The Best CPAP Masks of 2025

If you’re new to CPAP, or just in the market for a new machine or accessories, you might be wondering how to go about choosing the right CPAP mask to suit your needs. The right CPAP mask is key to ensuring your PAP therapy is both effective and comfortable, and that ultimately comes down to fit, breathing style, sleeping position, machine compatibility, and the technical features you need. 

Our testing team, which includes respiratory therapists and sleep product experts with decades of experience, reviewed the majority of the CPAP masks available today in an effort to help you pick the best mask for you. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to our top picks of the year and walk you through what you need to know before you buy.

What Is a CPAP Mask?

A CPAP mask directs pressurized air from your CPAP machine into your airway via your nose, mouth, or both. Their designs vary significantly, but there’s usually a cushion that seals against or over your nose or mouth or pillows that sit in your nostrils, a connector from the mask to your CPAP hose, a headgear for stability, and a frame to hold it all together. 

There are five different mask styles, and each has a distinct feel depending on how they seal and cover different parts of your face. 

CPAP mask parts need to be replaced regularly to keep your mask hygienic and in good condition. These parts can be purchased separately but are a recurring cost to keep in mind when choosing a mask.

Types of CPAP Masks

There are three common CPAP mask types, as well as two mask types that are used less often since they are designed to address specific issues. No mask type is inherently better than the others, so you should choose the one that works best for your needs.

Mask Type	Description	Who They’re Best for
Full-Face Mask	A full face mask delivers air to both your nose and mouth. Most start at the bridge of your nose and end below your lower lip, though some have a lower profile.	Full face masks can generally accommodate higher air pressure settings and are recommended if you breathe through your mouth while asleep.
Nasal Mask	Most nasal masks extend from just above the mouth to the bridge of the nose. Nasal cradle models seal beneath the nose for a lower profile.	Nasal masks are a popular choice for side and stomach sleepers, as well as active sleepers and people who find full face masks claustrophobic.
Nasal Pillow Mask	Nasal pillow masks feature soft silicone or gel inserts that seal inside the nostrils. They are the lowest-profile CPAP mask type.	Nasal pillow masks have many of the same benefits as nasal masks, in addition to having an even more streamlined and lightweight design.
Total Face Mask	A total face mask goes over your entire face, from the chin to the forehead. These masks provide airflow through both the nose and mouth.	These masks may be useful for people who require high air pressure levels or who find it hard to get a good seal with other types of masks.
Oral Mask	Oral masks seal around your mouth while leaving your entire nose uncovered.	Oral masks are not commonly used, but they may be recommended if you breathe almost entirely through your mouth.

How to Choose a CPAP Mask

If you’re in the market for a new CPAP mask, knowing what to look for when shopping can help you find the best mask for your needs. 

Doctor’s Orders

When looking for a CPAP mask, start by taking into account any recommendations from your doctor. To effectively treat sleep apnea, you need a mask that is appropriate for your breathing patterns. Your health care team can help guide you to a mask that works well and is also comfortable.

Sleeping Position

Your sleeping position can directly affect the type of CPAP mask that you can comfortably wear. If you sleep on your side, you may struggle with a bulky mask or a mask with headgear that runs along the side of your face. When sleeping on your stomach, you normally need a lower-profile mask. If you are a back sleeper, you may prefer a mask that allows the tubing to connect at the top of the frame.  

Fit and Size

Having the right size mask that fits properly creates a seal so that pressurized air from the CPAP machine flows into your airway without leaking. Headgear and straps can also affect how well the mask fits against your face. You may need to try out a few different mask models to find one that has the right size and fit. 

Mask Comfort

You want to find a CPAP mask that is comfortable enough to wear for many hours every night. Comfort can depend on a mask’s materials and design, including how it feels against your face, whether it obstructs your vision, and where the straps are positioned. Consider your personal comfort preferences and issues like allergies or sensitive skin when choosing a mask.

Machine and Hose Compatibility

Your CPAP mask must be compatible with the tubing of your CPAP machine, and the tubing and mask have to connect without any air leaks. While most CPAP hoses are designed for universal compatibility, some travel CPAP machines have proprietary tubing that’s only compatible with certain masks from the same brand.

Product Recalls

Recalls involve pulling a product off the market because of a safety concern. For example, in 2022, Philips Respironics issued a product recall for several mask models due to concerns over magnetic clips negatively interacting with implanted medical devices. More recently, ResMed issued a safety notice regarding a similar magnet issue. Speak with your doctor if you’re concerned about the safety of any CPAP mask or machine you’re considering.

Where Can You Buy a CPAP Mask?

You can buy a CPAP mask online or from a brick-and-mortar CPAP equipment supplier. Some sleep clinics may also offer CPAP masks. Since fully-assembled CPAP masks are considered a Class II medical device by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, they are only available from authorized retailers and require a prescription for purchase. If you buy online, you’ll have to submit your prescription prior to checkout.

Shopping online is convenient and gives you access to a wide selection and competitive pricing. Buying direct from a sleep care specialist can ensure compatibility, and shopping in a retail store lets you see and try on a mask in person before making a purchase.

How Much Does a CPAP Mask Cost?

Most CPAP masks cost between $50 and $200. The price depends on the type of mask and its materials and features. If you have health insurance, your plan may cover some or all of the costs of a CPAP mask. 

Do You Need a Prescription to Buy a CPAP Mask?

You need a prescription from a licensed medical provider in order to buy a CPAP mask. Regardless of whether you’re shopping online or in person, we suggest having a copy of your prescription ready. 

Although a complete mask requires a prescription, replacement components, such as mask cushions or headgear, can be purchased without a prescription. 

Will Insurance Cover the Cost of a CPAP Mask?

Many health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, provide coverage for CPAP masks under certain conditions. Most online CPAP retailers do not accept insurance, so buying a CPAP mask online often means that you’ll pay out of pocket and apply for reimbursement from your insurance provider. Check with your insurance provider to determine your eligibility for coverage prior to buying.

Insurance plans often require your doctor to provide documentation showing that you need CPAP therapy and are using your device consistently. Even with coverage, you may be responsible for out-of-pocket costs for a deductible or coinsurance. 

A few steps may help when trying to get insurance coverage for a CPAP mask: 

• Ask your doctor and insurance provider about coverage for CPAP accessories.
• Request that any information about your policy be provided in writing.
• Check with your CPAP mask supplier about whether they send bills directly to your insurance provider.
• Keep receipts and any other paperwork related to your CPAP mask purchase.
• If you have to submit an insurance claim, make sure to provide all the requested documentation.

How We Test

We’re able to choose the best CPAP masks for different needs because of our testing team’s years of experience and in-depth product and patient-care knowledge. Our team has matched hundreds of sleep apnea patients with the CPAP equipment they use on a nightly basis. We also regularly solicit feedback from new and seasoned CPAP users to understand how the machines and accessories work for real people under real-world conditions.

Other CPAP Mask Guides

If you’ve decided on a mask type but would like to explore more options, check out our team’s hand-picked selections for specific types of CPAP masks.