Comfort
CPAP mask strap covers
Soft fabric sleeves that wrap mask headgear straps to stop red lines, rubbing and hair tangles.
Why it helps
Headgear straps can leave red marks on the cheeks and rub on the skin over the ears. Soft covers spread the contact area and feel gentler against the face. MedlinePlus notes that redness and sores can occur when starting PAP and that mask fit matters: it should not be too tight or too loose.
How to choose
Pick covers made for your mask's strap width and style, with hook and loop or snap closures that fit your headgear clips. Washable fabric is best. Make sure the cover does not stop the strap from adjusting or holding tension.
Covers make straps thicker, so recheck the mask seal after fitting them. Strap marks that persist usually mean the headgear is too tight.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop CPAP strap marks?
Loosen the headgear until the mask just seals, then add soft strap covers if marks persist. Very tight straps often cause more leaks, not fewer.
Do strap covers affect the mask seal?
They should not if fitted flat, but recheck the seal afterward with your machine's mask fit check if it has one.
Sources
Last reviewed October 11, 2026. How we research · Report an error