Written by Lisa Bowman, Writer
Editor’s note: The FDA has issued a recall alert for the ResMed AirTouch F20. The reason for the recall is that ResMed is updating the labeling and warnings on the product, as it contains 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 in search of a CPAP mask? Chances are, you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, a condition that causes breathing interruptions while sleeping. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea1, which happens when muscles around the throat relax while sleeping, obstructing the upper airway.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are usually prescribed for this, and these devices supply a stream of pressurized air that forces the airway open, via a hose and mask, helping you to breathe properly. Full face CPAP masks cover both the nose and mouth and they are often recommended for mouth breathers and those who need higher air pressure settings.
We’ll look into why a full face mask could be beneficial, what to look for when purchasing one, and show you our picks of some of the best ones out there.
Best Full Face CPAP Masks
- ResMed AirTouch F20 Full Face Mask – Editor’s Pick
- ResMed Mirage Quattro Full Face Mask – Best Full Face CPAP Mask for Side Sleepers
- Circadiance SleepWeaver Anew Full Face CPAP Mask – Best Budget Full Face CPAP Mask
- ResMed AirFit F10 for Her – Best Full Face CPAP Mask for Women
ResMed AirTouch F20 Full Face Mask – Editor’s Pick
ResMed AirTouch F20 Full CPAP Face Mask
A full-face CPAP mask offering great cushion and minimal noise.
ResMed Score
4.80 / 5
Why the ResMed AirTouch F20 Earned Editor’s Pick
ResMed updated their AirTouch F20 silicone cushion with an UltraSoft memory foam cushion designed to reduce leakage and red marks on the skin. The new cushion has been a hit with users, with many of them finding it more comfortable than its silicone predecessor. Plus, the cushion comes in three sizes for an ideal fit.
Additionally, the new and improved cushion doesn’t require cleaning. According to ResMed, the cushion remains hygienic during use without cleaning, so long as it’s replaced monthly. However, the company advises that the elbow and frame should still be cleaned daily, and the headgear weekly. ResMed recommends using a dry cloth or non-alcoholic wipe if you want to clean the cushion, but you shouldn’t get it wet.
Some full face CPAP masks have headgear that wraps around the forehead, which can feel uncomfortable or claustrophobic for some users. Instead, the AirTouch F20 has specially designed straps that secure around the cheeks, which may be preferable for some people.
Our Take: The ResMed Air Touch F20 takes the discomfort out of full face CPAP masks, with its super soft cushion that should even seal well over facial hair.
What We Liked
- Minimal noise – ResMed’s QuietAir™ vent diffuses air through multiple small openings in the elbow, minimizing noise disturbance.
- Easy to put on and remove – A quick-release elbow allows you to swiftly remove the tubing for nighttime bathroom trips without having to remove the entire mask. Magnetic clips and velcro fasteners attach the headgear to the cushion with ease, which may be an advantage for people with mobility issues in the hands.
- Interchangeable – The AirTouch F20’s components can be used with the AirFit F20’s silicone cushion, allowing you to try another style of cushion without having to replace the entire mask.
- Compatible with facial hair – Beards and mustaches often hinder the ability of a mask to seal properly, causing air leaks. However, the AirTouch F20’s soft memory foam cushion manages to seal around facial hair, which should allow you to use CPAP effectively without having to get rid of your beard.
Potential Drawbacks
- One-size-fits-all headgear – The headgear is only available in one size, and some users have reported that it’s too small for them.
- Cushion requires frequent replacement – Silicone cushions generally need replacing every six months, but ResMed says their memory foam cushion must be replaced monthly. Even though you don’t need to clean it, this could be an inconvenience.
- Magnets may interfere with medical devices – In 2024, ResMed issued an urgent notice2 advising users that their masks containing magnets might interfere with certain medical devices or implants. These include, but are not limited to, pacemakers, neurostimulators, ocular implants, stents, and electrodes.
ResMed Mirage Quattro Full Face Mask – Best Full Face CPAP Mask for Side Sleepers
ResMed Mirage Quattro Full CPAP Face Mask
An adaptable CPAP mask offering customizable fit options.
Why the Mirage Quattro Earned Best Full Face CPAP Mask for Side Sleepers
The Mirage Quattro has been around for well over a decade and continues to be popular among CPAP users. The latest iteration features a silicone cushion that gently stretches around the jaw, adapting to the contours of your face and providing a better, more comfortable seal. A moving membrane seals over the nasal bridge to prevent air leaks around the eyes, which can dry them out.
Full face masks often shift while side sleeping, but a huge advantage of the Mirage Quattro is its adaptability, which allows for some movement while still helping the device to work efficiently.
We also love this product’s emphasis on reducing noise. Multiple air vents in the mask allow for air to be dispersed gently and quietly, which should minimize noise disturbance.
Our Take: We think side sleepers who need a full face mask could appreciate the ResMed Mirage Quattro with its advanced Spring Air™ technology that helps hold the seal in place, even when moving onto your side.
What We Liked
- Multiple cushion sizes – There’s a choice of four cushion sizes when purchasing the Mirage Quattro, which should allow most users to find an option that fits them.
- Easy to customize fit – ResMed’s MicroFit dial on the forehead bar offers 24 incremental adjustments, helping you find the perfect fit without fear of over-tightening and causing discomfort, especially on the nasal bridge.
- Headgear clips – The clips that attach the mask to the lower headgear are easy to use and minimize the amount of readjustments you have to do each time you put the mask back on. The use of clips instead of magnets means that the mask is suitable for people with medical implants or devices that can be dangerous to use around magnets.
Potential Drawbacks
- Forehead bar – Although the forehead strapping should do a great job of keeping the mask in place, some people may find it uncomfortable and claustrophobic. However, bear in mind that it can take a while to get used to sleeping with a new style of CPAP mask.
- Time-consuming to clean – It’s important to regularly clean your CPAP equipment, and because this mask features multiple components, it can take a little longer to clean than some other styles.
- Cost – The Mirage Quattro is at the higher end of the price scale, so may not be suitable for everyone’s budgets in the event they don’t have insurance or their provider isn’t fully covering their CPAP costs.
Circadiance SleepWeaver Anew Full Face CPAP Mask – Best Budget Full Face CPAP Mask
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 Circadiance SleepWeaver Anew Earned Best Budget Full Face CPAP Mask
While insurance can help with CPAP coverage, you may need to pay for some of it, which is where a more budget-friendly option can help. This mask sells at a lower price point than many other full face CPAP masks, which could appeal to customers shopping on a lower budget.
The SleepWeaver Anew is unique in many ways – the main one being that it’s made of cloth, rather than silicone. Many CPAP masks are constructed with silicone, which isn’t ideal for users who have a silicone allergy. Since the SleepWeaver Anew doesn’t contain any silicone, it can be a more suitable choice for people with this specific allergy. Additionally, this product is latex-free.
The innovative dual chamber design features separate openings for both the nose and mouth and the cloth cushion inflates with the pressure of your CPAP machine, creating a seal. The soft cloth design and cheek straps (rather than a forehead bar) also make it easier to wear glasses with the mask on.
Our Take: Although the SleepWeaver Anew is more cost-friendly, it doesn’t sacrifice quality. We like that it prioritizes comfort and removes two materials that may be bothersome to certain people, specifically silicone and latex.
What We Liked
- Low noise – The SleepWeaver Anew features small exhalation vents that diffuse air quietly, preventing noise disturbance for both you and your partner.
- Emphasis on comfort – Many users love this mask for being lightweight, moisture-wicking, and softer on the skin than traditional silicone. It lets the skin breathe and reduces the risk of skin irritation and pressure marks. As the mask is inflated by your CPAP air, it’s free to flex and compress as you move in your sleep.
- Magnet-free – Quick-release tabs are used on the lower portion of headgear, rather than magnets, which feature in some modern CPAP masks. Magnets can interfere with certain medical devices or implants, so a mask without magnets is a safe choice for people this applies to.
- Easy to travel with – Unlike traditional rigid masks, the SleepWeaver Anew folds down into a compact size, making it less bulky for travel.
Potential Drawbacks
- Can be hard to find the right fit – While customers rave about how comfortable this mask is, some users have struggled with air leaks. The manufacturer states that the mask performs better when worn slightly loose, which can seem counterintuitive; take some time to follow the unique fitting instructions, which should maximize your chance of finding the optimum seal.
- Takes time to dry – As this mask is made of cloth, you can wipe it dry and hang it after cleaning. It can take a couple of hours to dry, so you’ll want to clean it early enough in the day so that it’s dry by bedtime.
ResMed AirFit F10 for Her – Best Full Face CPAP Mask for Women
ResMed AirFit F10 for Her CPAP Face Mask
A mask offering smaller size options for women.
ResMed Score
4.00 / 5
Why ResMed AirFit F10 for Her Earned Best Full Face CPAP Mask for Women
Women often have different needs when it comes to CPAP masks, as many of us have smaller, slender faces, which can sometimes make finding the right size mask more of a challenge. The ResMed AirFit F10 helps solve this problem by offering smaller sizes to better accommodate female users, along with a lightweight, lower-profile design. The SoftEdge™ strapping on the headgear is also slimmer, for a more comfortable experience, with less chance of red marks.
The AirFit F10 for Her features a dual-walled cushion coupled with Spring Air™ technology that adapts to the contours of your face should help the mask stay sealed, even when you move around in bed.
Our Take: The ResMed AirFit F10 for Her offers the same features as the regular AirFir F10, but with pink accents and smaller size options for female CPAP users.
What We Liked
- Easy maintenance – According to the manufacturer, the four components of this mask fit back together in under two minutes, making it easier to reassemble after cleaning.
- Quiet – Multiple exhalation vents in a circular design help to diffuse air gently and quietly, which should leave you and your partner undisturbed.
- Fabric sleeves included – If you don’t like the feeling of the silicone cushion on your face, simply attach the soft fabric sleeves that come with the mask, which may make the mask feel more comfortable against your skin. It’s great that these come included, as they’re usually an optional extra.
- Magnet-free – Masks containing magnet clasps aren’t suitable for people who have certain medical devices or implants that can be affected by magnets. As the AirFit F10 for Her utilizes velcro rather than magnets, it can be used worry-free.
Potential Drawbacks
- Higher price point – This mask is one of the more expensive full face masks, so it may not be suitable for all shoppers’ budgets. That said, if your insurance is covering your CPAP therapy, this could be a great choice.
- No quick-release clips – Velcro fasteners attach the headgear to the mask, which means that you’ll have to re-fit the mask every time you put it on.
Browse our full list of the Best CPAP Masks for Women.
What Is a Full Face CPAP Mask?
A full face CPAP mask seals around both the nose and mouth. They’re often recommended6 for patients with nasal congestion, those who tend to breathe through their mouths while sleeping, or nasal breathers who sleep with their mouths open. Full face masks can also be helpful for those who require high air pressure settings from their CPAP device.
What to Look for in a Full Face CPAP Mask
Size and Fit
You could own the most advanced mask in the world, but if it doesn’t fit right, you won’t receive the benefits of your CPAP machine; finding the right size and fit improves both comfort and performance. Sizes vary across manufacturers, so it’s important to measure yourself correctly and refer to each particular mask’s sizing guide.
Comfort
Comfort is paramount when choosing a CPAP mask as research4 shows that discomfort is a huge reason for patients quitting their CPAP therapy, which can affect their long-term health. Along with the size and fit, you should consider the materials used to make the mask cushion; would you prefer the feel of silicone, memory foam, or cloth against your skin? Would a forehead bar make you feel more secure or leave you feeling claustrophobic? If you like to read or watch TV in bed while wearing your mask, you should also consider whether the mask is compatible with glasses.
CPAP Machine Compatibility
CPAP masks usually work with a wide range of CPAP machines, but you should check compatibility before ordering. Your healthcare provider will be able to recommend masks that are suitable for use with your specific machine, tubing, and prescribed pressure setting.
Sleeping Position
Although back sleeping can exacerbate sleep apnea symptoms5, the good news is that it’s compatible with most mask styles since your face isn’t rubbing up against your pillow.
Depending on their design, full face masks can sometimes cause problems while side or stomach sleeping. Therefore, if you’ve been told you need a full face mask, look for one with a lower profile and headgear that won’t cause discomfort in these positions. Also, you can consult your doctor or sleep specialist with any concerns you have about this.
Doctor’s Recommendation
Your healthcare provider will likely recommend a certain type of mask according to your sleep apnea needs, which should help narrow your choices down. They’ll be able to recommend mask styles that suit your face shape and size, type of machine, pressure setting, and sleeping habits.
Materials
Many CPAP mask cushions are made with silicone, due to its hypoallergenic properties. However, if you’re allergic to silicone, you can also find cushions that are constructed with memory foam, gel, or cloth. It’s important to find a material that’s both comfortable and effective to get the most out of your CPAP therapy.
Care
It’s generally advised that you clean your mask every day6. This will help keep it free from dirt and germs that can make you sick and affect the performance of your machine. Of course, taking time to clean this item can sometimes feel like a chore with our busy lives, so it makes sense to find a mask that’s easy to clean and reassemble.
Just be sure that whatever mask you pick has a care and maintenance routine that works well for you. For example, some masks, like the ResMed AirTouch F20, don’t require that you clean the cushion regularly. However, this mask needs to be replaced more frequently, which can also be a downside.
Read our full CPAP cleaning instructions here.
Budget
There are CPAP masks to suit most budgets, but be aware that components need replacing regularly, so factor this into your decision, especially if you’re paying out of pocket. Oftentimes, insurance providers can help cover the costs of CPAP therapy. Therefore, we advise checking with your insurance provider to see what they will (or won’t) cover so that you know what you may need to pay for.
Warranty
Mask warranties are usually short because the masks need replacing frequently, and they should cover any issues that arise from manufacturing defects. It’s important to check the warranty offered with the mask you’re interested in before ordering anything so there are no surprises on this.
Who Should Use a Full Face CPAP Mask?
Full face masks go over both the nose and mouth, covering a larger area of your face than other CPAP masks. This isn’t necessary for all CPAP users, but healthcare providers may recommend this mask type for persistent mouth breathers or those with nasal congestion3. Also, research shows that full face masks can also be more effective for higher CPAP pressure settings7.
Other Types of CPAP Masks
CPAP Nasal Masks
Nasal CPAP masks seal around the nose and have a lower profile than full face masks, so they can be a better option for people who tend to move around a lot while sleeping.3 However, they only supply air through the nose, so they’re not generally recommended for mouth breathers.
CPAP Nasal Pillow Masks
Nasal pillows are the smallest masks available and are constructed with a cushion that sits under the base of the nostrils. These can be a good option for patients who feel claustrophobic in larger masks, as well as people who wear glasses, those who want a full field of vision, and people who have facial hair that interferes with the seal of larger masks.3 Like standard nasal masks, these are usually reserved for those who only breathe through their nose.
CPAP Hybrid Masks
Hybrid CPAP masks combine an oral mask with a nasal cushion, providing air to both the nose and mouth but with a less bulky design than a traditional full face mask. They can be a good option for people who require air for both the nasal and mouth areas and don’t like larger full face designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the advantage of a full face CPAP mask?
A full face mask delivers air to both the nose and mouth. They can benefit those who have nasal congestion, breathe through their mouth at night, and need higher air pressure from their CPAP machine.3, 7
Can I breathe through my mouth with a full face CPAP mask?
Full face CPAP masks are designed to accommodate mouth breathing. They supply air pressure to both the nose and mouth, so it doesn’t matter if you switch between mouth and nasal breathing while you sleep.
Can I sleep on my side with a full face CPAPf mask?
It depends; some full face masks accommodate side sleeping better than others. One factor to consider is the size of the mask, as bulkier masks are more likely to come into contact with your pillow and be impacted by this posture or any shifting you may do in the night.
You should also look for headgear that won’t be uncomfortable when sleeping on your side. Some people may prefer a mask with a hose that feeds in at the top of the head. Also, side sleepers who use a full face mask may benefit from using a CPAP pillow that’s designed with cutouts to accommodate masks and tubing. Whatever your sleeping position.
Learn more: Tips for Sleeping Better with CPAP.
Is a prescription required for a CPAP mask?
Yes, you need a prescription to get a CPAP mask. This is because CPAPs are considered class II medical devices8 by the FDA.
To get a prescription, you’ll need to have a diagnosis for a condition like sleep apnea that requires CPAP treatment. This can be obtained by speaking to your doctor about any sleep apnea symptoms you or your partner notice.
Your physician will likely refer you to a sleep center for testing if they suspect you have sleep apnea. Testing usually involves undergoing an overnight sleep study to determine whether you have sleep apnea and if so, how severe it is.
Lisa Bowman
Writer
About Author
Lisa is a content writer for Sleep Advisor, which combines two of her greatest passions – writing and sleeping. She can also be found writing about fitness, sustainability and vegan food.
Combination Sleeper
- 1. “Sleep Apnea”. Cleveland Clinic. Last modified November 15, 2022. –
- 2. “Urgent Field Safety Notice ResMed Masks with Magnets – Potential Magnetic Interference with Certain Medical Devices”. ResMed. 2024. –
- 3. “Slide show: Which CPAP masks are best for you?” Mayo Clinic. Last modified March 3, 2024. –
- 4. Zampogna, Elisabetta., et al. “Adherence to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. A ten year real life study”. Respiratory Medicine. 2019. –
- 5. Howland, Jason. “Mayo Clinic Minute: What is the best sleeping position?” Mayo Clinic. 2024. –
- 6. “CPAP Equipment Cleaning and Disinfecting Instructions”. Weill Cornell. Webpage accessed December 11, 2024. –
- 7. Landry PhD, Shane A., et al. “Oronasal vs Nasal Masks: The Impact of Mask Type on CPAP Requirement, Pharyngeal Critical Closing Pressure (Pcrit), and Upper Airway Cross-Sectional Areas in Patients With OSA”. Chest. 2024. –
- 8. “Medical Devices; Anesthesiology Devices; Classification of the Positive Airway Pressure Delivery System”. Federal Register. 2018. –