Best CPAP Masks for Women

If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, your doctor may have recommended you try continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. This effective treatment requires a CPAP mask, which you wear during sleep to prevent your upper airway from narrowing or closing.

While it can sometimes seem like CPAP advertisements are geared exclusively toward men, some manufacturers are also starting to design masks with women in mind.

We’ll discuss how to find and fit a CPAP mask and delve into additional factors such as compatibility with your CPAP machine and other practical considerations. We’ll also take a look at the best CPAP masks for women as chosen by our team of sleep experts.

Our guide to the best CPAP masks has more information on choosing a CPAP mask regardless of gender. You may also be interested in our guide to the best nasal CPAP masks.

In-Depth Reviews

What Should Women Consider in a CPAP Mask?

Though traditionally considered a male condition, there is increasing awareness that women can also have sleep apnea, particularly those experiencing pregnancy, menopause, or polycystic ovary syndrome.

Though not offered by all manufacturers, some CPAP masks are designed specifically with women in mind. In very general terms, women tend to have smaller jawlines and thinner cheekbones with fuller cheeks, although there is a large spectrum of possible facial shapes for all genders.  

As the interface responsible for delivering pressurized air into your lungs, a CPAP mask is an important part of sleep apnea therapy. Factors to consider when shopping for a mask include the fit, comfort, design, your personal sleeping and breathing style, compatibility with other CPAP equipment, and your doctor’s recommendations.

Listen to Your Doctor

Your doctor should always be your first point of contact for information regarding a new CPAP mask. They can help recommend a mask style based on your therapy pressure and other personalized considerations.

Mask Type

You can choose between the three main types of CPAP masks, each of which offers certain benefits depending on what you’re looking for.

• Full-face: A full-face mask extends from the bridge of the nose down below the lips, delivering air to the nose and mouth.
• Nasal: Generally considered the most effective CPAP mask type, a nasal mask delivers air to just the nose through a mask that typically covers the bridge and the nostrils.
• Nasal pillow: Nasal pillows insert into the nostrils, allowing more flexibility and ease of movement, though they exert more direct airflow and may be uncomfortable at higher pressure settings.

Breathing Style

Some doctors may recommend you try a full-face mask if you tend to breathe through your mouth, especially if you have a blocked nose from nasal congestion or a deviated septum.

Sleeping Position

Certain mask styles may be better or worse depending on your preferred sleeping position. For example, while front-of-face tubing may be convenient for back sleepers and some side sleepers, this design can lead to air leaks when stomach sleeping. Stomach sleepers and some side sleepers may prefer a nasal pillow mask or a top-of-head tubing connection, which is less likely to get caught on the bed pillow.

Fit and Size

Finding a CPAP mask that fits your face is important, because an ill-fitting mask can cause discomfort or unwanted air leaks. Some manufacturer websites include printable sizing guides to aid shoppers in finding the right fit. If you’re unsure of your size, some retailers sell fit packs that include several cushion sizes.

Machine and Hose Compatibility

Always check the user guide to confirm your mask is compatible with your CPAP machine, humidifier, and tubing. Masks usually are compatible with most machines, but you should pay special attention to the pressure limit and the tubing, which may require an adapter.

Recalls and Warranties

Product recalls occur when a manufacturer discovers an issue that makes the mask unsafe for use. The company may contact you directly, or you may hear about the recall from your doctor or supplier. If the recall applies to you, you may need to return your mask and wait to receive a different model in exchange.

Independent of recalls, manufacturers typically offer a short warranty to protect customers against manufacturing and workmanship defects. Different mask parts such as the cushions and headgear may have a shorter warranty than the frame.

Where to Buy a CPAP Mask for Women

CPAP masks are sold online as well as in brick-and-mortar stores. You can sometimes obtain a CPAP mask through your doctor or sleep clinic.

Buying in person offers the advantage of being able to consult with a salesperson or health professional. Buying online also has benefits, as you’ll have access to a wider selection of masks and easier price comparison.

Pricing, Prescriptions, and Insurance Coverage

CPAP mask prices range from $50 for a basic nasal mask to around $200 for some full-face models. Within each mask style, you’ll find price fluctuations based on the complexity of the design, the materials used, and the brand.

You’ll need a prescription to purchase your mask, although replacement parts are sold over the counter. Medicare, Medicaid, and many private insurers help cover the cost of CPAP masks as long as you meet usage requirements and other conditions.

Dive Deeper: In-Depth CPAP Guides

Some CPAP supplies are essential, including the machine, mask, and tubing. Others, like mask liners and specialty bed pillows, are designed for comfort and may make it easier to consistently use your device as prescribed.

Data-Driven Results You Can Trust

Our team is passionate about finding high-quality products to help people get better sleep, and that includes products designed for people with sleep apnea. When choosing the best CPAP masks for women, we considered factors such as differences in facial structures and how to wear a mask with long hair.