A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is a device used to assist a person who suffers from obstructive sleep apnea. The machine works by continuously increasing the pressure in the airway to prevent collapse characteristic of the condition. This is done by way of a CPAP mask which is secured over the nose and/or mouth to administer the necessary air pressure.
Aside from the machine itself, using the right mask will help guarantee positive outcomes and improved sleep quality. So if you’re in the market to find the best CPAP mask, be sure to check out these top rated options.
Top 10 CPAP Masks Comparison
| Picture | Name | Full Face | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. McKesson Swift FX System - Retail - 61500 | No | $$$ | 4.7 |
 | 2. Fisher & Paykel Simplus Full Face Mask Cushion (Medium) | Yes | $ | 4.5 |
 | 3. Eson Nasal Mask Complete Headgear, Cushion and Frame Meduim | No | $$ | 4.4 |
 | 4. Philips Respironics Wisp Mask with Fabric Frame and Headgear | No | $$$ | 4.2 |
 | 5. Fisher & Paykel Simplus Full Face Mask Frame with Cushion (Large) | Yes | $$$$ | 4.2 |
 | 6. McKesson Philips Respironics Nuance Pro Nasal Pillow System - 1105167 - Retail Packaged | No | $$$ | 4.1 |
 | 7. Fisher & Paykel 400421 Pilairo Q Nasal Pillows Mask - Retail Packaged | No | $$ | 3.9 |
 | 8. ResMed Ultra Mirage II Mask Frame System (Standard) | Yes | $$$$ | 3.8 |
 | 9. Respironics Easylife - Medium cushion set | Yes | $ | 3.4 |
 | 10. Sleepnet Veraseal2 NIV Vented Full Face Mask - Medium (Hospital Grade) | Yes | $$$ | 2.6 |
What Makes a Good CPAP Mask?
What exactly makes a good CPAP mask and what qualities should you look for before deciding on an option? For most people, masks usually look the same, but slight variations in their design could mean a world of difference when it comes to your satisfaction.
Keep an eye out for these factors when making a choice to help you find the best CPAP mask in the market.
- Easy to Maintain. You will change your CPAP mask once every 6 months or so for sanitary reasons, but during the time that your mask is in use, you will want to make sure it’s clean and free from germs and bacteria. Masks can be very prone to bacteria build-up because they’re responsible for bringing continuous airflow to your airways.
Small particles in the air that go through your nose and the hose can easily accumulate in the mask, especially when there’s moisture caused by breathing. Because some masks have strange, irregular shapes, cleaning small crevices and folds can make them difficult to sanitize.
Consider the ease of maintenance before making a purchase. Anything that seems too difficult to clean can cause other respiratory issues and health problems in the long run.
- Fit. You’re likely to feel uncomfortable and uneasy with a mask strapped across your face. Wear one to bed, and you’re unlikely to fall asleep. Because a mask could easily disrupt your slumber with the way, it fits on your face, choosing a sleek, slim, lightweight mask will reduce the discomfort it causes during sleep.
A big bulky design, while able to provide greater airflow, is likely to prevent you from sleeping in the first place. Smaller designs can be easier regarding comfort but are also likely to slip off when you roll around in bed.
If possible, try the mask on before making a purchase; this will make it easier for you to select an option that won’t make it too difficult for you to sleep with the mask on. You should also check the straps and loops that keep the mask in place on your face as they could dig into your skin and cause moderate pain during sleep.
- Airflow. While each CPAP machine is adjusted to meet your body’s needs in terms of air pressure, the mask you choose can also affect how well that airflow is directed into your passageways.
However, because there isn’t any way to guarantee the efficiency of airflow until you actually use the mask, inspecting the size of the connection provisions for tubes will give you a better idea as to how effective the mask will be.
Masks with holes that are too small could severely limit airflow, while those with extremely wide provisions could dampen the pressure of the flowing air. As a general rule, you should be able to fit one thumb into the hole with some space left between your thumb and the edges of the hole.
Top 3 Best CPAP Mask Reviews
1. McKesson Swift FX System – Retail – 61500
The Swift FX System is often considered the best CPAP mask for a list of reasons. Firstly, this mask features a compact design that fits securely against the nose for minimal contact with the user’s face. This makes it a comfortable CPAP accessory that doesn’t cause a bulky or heavy feeling upon use.
Secondly, the mask comes with several CPAP mask nasal pillows which increase the comfort and fine-tune the fit of the mask. A variety of sizes of included nasal pillows means anyone can find the best fit for a comfortable and pain-free sleep experience. These pads also prevent air from seeping through the mask for optimal air flow.
Finally, the mask features an ergonomic head strap design that prevents hair from getting caught and tangled. For users with longer hair, this can prove to be a major advantage as other masks can tug and tangle hair causing sleep disturbance.
While it isn’t the cheapest option, the Swift FX System is a durable, reliable, compact, and comfortable CPAP mask that maximizes comfort and guarantees a problem-free, good night’s sleep.
2. Fisher & Paykel Simplus Full Face Mask Cushion
This full-face mask from Fisher & Paykel is made from high-quality soft silicone and features a minimal coverage design that puts the user’s comfort as its top priority. While the headgear that supports the mask on the face might take some getting accustomed to, the entire set up can be very comfortable for the right user.
The mask’s dome-like shape accommodates the nose and makes minimal contact with the skin for a lightweight and discomfort-free feel during use. The edges of the mask adhere closely to the skin to prevent airflow from seeping out of the mask.
A single issue with the mask has earned complaints from some users, and that is that it might not be secure enough to stay in place during sleep. This can make it an iffy choice for people who prefer sleeping on their side or who tend to move a lot during sleep.
3. Eson Nasal Mask Complete Headgear
The Eson Nasal Mask Complete Headgear, Cushion, and Frame is a nose-only mask that features a similar design to the Swift FX System. The mask comes with several nasal pillows that come in a variety of sizes to help user’s achieve optimal fit and comfort.
Two straps that secure around the cheeks and forehead keep the mask in place during use. While some believe the straps are ideal for keeping the mask in proper positioning, there are some users who feel that the placement of the straps makes it an uncomfortable CPAP accessory.
Regardless, the Eson Nasal Mask Complete Headgear, Cushion, and Frame is an affordable mask that can be comfortable, convenient, and ideal for users who don’t mind the somewhat awkward strap placement.