Start your therapy with the right CPAP mask

The design of a CPAP mask affects where the pressurised air is delivered and how the mask sits on your face:

• Full-face CPAP masks deliver air to your nose and mouth
• Nasal CPAP masks deliver air to your nose and do not cover your mouth
• Nasal pillows CPAP masks have two soft inserts that deliver air directly into your nostrils and do not cover your mouth

Different mask styles can offer different benefits. For example, a full-face mask can be a good option if you breathe through your mouth at night, if you suffer from allergies or if you have a deviated septum or another condition that blocks the passage of air through your nose.

Some people prefer the smaller size of nasal or nasal pillows masks, while others appreciate the reassuring coverage of a full-face mask. Even something as simple as having a moustache can affect how a mask feels and fits.

If possible, try on different styles of CPAP mask. To help make choosing a little easier, our CPAP mask categories show how different masks can meet your sleep habits or preferences. These mask categories comprise full face, nasal and nasal pillows mask designs.

Each of our masks has a dedicated web page featuring support videos and advice on sizing.

Many of our masks have a printable sizing template. Simply print out the template and hold it to your face to identify a cushion size that should suit you. Click on the links to download sizing templates for the following masks:

Minimalist masks:

• AirFit N30 nasal mask sizing template
• AirFit P10 nasal pillows mask: no need for a template – the mask pack contains all cushion sizes so you can try them out
• AirFit F40 full face mask sizing template

Freedom masks:

• AirFit N30i nasal mask sizing template
• AirFit P30i nasal pillows mask: no need for a template – the mask pack contains small and medium cushion sizes so you can try them out. A Large pillows cushion (L size) is available as a spare part if you find that the size M is too small.
• AirFit F30i full face mask sizing template

Versatile Fit masks:

• AirFit N20 nasal mask sizing template
• AirTouch N20 nasal mask sizing template
• AirFit F20 full face mask sizing template
• AirTouch F20 full face mask sizing template

Each of our masks has a dedicated web page featuring support videos and advice on getting a good fit.

A well-fitting mask will feel comfortable and provide a stable seal so that air does not leak out. If air leaks out of your mask (mask leak) or your mouth (mouth leak), you won’t receive the full benefits of CPAP therapy.

A poorly fitting mask can be uncomfortable and won’t work so well, so spend some time learning how to put your mask on properly. Take a look at the user guide and fitting videos for your mask. You might find it helpful to use a mirror or ask someone to check if the cushion/pillows are positioned properly.

• Fit your mask before connecting the tubing or turning on your therapy device. Each mask type has a specific fitting sequence, so it’s best to follow the steps in the user guide or fitting videos.
• Try not to over-tighten your mask. People often think that a tight mask will provide a good seal, but over-tightening can actually result in leaks as well as being uncomfortable.
• Once your mask is correctly positioned on your face, turn the air flow on. You may need to make minor adjustments to the cushion and/or the headgear once the device is turned on and the cushion has inflated.

You can also download the myAir app for free. It’ll provide you with personalised coaching and support based on your specific sleep apnoea machine and mask type, such as tips to help you correct mask fit issues.

If you’re still having difficulty fitting your mask, ask your care provider to help you.

Air leaks can occur for a number of reasons. Please see the following FAQs for information on identifying and resolving leaks caused by:

• Poor fit or over-tightening: ‘How do I fit my mask?’
• Tube drag: ‘How can I prevent tube drag?’
• Mask style: ‘What’s the difference between full-face, nasal and nasal pillows masks?’ and ‘How can I prevent mouth leak?’
• Mask size: ‘How do I choose the right cushion size?’

If you have ‘mouth leak’, air is escaping from your mouth during therapy. You might be opening your mouth during sleep out of habit or because your nose is blocked. As well as being noisy and uncomfortable, mouth leak can leave you with a dry mouth.

You can download the myAir app for free. It’ll help you to manage leaks by sending you alerts when leak thresholds are exceeded and give you tips to help you correct leaks and mask fit issues.

If you experience mouth leak occasionally, for example when you have a cold, try wearing a chin strap/chin restraint at those times to keep your mouth closed.

If you experience mouth leak often, you may need to use a full-face mask. Full-face masks deliver air through your nose and mouth, so you’re covered whether you end up breathing through your nose or your mouth.

We have a full-face mask in each of our mask categories: AirFit F40 Minimalist mask, AirFit F30i Freedom mask, AirFit F20 Versatile fit mask.

All CPAP masks make some noise as exhaled air goes out through the vent. However, if your mask is making burping sounds, you probably have a leak.  If you are experiencing leaks, it could be a good idea to work on your fitting technique. Please refer to your mask user guide, fitting videos and the ‘What causes leaks?’ question above for assistance. If your mask continues to leak, you should contact your homecare provider as you might need a different mask style or size.

If it is simply noise from the mask’s air vent that is bothering you or your bed partner, you might appreciate the QuietAir vent that features on our Minimalist masks. (N30, P10, F40). It gently diffuses exhaled air and is designed to help keep noise disruption to a minimum.

‘Tube drag’ occurs when your CPAP tubing pulls on your mask and affects the seal, causing leaks. If you don’t realise it’s happening, you might think your mask is leaking due to a problem with the the style or fit, or end up over-tighting your mask and causing more leaks.

Many masks are designed to manage a certain level of tube drag. With the device turned on, pull gently on the tube to find out what tube drag feels like. Lie on your bed and roll around a bit to see if your tube gives you enough room to move. If you think you would benefit from longer tubing, check out the additional tubing options on this page.

If you are an active sleeper, sleep on your stomach or try different positions before falling asleep, you might appreciate the design of our Freedom masks (N30i, P30i, F30i). Their top-of-the-head ‘tube-up’ design lets you move around without getting tangled in your tubing.

ResMed mask cushions are made from silicone, which is a hypoallergenic material used in medical appliances and devices. If you don’t tolerate silicone, an AirTouch F20 or AirTouch N20 versatile mask could be a good alternative. These masks have a breathable memory foam cushion that is designed to adapt to your face.

Our Versatile Fit category could be a good choice if you have sensitive skin, thick facial hair or simply appreciate extra comfort. The frames of these masks are compatible with our classic silicone AirFit mask cushions and our AirTouch memory foam mask cushions, allowing you to switch between the two as you please.

If you only experience skin irritation on the bridge of your nose, you might appreciate one of the small, under-the-nose silicone masks in our Minimalist and Freedom mask categories.