Full Face vs Nasal vs Nasal Pillow CPAP Masks: Which Should You Choose?

September 7, 2026

Choosing the right CPAP mask type is one of the biggest factors in how comfortable — and how effective — your therapy actually is. All three main mask types deliver the same air pressure prescribed by your sleep clinic, but they fit very differently, and the right choice usually comes down to how you breathe, how you sleep, and your comfort preferences.

Here's a straightforward breakdown of the three main types, so you can make an informed choice — or figure out whether it's time to switch.

Full Face Masks

Full face masks cover both your nose and mouth, sealing over a larger area of your face.

Best for:

Mouth breathers, or anyone who tends to breathe through their mouth at night
Higher prescribed pressure settings
People with nasal congestion, allergies, or a deviated septum that makes nasal breathing difficult

Trade-offs: the larger seal area means more potential contact points for leaks, and some people find them feel bulkier or more claustrophobic than smaller mask types.

Nasal Masks

Nasal masks cover just the nose, from the bridge down to the upper lip, while your mouth stays free.

Best for:

People who breathe through their nose during sleep
Moderate to higher pressure settings
A middle-ground option between full coverage and minimal contact

Trade-offs: if you're a mouth breather, air can leak out through your mouth overnight, reducing therapy effectiveness — a chin strap can sometimes help with this.

Nasal Pillow Masks

Nasal pillow masks are the smallest and most minimal option, sitting just at the entrance of your nostrils rather than covering the whole nose.

Best for:

Side sleepers, since there's minimal bulk to get in the way
People who feel claustrophobic in larger masks
Glasses wearers, since the mask doesn't sit on the nose bridge
Lower to moderate pressure settings

Trade-offs: the direct airflow into the nostrils can feel more intense at higher pressures, and they're generally less suited to mouth breathers or very high pressure prescriptions.

Quick Decision Guide

I breathe through my mouth or have a stuffy nose → Full face mask
I breathe through my nose and want a balance of coverage and comfort → Nasal mask
I sleep on my side, wear glasses, or feel claustrophobic → Nasal pillow mask

If you're not sure, it's worth discussing your specific situation — pressure setting, breathing pattern, sleep position — with your sleep clinic or healthcare provider, since they can point you toward the type most likely to work well for you.