Nasal CPAP masks
Nasal CPAP masks cover your nose from the bridge to the area at the top of your lip. They deliver an indirect airflow and are a good choice if you need higher pressure. If you’re a restless sleeper you may prefer this type of sleep apnea mask.
They may be a problem if you’re a mouth breather unless you use a chin restraint to keep your mouth closed. If you have trouble breathing through your nose this may not be the sleep apnea mask for you.
Nasal pillows CPAP masks
Nasal pillows CPAP masks are small, compact and lightweight. They’re good for people who toss and turn in their sleep or who feel claustrophobic with a larger sleep apnea mask. Also, if you have a beard or moustache, this could be a good choice. You can easily read or watch TV while wearing a nasal pillows mask, even with glasses on.
Some people who need a higher pressure find the nasal pillows CPAP masks uncomfortable. If you’re a mouth breather you may need to add a chin restraint to keep your mouth closed.
Full face CPAP masks
Full face CPAP masks cover your mouth and nose. They’re often recommended for people who need a higher pressure as well as those who prefer to breathe through their mouth and/or have trouble breathing through their nose. If you like to sleep on your back, this could be the sleep apnea mask for you.
On the downside, full face masks are more likely to leak and/or give you dry eyes. They can be tricky to use if you wear glasses to watch TV or read in bed.
