Your mask type

Nasal mask

A nasal mask covers your nose only, either with a triangular cushion that sits over the bridge of the nose or with a cradle cushion that sits under the nose. It is the mask type an American Thoracic Society workshop recommends as the first option for most people starting CPAP.

How it works

Pressurized air from the machine flows through the tube into a cushion that seals around or under your nose. You breathe in and out through your nose, and your exhaled air leaves through small vent holes built into the mask or elbow.

Because the pressure is delivered only through the nose, it splints your upper airway open from the front without pushing on your jaw or tongue through the mouth. That is one reason studies tie nasal masks to lower prescribed pressures than full face masks.

Cradle designs (such as the ResMed AirFit N30i or Philips DreamWear Nasal) seal under the tip of the nose instead of over the bridge, which leaves the bridge free and keeps the mask out of your line of sight.

Usually suits

People who breathe through the nose while asleep
New CPAP users, since clinical guidance favors starting with a nasal interface
Side sleepers who want a compact mask that does not press into the pillow
People who find nasal pillows uncomfortable inside the nostrils
People with a mustache, since most nasal cushions seal above the lip

Often a poor fit for

People who sleep with the mouth open and cannot control it with a chinstrap
People with chronic nasal blockage, a severe deviated septum or frequent congestion that is not being treated
People with sores or sensitive skin on the bridge of the nose (a cradle style may help)

Pressure and this mask type

Nasal masks work across the full CPAP and BiPAP range for most people. In a 2016 study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, the median prescribed pressure was 10 cm H2O with nasal masks versus 12 cm H2O with oronasal (full face) masks. If your provider switches you from a full face mask to a nasal mask, your prescribed pressure is reviewed by your clinician; do not change it yourself.

Nasal mask models

F&P Eson 2 Nasal MaskA traditional over the nose nasal mask with a one piece RollFit cushion, a fabric air diffuser for …F&P Evora Nasal MaskA compact nasal mask whose cushion sits under the nose instead of over the bridge. Its CapFit headgear …F&P Solo NasalAn under-the-nose nasal mask with Fisher & Paykel's AutoFit headgear: no side straps or clips to set, you …Philips Respironics DreamWear Nasal (Under the Nose)A minimal contact nasal mask whose small silicone cushion cradles the bottom of your nose instead of covering …Philips Respironics DreamWispA minimal contact nasal mask that combines the Wisp over the nose cushion with DreamWear's top of head …Philips Respironics WispA compact minimal contact nasal mask with a small cushion that covers the tip of the nose, a …React Health Rio II Nasal MaskReact Health's newer nasal mask, separate from the Rio II pillows mask. It has an under-the-nose cushion that …ResMed AirFit N20A traditional over-the-nose nasal mask with a silicone InfinitySeal cushion, a compact frame that sits under the eyes, …ResMed AirFit N30A minimal nasal cradle mask: the cushion sits under the nose instead of over the bridge, with a …ResMed AirFit N30iAn under-the-nose nasal cradle mask with a tube-up design: air flows through a self-adjusting hollow frame to an …ResMed AirTouch N20The AirFit N20 frame with an UltraSoft memory foam cushion in place of silicone. It is meant for …ResMed AirTouch N30iA tube-up nasal cradle mask with a ComfiSoft cushion that fuses fabric with silicone and a SpringFit frame …

Common problems and fixes

Dry mouth or air escaping from your mouth

Air is leaking out through an open mouth. Try a chinstrap, make sure heated humidification is on, and treat nasal congestion. If it continues, ask your provider about a full face mask.

Red mark or sore on the bridge of the nose

The headgear is usually too tight or the cushion is the wrong size. Loosen the top straps a little, refit while lying down with the machine running, and ask about a cradle style that does not touch the bridge. Skin that breaks open needs a check with your clinician.

Air blowing into your eyes

The top of the cushion is lifting. Reposition the mask, adjust the upper straps evenly, and check that you have the right cushion size.

Stuffy nose at night

Raise humidity or use heated tubing, and try saline spray before bed. Ongoing congestion is worth raising with your doctor because it makes nose breathing harder.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a nasal CPAP mask if I breathe through my mouth?

Many people can, by adding a chinstrap and good humidification so the mouth stays closed and the nose stays clear. An American Thoracic Society workshop suggests trying a nasal mask before moving mouth breathers to a full face mask. If you keep waking with a dry mouth or high leak, a full face mask is the usual next step.

What is the difference between a nasal mask and a nasal cradle mask?

A traditional nasal mask sits over the bridge of your nose and around it. A cradle mask sits under the tip of the nose, so nothing touches the bridge and you can wear glasses more easily.

Do nasal masks need less pressure than full face masks?

Studies show people using nasal masks are, on average, prescribed lower pressures than people using full face masks. Any change to your pressure after a mask switch is decided by your prescribing clinician.

How often should I replace a nasal mask cushion?

Medicare allows up to 2 nasal cushions per month and a complete nasal mask every 3 months. Replace sooner if the cushion is torn, stiff or no longer seals.

Sources

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