The main difference between nasal, nasal pillow and full-face CPAP masks is where they seal and how they deliver air. The best choice is the mask that fits, works with your prescribed therapy and stays comfortable enough to use consistently.
The three main CPAP mask types
| Type | Where it seals | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Nasal mask | Around the nose, or underneath it with a nasal cradle design | Nasal breathing, cushion shape and any contact around the bridge of the nose |
| Nasal pillow mask | At the nostrils | Minimal facial coverage, correct pillow size and comfort at the nostrils |
| Full-face mask | Around the mouth and nose, or under the nose and around the mouth | Mouth breathing or mouth leaks, plus the fit of the larger sealing area |
Nasal masks
Nasal masks deliver air through the nose. The AirFit N20 seals around the nose; the AirFit N30 uses an under-the-nose cradle. These designs feel different, so compare their fit rather than assuming one will be more comfortable for everyone.
Nasal pillow masks
Nasal pillows seal at the nostrils and leave much of the face uncovered. The AirFit P10 is one example. Use the correct pillow size and check for leaks without overtightening the headgear.
Nasal pillows are not automatically limited to mild sleep apnea or low pressures. For example, the P10 user guide lists a therapy pressure range of 4–20 cm H₂O. Your prescribed pressure, device compatibility and ability to breathe through your nose still need to be considered.
Full-face masks
A full-face design covers both breathing routes and may suit someone who breathes through the mouth or has persistent mouth leaks with a nasal mask. It is not automatically the best choice just because the prescribed pressure is higher. Fit and the exact mask's rated pressure range matter.
AirFit F20 uses a silicone cushion. AirTouch F20 uses a memory-foam cushion. They also need different care: never rinse or submerge an AirTouch foam cushion. ResMed recommends replacing that foam cushion monthly. See the AirFit F20 information and AirTouch F20 care instructions.
How to choose a mask that works for you
- Breathing and leaks: discuss persistent mouth leaks or nasal obstruction with your provider.
- Fit and sleeping position: try the fitted mask with therapy running and in your normal sleeping position.
- Contact and comfort: compare where the cushion and headgear touch your face. A smaller mask is not automatically a better seal.
- Compatibility and safety: check the mask's pressure range, machine compatibility and any warnings, including magnetic-clip restrictions where applicable.
- Replacement parts: record the exact model and cushion size before ordering extras. A frame size and a cushion size can be different.
There is no universal winner for comfort, noise or leak control. Use ResMed's mask-selection guidance with advice from your care team, and browse our CPAP mask collection for the available styles.
Buying a mask with an extra cushion or pillow
After choosing the mask style and size that fit you, an optional bundle lets you add one spare cushion or nasal pillow set on eligible product pages. Choose the mask for its fit first, then decide whether you want the extra supply.
Full-face masks: match the model and cushion size
The AirFit F20 offer adds a matching silicone cushion; the AirTouch F20 offer adds a matching memory-foam cushion. The bundle uses the cushion size selected for the mask.
Matching-cushion options are also available on eligible AirFit F30, AirFit F30i and AirFit F40 sizes. Where a mask has both frame and cushion sizes, the extra cushion follows the cushion size.
Nasal masks: use your existing size selection
For the AirFit N20 or AirFit N30, select an eligible single-size mask and tick Add an extra cushion. The page shows the matching size, saving and combined total. Mixed-size starter packs are excluded.
P10 FitPack: choose the extra pillow size yourself
The AirFit P10 FitPack already contains Small, Medium and Large pillows. Tick Add extra nasal pillows, then choose Small, Medium or Large for your one additional set. The saving and total appear after you choose that size.
All of these are optional, one-time additions. Check the product page for current prices and available sizes. An extra cushion does not replace the cushion included with the mask.
Conclusion.
Choose the mask for its fit and suitability first. Once you know the model and size that work, decide whether a spare cushion or pillow set would be useful.