Nasal CPAP Mask: The nasal mask is the most common type of mask used with CPAP therapy. The nasal mask covers the entire nose. These are typically triangular masks. The tip of the triangle sits above the bridge of the nose, between the eyes. The base of the triangle sits above the lip and below the nose.
Pillow Mask: The pillow mask (often called a nasal pillow mask) fits under the nose and in the nose. The cushion part rests just inside the nares but leaves the rest of the face uncovered. Pillow masks are the gateway to success for many people who could not get comfortable with a triangular shaped nasal mask in the past.
Full-face CPAP mask: The full-face mask (also called an oronasal mask) covers the nose and the mouth. The top of the mask usually sits above the bridge of the nose between the eyes. Some full-face masks sit higher up on the forehead. The bottom of the full-face mask rests under the mouth on the chin.
Full face masks may be recommended for mouth breathers, i.e., people who tend to breathe through their mouth instead of the nose. Mouth breathing can cause leaks with nasal masks; these leaks confuse the CPAP machine and cause it to increase the flow to maintain the pressure levels. The increase in flow can be uncomfortable or cause the machine to alarm. Full-face masks may also be recommended by a physician for people who need higher levels of support on their CPAP machines.
Oral CPAP masks: Oral masks cover only the mouth; they sit under the nose and below the mouth near the chin.
Oral masks are useful for people who breathe through their mouths more than their nose (“mouth breathers”) or who do not like having their nose covered.
Oral masks may not be a substitute for a full-face mask for people who need higher levels of support on the CPAP machines.