Most Comfortable CPAP Mask (feature Image)

There is no doubt that the first thought that entered my mind when I started looking at purchasing my first CPAP machine was how um, strange the mask looked.

I mean, I was supposed to wear this thing strapped to my head and still be able to get a good night’s sleep. At first, it seemed to be nothing short of impossible.

However, thanks to many of the major CPAP machine manufacturers, they ‘get’ it. If the mask is comfortable and easy to wear, then those of us who need ‘em are more likely to use ‘em.

That is exactly how it went for me. Now I am going to share with you what I consider to be the most comfortable CPAP full face mask choices.

Oddly enough, the most comfortable CPAP mask on my list is not a full mask. It is technically a nasal mask which means it straps around your head and sits covering your nose and not your mouth.

You do have to be the type of sleeper that doesn’t flail around much when you slip into REM sleep mode or you may pull this Philips Respironics Dreamwear Nasal Mask right off of your face.

Yes, it is secured in place and sits at the perfect angle so that it doesn’t slip forward but I’m telling you from experience, flailing is not fun with a nasal mask snagged in one hand. Sound sleepers will love this mask.

Don’t let the word ‘wisp’ in the name of this product throw you. It is a legitimate descriptor of this lightweight nasal CPAP mask.

The secure fit comes in part from the fact that this model possesses greater suction. A single strap branches into two at the ears and secure on the back of the head which holds it in place.

The mask is made with soft cushion material that gives the mask a gentle hold as opposed to digging into the skin and leaving marks.

The Respironics WISP CPAP Mask Wisp is one of the most comfortable CPAP mask options out there.

I’m not one of those who will try to tell you that this is not the most comfortable CPAP full face mask.

That’s because I am a fan of full face masks and when you are seeking comfort, this one is a really good choice.

Partly because it fits very securely on the face and partly because the design features an ultra-soft cushion that provides leak-proof suction that allows the mask to cling in place without irritation.

The Mirage Quattro Full Face System is well worth considering simply because it is comfortable and it works.

First off, with a name like ComfortFit, you have an idea of what to expect from this product. Second, this isn’t actually a CPAP mask. It is more accurately the replacement cushion that will fit all of the ComfortFit masks made by this manufacturer.

I included it on this list because you have to know that the pad or pads on your CPAP mask are not going to last forever.

It doesn’t matter how careful you are to clean and care for them. Over time, the padding will lose its shape and that can impact the seal needed for proper sleep therapy.

So, the ComfortFit Deluxe Replacement Cushion is listed here. Oh, and keep in mind this is intended for the full mask part of the ComfortFit line.

Things to Consider When Choosing A Comfortable CPAP Mask

Several factors can impact the comfort of a CPAP mask. To make this a lot easier on you, I have broken down the top three things to look for when shopping for a CPAP mask.

The Cushioning: CPAP masks contain either cushions or pillows. Cushions are most common in full face CPAP masks and pillows are common with nasal masks. The idea behind cushions and pillows is to provide comfort and prevent the hard plastic parts of the apparatus from digging into your face or skull. Normally, the cushions and pillows can be removed from the mask so that they can be replaced once they have worn down to the point where they are either not providing a good suction seal or the mask is starting to poke into your skin.

The Straps: Usually, a CPAP mask is held in place with straps. The design of these straps varies depending on the design of the specific mask. The most common configuration for full face CPAP masks is to have straps running from the sides, under the ears and around the back of the head. Another strap may go over the forehead or under the cheeks. For nasal masks, the straps typically run from the sides and around the back of the head. Some designs have a single strap that goes over the face and splits into two as it rounds the back of the head.

The Fit: Comfort is mostly related to how the mask fits on your face. If you don’t like the idea of your face completely encapsulated by a hard plastic covering, then the nasal mask is probably your best bet. They are designed to fit differently than a full face mask and that is obvious when you look at how the straps are designed for both. The ideal fit is one that is comfortable and provides the right suction seal with little or no effort. If you are not used to sleeping with anything attached to your face and strapped in place, you may need to give yourself some time to get used to wearing a CPAP mask.

Best Brands

The most comfortable CPAP mask choices I listed above represent just a few different companies. I have provided a little more background on each below.

Philips Respironics

Respironics is a medical supply company that focuses mostly on products related to improving respiratory function. Founded in 1976 in Murrayville, Pennsylvania, Respironics is one of many subsidiaries of the Philips Company. They introduced their first CPAP machine in 1985 and continues to work on developing and manufacturing machines to assist with COPD and other respiratory issues.

Mirage (ResMed)

ResMed is a medical equipment company based in San Diego, California. It was founded in 1989 and provides cloud-connectable medical devices for the treatment of sleep apnea (including CPAP machines/masks), COPD and additional respiratory conditions. The company operates in over 120 countries worldwide and has over 7,500 employees.

ComfortFit (Drive Medical)

Drive Medical was established in 2000 and is based in New York. They carry durable medical products ranging from mobility products to respiratory equipment, rehabilitation products, pediatric products, patient room equipment, personal care products, and electrotherapy devices.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to get used to a CPAP mask?

While it may take a fair deal of time to get used to wearing a CPAP mask, typically, it takes just 30 days to adjust to being able to sleep wearing a mask on your face. Others have taken up to three months to get used to wearing this apparatus.

2. What is the smallest CPAP mask?

It just so happens that the smallest CPAP masks currently available on the market are also my top pick in this article! That would be the Philips Respironics DreamWear model.

3. What is the smallest CPAP mask?

Well, there happen to be a fair number of CPAP masks I would put into the category of least invasive. Most of them are made by the following companies:

  • ResMed
  • Philips Respironics
  • Fisher & Paykel

4. Is air supposed to leak from CPAP mask?

No. That is the main purpose of having a firm and comfortable fit. The cushions and pillows that come with the CPAP mask are intended to help create a suction seal. If you hear air escaping, first adjust the way the mask sits on your face. You may have to unstrap it and put it on again. If you still hear air escaping it could be a sign that the cushions or pillows that came with your CPAP mask need to be replaced.

Most Comfortable CPAP Mask Wrap Up

As I said in the beginning, at first blush, it may be a tad difficult to imagine something like a CPAP mask as being comfortable to wear for extended periods. However, the companies who make these products know that if they don’t make them easy to use and comfy to wear, who is going to bother, right? I have found several I would call the most comfortable CPAP mask in the marketplace but have focused on just the best ones in this review. I hope it helps you find the right one for you.