How to choose your CPAP mask in 2026
Nasal, pillow or full-face: a practical guide to find the mask that suits you and improve adherence.
Sophie Bertin, RN
The mask is by far the element that decides whether your CPAP therapy will be lived well… or not. Here is our practical guide, drawn from over 50,000 installations carried out by our teams.
The three main mask families
1. The nasal mask
It covers only the nose. It is the most prescribed mask in France because of its versatility: high seal, moderate footprint, compatible with most morphologies.
Who is it for? Patients who breathe well through their nose and do not open their mouth at night.
2. The nasal pillow mask
Two soft silicone pillows sit at the entrance of the nostrils. It is the lightest and most discreet of the three.
Who is it for? People who feel claustrophobic with a classic mask, who wear glasses or like to read before sleep.
3. The full-face (oronasal) mask
It covers nose and mouth. Essential if you breathe through your mouth, or if your therapy pressures are high.
Who is it for? Patients with mixed breathing, chronic nasal obstruction or pressures > 12 cmH₂O.
5 criteria to choose well
- Your prescription — the pressure to deliver guides the choice.
- Your breathing (nasal vs. mouth) — the “closed-mouth 1 minute” test is a good indicator.
- Your sleep position — a stomach sleeper will favour pillows.
- Your evening habits — if you read or watch TV in bed, avoid masks with forehead supports.
- Your facial morphology — beards, moustaches, scars, glasses influence the seal.
Common pitfalls
- Picking a mask only on a friend’s recommendation: what works for one can be uncomfortable for another.
- Keeping a leaking mask thinking “it’ll pass”: a major leak reduces treatment effectiveness by 30 to 50%.
- Skipping cleaning: an unwashed silicone cushion loses up to 40% of its seal in 2 weeks.
The Apneroo team’s role
At delivery, our nurse takes the time to test two or three masks with you, fits the headgear millimetre by millimetre, and books a follow-up at 3 weeks. You can change mask for free in the first 30 days if the trial is not conclusive.
Not equipped yet?
If you are unsure, take our guided questionnaire: 2 minutes to identify the mask family that suits you, even before your first consultation.