Written by Olivera Jancikin, Content Writer
Editor’s note: The FDA has issued a recall alert for the ResMed AirFit F30, and AirFit F30i. The reason for the recall is that ResMed is updating the labeling and warnings on these products, as they contain magnets that could interfere with the functioning of certain medical implants or devices, which the FDA warns could cause “serious harm or death.” For more on the recall, you can visit the full statement from the FDA.
Are you struggling with sleep apnea? If so, you’ve probably heard of continuous positive airway pressure therapy, otherwise known as CPAP therapy.
CPAP is a common and effective treatment, but mouth breathers could be discouraged from using this therapy due to leaks and dryness.
Luckily, there’s a solution, and it lies in finding the right CPAP mask for those who breathe through their mouth. In this article, we’ll go through the best CPAP masks for mouth breathers and what makes them a good choice. We’ll also discuss what to look for in a CPAP mask if you’re a mouth breather, as well as other factors to consider.
Best CPAP Masks for Mouth Breathers
- ResMed AirFit F30i Full-Face CPAP Mask – Editor’s Pick
- Philips Respironics DreamWear Full Face CPAP Mask – Most Comfortable CPAP Mask for Mouth Breathers
- ResMed AirFit F30 Full-Face CPAP Mask – Best CPAP Mask for Mouth Breathers Who Are Side Sleepers
- Circadiance SleepWeaver Anew Full Face CPAP Mask– Best Budget Full Face CPAP Mask
ResMed AirFit F30i Full-Face CPAP Mask – Editor’s Pick
ResMed AirFit F30i Full-Face CPAP Mask
The ResMed AirFit F30i is flexible and easy to use in multiple sleeping positions. It has comfortable cushions, so it won’t leave any marks on your face even if you’re an active sleeper.
ResMed Score
4.50 / 5
Why the ResMed AirFit F30i Earned Editor’s Pick
The ResMed AirFit F30i is a mask with headgear designed to improve overall performance without taking away from comfort.
Comfort is crucial when we sleep, and with CPAP masks, it can sometimes be more challenging. For this reason, the ResMed AirFit is our Editor’s Pick, given that it’s flexible and easy to use in any sleeping position.
The mask has cushions to help prevent the mask from leaving any marks on your skin, especially under the nose. Since it doesn’t go over the nose, it won’t make any marks on the nasal bridge either. The under-the-nose fit is also good for active sleepers who frequently move around at night.
Our Take: We love that this mask is designed to provide a reliable seal to prevent leaks while prioritizing comfort.
What We Liked
- 360-degree swivel – The ResMed AirFit F30i has a 360-degree swivel, making it easier to sleep in any position. The swivel allows you to move around without removing or readjusting the mask.
- Open sight – The mask covers your mouth only, so your nose and eyes are free. This means that nothing is blocking your sight, so you can watch TV or read while wearing the mask before bed.
Potential Drawbacks
- Mid-range price point – Although this isn’t the most expensive product, it’s also not the most affordable. Depending on your budget and what your insurance will cover, this is something to keep in mind.
- It has magnets – The ResMed AirFit CPAP mask has magnetic clips. Although these make it easier to remove in the middle of the night, they can interfere with other medical devices or implants1.
Explore our picks for the Best Full-Face CPAP Masks here.
Philips Respironics DreamWear Full Face CPAP Mask – Most Comfortable CPAP Mask for Mouth Breathers
Philips Respironics DreamWear Full Face CPAP Mask
The Philips Respironics DreamWear nasal mask is lightweight and comfortable to wear as it makes minimal contact with your face. The mask allows a full range of movement and is a good option for various sleeping positions.
Why the DreamWear Earned Most Comfortable CPAP Mask for Mouth Breathers
If comfort is your top priority when choosing a CPAP mask, we suggest you consider the Philips Respironics DreamWear. This full face mask has a traditional design with several features that enhance its overall comfort.
The DreamWear mask has headgear, under-the-nose cushioning, and a soft silicone frame that shouldn’t leave marks on the skin. Another quality that adds comfort is the top-of-head tubing that allows you to move freely when switching positions, which should help you stay asleep better throughout the night.
Our Take: This mask features cushioning to help prevent red marks and irritation. Additionally, there’s the soft-touch silicone frame that covers the mouth.
What We Liked
- It has a lower profile – The lower profile of this mask provides a more unobstructed view, so you can watch TV or read with the mask on. Being able to do other activities in your mask could also help you get used to wearing it.
- Several cushion sizes – This mask comes with several different cushion sizes for a better fit. Sleepers can choose from small, medium, medium-wide, and large.
Potential Drawbacks
- It can get loud – Some users reported that this Philips mask can get loud if you don’t seal it properly. This can make it harder to fall asleep, particularly if you are a light sleeper.
- The clips are big – The magnetic clips on this mask are somewhat large, especially compared to other masks. We can see how this can be a problem for some people, especially strict side sleepers.
ResMed AirFit F30 Full-Face CPAP Mask – Best CPAP Mask for Mouth Breathers Who Are Side Sleepers
ResMed AirFit F30 Full-Face CPAP Mask
The AirFit F30 is lightweight and soft, covering both your mouth and nose. It allows a clear field of vision, which is important for those who like to read in bed.
ResMed Score
5.00 / 5
Why the ResMed AirFit F30 Earned Best CPAP Mask for Mouth Breathers Who Are Side Sleepers
The AirFit F30 covers both your mouth and nose, allowing you to breathe through either as needed.
The F30 model is made to be much lighter than most masks on the market, which could be helpful for those who sleep on their side since it’s not as cumbersome. Additionally, it’s flexible and soft, moving with you as you sleep, which makes it easy to sleep on the side.
The frame has a cushion that covers the mouth and nostrils while still giving you a clear field of vision if you plan to wear this around your home.
Our Take: If you’re a side sleeper, you need a CPAP mask that doesn’t get in the way. We think the ResMed F30 mask should be lightweight, flexible, and soft enough to help you rest comfortably in this position.
What We Liked
- Quick-release elbow – The AirFit F30 has a flexible elbow with a quick-release feature that allows you to start and stop the therapy without removing the actual mask. This is helpful if you have to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom or get a drink of water.
- Open visibility – If you’re a fan of reading or watching TV before bed, the AirFit F30 mask is unlikely to get in your way. The mask covers the mouth and nose without any forehead support, which means none of its parts are blocking you from seeing the TV or anything else in front of you.
Potential Drawback
- It might be too tight for some – This mask has a good seal that’s unlikely to leak, but this is exactly why we think it might be too tight for some people when it’s fully secured.
- It has magnets – Much like other CPAP masks, this model has magnets that could interfere with certain medical devices such as pacemakers.1
Circadiance SleepWeaver Anew Full Face CPAP Mask – Best Budget CPAP Mask for Mouth Breathers
Circadiance SleepWeaver Anew Full Face CPAP Mask
A cost-friendly full-face CPAP mask that doesn’t compromise quality.
Circadiance Score
3.00 / 5
Why the SleepWeaver Anew Earned Best Budget CPAP Mask for Mouth Breathers
The costs related to CPAP therapy are, understandably, a big concern for many people, particularly if insurance coverage is limited. For this reason, we knew it was important to include a good CPAP mask for mouth breathers that won’t break the bank.
The Circadiance SleepWeaver Anew has a unique dual-chamber cloth cushion, which should provide plenty of comfort at a budget price. The mask is lightweight and has an open-view design that allows you to do other activities wearing it.
Another quality about this product that we appreciate is that the soft cloth should remain dry and cool on your face to help prevent overheating at night.
Our Take: This mask covers your nose and mouth, making it a good match for those who typically breathe through their mouth when sleeping. The soft cushion helps ensure there are no marks on your face, providing an overall comfortable experience.
What We Liked
- Hypoallergenic design – This budget CPAP mask is entirely free of latex and silicone, so it’s suitable for sleepers allergic to those materials.
- It’s flexible – The design is flexible and comfortable to sleep with because it has no plastic. It’s flexible, so it bends easily to move with you and ensures a more comfortable experience.
Potential Drawbacks
- Possibly too noisy for some – Some customers have reported that the SleepWeaver Anew is too noisy, and they had to return it. This might be fine for some, but it depends on whether or not you’re a light sleeper.
- Cumbersome clips – The clips have a convenient quick-release system we love on other masks, but this model is slightly different. The clips seem a bit cumbersome, and we feel that this may be a dealbreaker for some people.
What Is a CPAP Mask for Mouth Breathers?
Most CPAP masks for mouth breathers have a full-face design that covers both the nose and mouth, and these are usually better for those needing higher air pressure settings. Conversely, nasal or nasal pillow masks only cover the nose and aren’t suitable for those who breathe through their mouth either all the time or occasionally.
While many of these masks fully cover the nose and mouth, some may feature a slightly less cumbersome design called a “hybrid.” With this design, the mask still covers the mouth, but rather than covering the nose, the mask has two nasal pillows (similar to a nasal pillow mask).
What to Look for in a CPAP Mask for Mouth Breathers
Size & Fit
How your mask fits is likely to determine how well you can sleep while wearing it. Also, without a good seal, there’s a risk of air leaking, which then leads to loss of air pressure.
Most CPAP masks have adjustable straps that make it easy to achieve a secure and snug fit, but you should still ensure the size fits you well. You don’t want it to be loose, but having it too tight can also make it uncomfortable to wear. The CPAP manufacturer and your healthcare provider can help provide guidance to ensure you have the best fit possible.
Learn More: Best CPAP Masks for Women and Best CPAP Masks for Children
Comfort
Comfort is vital because it means you’re more likely to wear your CPAP mask nightly. Many manufacturers prioritize comfort for this very reason. Cushions are a great example of this and can also help prevent you from waking up with red marks all over your face when morning rolls around.
Depending on your preference, you may choose a more compact mask for added comfort, such as a hybrid instead of a full-face design.
CPAP Machine Compatibility
Most manufacturers make their masks so that they work with the majority of CPAP machines. Nonetheless, we suggest you double-check that your mask of choice is compatible with the machine you have before buying it.
Full face masks often work best for mouth breathers who require high-pressure settings. Look at the pressure requirements your doctor specified and confirm the mask you’re interested in can work with that.
More: Best CPAP Machines
Sleeping Position
Some CPAP masks are better for certain sleep postures than others. Generally, back sleepers don’t have to worry about this, but if you’re a side sleeper, for instance, you’ll have to consider this.
Mouth breathers usually use full face masks, but side and stomach sleeping with a full face mask might not be comfortable for everyone. Therefore, you may have to modify how you sleep or look for something more compact to make sleeping with your mask on more suitable.
Doctor’s Recommendation
Your doctor will likely recommend something based on your medical history and the information you provided, which means you’ll need to select your CPAP mask type based on their advice. Doctors and sleep specialists are well aware of how CPAP machines and masks work and can usually recommend a model specifically designed for mouth breathers.
Materials
Some masks have silicone or latex, while others have cloth cushions, making it easy to find what works best for you. Cloth cushions are often best for sleepers with silicone or latex allergies, but some people say they don’t create such a tight seal. Either way, make sure to choose quality materials that are more comfortable and will provide you with the best CPAP experience.
Care
CPAP masks require certain care, but in most cases, maintenance is a simple process. Most masks should be cleaned every day and air-dried before use. However, you should only hand-wash them to avoid damaging any materials. Generally, you only need warm water and mild soap, but we advise seeing what the manufacturer specifically recommends.
Also, you’ll want to keep in mind that many CPAP products, including masks, will need to be replaced every so often.
Budget
A CPAP budget can be more complicated because you’ll also likely have insurance involved. Carriers differ in what they’ll cover and how much, so it’s helpful to know all the details upfront so you have an idea of any out-of-pocket costs you might incur.
The good news is that you can find CPAP masks in a variety of price ranges, so there is some flexibility here.
Warranty
Many manufacturers offer a warranty for their masks and other CPAP accessories. The warranty length depends on the brand, so check that beforehand. Also, it helps to save the receipt and any other documentation you get when purchasing your CPAP mask in case you have to claim the warranty.
What Causes Mouth Breathing?
There can be a series of reasons why you’re only breathing through your mouth when sleeping. Sometimes, the reason is a nasal blockage caused by allergies or a cold. Other times, it can be something more serious, like deviated septum or sleep apnea2.
If you notice you’re breathing through your mouth, we suggest you talk to your doctor. It might not be serious, but it’s good to know if there are any more serious underlying issues going on.
What Type of CPAP Mask Works Best for Mouth Breathing?
Mouth breathers need to use a CPAP mask that covers the mouth and is able to deliver air to this area. This can include a full face mask or a hybrid mask. Since nasal and nasal pillow masks only provide air to the nose, mouth breathers cannot use these types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a CPAP machine if you are a mouth breather?
Yes, you can use a CPAP machine if you are a mouth breather. There are CPAP masks designed for both nasal and mouth breathers. Full face and hybrid CPAP masks deliver pressurized air into your mouth and nose to help with your sleep apnea symptoms.
How do I stop mouth breathing while sleeping?
If you’re looking to stop mouth breathing, you first need to find out why you’re doing this in the first place. If you have allergies, for example, you may need allergy medication to help clear up any congestion that’s keeping you from breathing through your nose.
Can a mouth breather use a nasal CPAP mask?
No, mouth breathers can’t use nasal CPAP masks. The reason for this is that nasal masks only deliver pressurized air through the nose, which means mouth breathers won’t access any of the CPAP benefits to help with their sleep apnea. Instead, mouth breathers need masks that also provide air to the mouth.
Olivera Jancikin
Content Writer
About Author
Olivera is a content writer for Sleep Advisor and is enthusiastic about sleep. She firmly believes in the benefits of daytime naps on top of getting a full 8-hour sleep at night.
Combination Sleeper
- 1. “Urgent Field Safety Notice ResMed Masks with Magnets – Potential Magnetic Interference with Certain Medical Devices”. ResMed. 2024. –
- 2. Yi-Fong Su, Vincent., et al. “Mouth opening/breathing is common in sleep apnea and linked to more nocturnal water loss”. Elsevier Biomedical Journal. 2022. –