Comfort
CPAP mask liners
Soft fabric liners that sit between your skin and the mask cushion to reduce skin irritation, red marks and the noisy leaks some people get from silicone.
Why it helps
Some people's skin reacts to silicone, or they get red marks and sweat where the cushion sits. A liner adds a soft barrier that can also help the cushion seal on skin that is oily or uneven. MedlinePlus lists redness and sores over the bridge of the nose among common early problems with PAP, and suggests asking about a mask that is lightweight and cushioned.
How to choose
Liners are shaped for a specific mask style and size (for example nasal versus full face), so buy ones listed for your mask model. Reusable cloth liners are washable; disposable ones are simpler for travel. Make sure the liner sits flat without folds, which can cause leaks.
Medicare's PAP policy article states that liners are not interfaces and should not be billed as replacement mask parts such as cushions, so expect to pay for them out of pocket. If you develop skin breakdown or sores, see your clinician rather than padding over it.
Frequently asked questions
Are CPAP mask liners covered by Medicare?
The Medicare PAP policy article says liners are not interfaces and should not be billed as replacement cushions, so they are generally an out of pocket purchase.
Do mask liners help with leaks?
They can help on oily or uneven skin by giving the cushion a softer surface to seal against. A liner that wrinkles can make leaks worse, so fit matters.
Sources
Last reviewed October 11, 2026. How we research · Report an error