit. Your mask, headgear, and tubing can be washed by hand in warm soapy water and then air-dried completely before use. Headgear typically lasts as long as six months. This design allows sleepers to move freely at night without as much worry of compromising their seal and causing leaks.
A CPAP pillow can also alleviate pressure points and make your therapy much more comfortable. Mouth breathing can be a significant impediment, as it reduces the air pressure needed for optimal CPAP therapy.
A chinstrap can reduce this tendency by using a padded chin cup and headgear to help the jaw stay closed throughout the night. For example, full face masks with hoses on the top of the head can be effective because they are less likely to become obstructed and cause leaks. Models that target active sleepers will often be more suitable for side sleepers, as they might have extra features to help keep the mask in place.
Certain individual mask parts, however, may be purchased online without a prescription. Lauren is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with extensive experience researching and testing a wide variety of sleep products. Iyo is a Doctor of Physical Therapy at an orthopedic clinic in Seattle. She specializes in hands-on therapy and tailored exercise programs.
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Updated July 9, Written by Lauren Fountain. Medically Reviewed by Jenny Iyo. Product Details. Who it's best for: Sleepers easily disturbed by noise Value seekers Those wanting a minimally invasive design. Use this SleepFoundation. Who it's best for: People with sensitive or easily irritated nostrils CPAP users who want a personalized fit from their nasal pillow mask Sleepers who prefer lightweight headgear.
Highlights: Pliable and lightweight gel frame with secure headgear Small, medium, and large sizes available Minimizes nostril irritation and red facial marks. Who it's best for: Active side sleepers Individuals who read or watch TV before bed Those who wear glasses at night. Highlights: Lightweight design Mask frame includes built-in airflow Magnetic clips are easy to connect and disconnect. Who it's best for: Sleepers who normally find nasal pillow masks uncomfortable CPAP users who share their bed with a partner Mask shoppers looking for a model with multiple sizing options.
Highlights: Soft and adjustable silicone construction Flexible, degree rotation to help keep the tubing in place, regardless of sleep position Optional fleece-lined side straps. Each type of mask fits differently, and its comfort and security will largely depend on your sleep position and face shape.
For this reason, side sleepers often prefer nasal pillows, as they fit under the nose instead of over and are the least invasive mask type. Cushions, which are used to seal your CPAP mask system, typically come in small, medium, and large sizes. The right size cushion is critical, as this helps prevent air leaks. A proper fitting cushion will be snug yet comfortable, and its opening will fall directly below the nostrils. Contact Points: Side sleepers typically do best with minimal designs like nasal pillows, as they have fewer points of contact with the face.
Less mask surface area means lower friction and pressure between the face and pillow, thereby reducing the risk of air leaks. Show references Olson, Eric J. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 8, Kakkar RK, et al. Positive airway pressure treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. Chowdhuri S. Continuous positive airway pressure for the treatment of sleep apnea. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America. Dave NB, et al. Initiation of CPAP therapy for obstructive sleep apnea in adults.
Accessed June 15, Moore, Wendy R. June 23, Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Legal Conditions and Terms Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Advertising Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies.
It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. The Sleep Foundation editorial team is dedicated to providing content that meets the highest standards for accuracy and objectivity. Our editors and medical experts rigorously evaluate every article and guide to ensure the information is factual, up-to-date, and free of bias.
Updated July 9, Written by Daniel Noyed. Product Details. Highlights: Minimal design with unobtrusive headgear Mesh-vent technology designed to reduce noise Color-coded parts for easy assembly. Use this SleepFoundation. Who it's best for: Those who toss and turn in their sleep Back, side, and stomach sleepers Anyone looking for a lightweight, minimalist CPAP mask. Highlights: Low profile and comfortable fit Slip resistant frame and top-of-head tubing connection make it ideal for active sleepers Creates a clear line of sight and is compatible with eyeglasses.
Who it's best for: Those who open or breathe through their mouths while sleeping Couples or those who are sensitive to noise CPAP users looking for a mask with several size options. Highlights: Available in four different sizes Adjustable dial for a custom fit Chin membrane accommodates jaw drop. Highlights: Cone-shaped pillows that hug the face Top-of-the-head tubing prevents interference during sleep Available in three sizes. Full Face A full face mask is a type of CPAP mask that is large enough to cover your mouth and nose, creating a seal over both airways.
This style of mask covers much of the lower half of the face and uses side straps to keep the mask in place. Full face masks are best for those who sleep on their back, breathe primarily from their mouths as they sleep, or need a high-pressure CPAP setting.
Side sleepers, stomach sleepers, and those who sleep lightly may find full face masks too cumbersome and bulky. Nasal masks offer a good balance of features found in both full face masks and nasal pillows. This style works better for high-pressure settings than nasal pillows but are more comfortable for active sleepers as well as side and stomach sleepers than full face masks. Additionally, nasal masks can be found in a wide range of shapes to suit most types of facial structures.
However, nasal CPAP masks are not suitable for those who breath exclusively through their mouths as they sleep or suffer from frequent nasal blockages. Held in place by headgear, this style of mask creates a seal at the nostrils and delivers airflow directly to the nasal cavity.
Nasal pillow masks are lightweight and create less contact points on the face. Nasal pillows are one of the more comfortable options for CPAP masks, especially if you tend to toss and turn in your sleep or find bulkier masks uncomfortable. However, nasal pillows work best for low to moderate pressure settings.
A similar style to the nasal pillow is the nasal prong mask. This style contains two prongs that sit inside the nasal cavity and inflate to create a seal inside the nostrils. This design works well for sleepers who suffer from frequent allergies, congestion, or nasal blockages. Similar to full face masks, total face masks deliver equalized air pressure to both the nose and mouth. Was this article helpful? Yes No. Other Articles of Interest. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits.
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