Your mask type

Full face mask

A traditional full face (oronasal) mask covers your nose and mouth with one cushion that seals over the bridge of the nose, along the cheeks and under the lower lip. It lets you breathe through either your nose or your mouth.

How it works

A single triangular cushion surrounds your nose and mouth. Air enters through an elbow at the front, and vents release exhaled air. Headgear usually has four points (two upper straps and two lower straps) so the mask can be tightened evenly top and bottom.

Because your mouth is inside the seal, opening it during sleep does not cause a mouth leak. The tradeoff is a larger mask with more skin contact, and studies show that pressure delivered through the mouth can push the jaw and tongue back, which is why people on full face masks are often prescribed somewhat higher pressures.

Usually suits

  • People who breathe through the mouth during sleep
  • People with frequent nasal congestion, allergies or a deviated septum
  • People who tried a nasal mask with a chinstrap and still had mouth leaks
  • People on higher pressures who need a stable seal
  • Back sleepers

Often a poor fit for

  • People who feel claustrophobic with something over the mouth
  • People with a full beard, which can break the seal along the cheeks and chin
  • Stomach sleepers
  • People who want to wear glasses or read in bed with the mask on

Pressure and this mask type

Full face masks handle the full prescribed pressure range. Research shows people using oronasal masks are, on average, prescribed higher pressures: a 2016 Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine study found a median of 12 cm H2O versus 10 cm H2O for nasal masks, and a 2018 Chest meta-analysis found about 1.5 cm H2O higher on average, with higher residual AHI. If your sleep data show a persistently high AHI on a full face mask, talk to your clinician; do not adjust pressure yourself.

Full face mask models

F&P Simplus Full Face MaskA full face mask without a forehead support. It uses a one piece RollFit cushion with an air …F&P Vitera Full Face MaskA traditional full face mask that covers the nose and mouth. Its RollFit XT cushion rolls with you …ResMed AirFit F20A traditional full face mask that covers your nose and mouth, with a silicone InfinitySeal cushion, magnetic lower …ResMed AirTouch F20The AirFit F20 full face mask with an UltraSoft memory foam cushion in place of silicone. The foam …ResMed Mirage QuattroAn older ResMed full face mask with a forehead support adjusted by a MicroFit dial and a dual-wall …

Common problems and fixes

Air leaking into your eyes

The top of the cushion is not sealing on the bridge of the nose. Readjust the upper straps, check the cushion size, and refit lying down with the machine running so the cushion inflates.

Leak at the corners of the mouth or chin

Adjust the lower straps evenly. If your jaw drops open, the cushion may be too small. Dentures left out at night can change the face shape and break the seal, so ask your provider about fitting with your night routine.

Swallowing air, bloating or burping (aerophagia)

Make sure the mask is fitted well and humidity is comfortable. Aerophagia that does not resolve needs a conversation with your clinician, who may review your settings or mask type.

Red marks or sores on the bridge of the nose

Loosen the straps, since overtightening is the usual cause. Consider a memory foam cushion or an under the nose full face mask. Broken skin needs a clinician.

Dry mouth

Raise heated humidity or add heated tubing to reduce dryness from breathing through the mouth.

Frequently asked questions

Who needs a full face CPAP mask?

Mainly people who breathe through the mouth during sleep or cannot breathe well through the nose because of congestion, allergies or structure. Guidance from an American Thoracic Society workshop suggests trying a nasal option first where possible, and moving to full face if mouth leak continues.

Why does a full face mask leak into my eyes?

The upper edge of the cushion is not sitting flat on the bridge of the nose, usually from uneven upper straps, the wrong size, or a cushion that has lost its shape. Refit while lying down with air flowing, and replace worn cushions.

Can I wear a full face mask with a beard?

Sometimes, but hair along the cheeks and chin often breaks the seal. An under the nose full face mask or nasal pillows with a chinstrap may seal better.

How often should I replace a full face mask cushion?

Medicare allows up to 1 full face cushion per month and a complete full face mask every 3 months, with headgear every 6 months. Replace sooner if the cushion tears or no longer seals.

Sources

Last reviewed October 11, 2026. How we research · Report an error

Mask troubleshooting