Written by Lisa Bowman, Writer
Editor’s note: The FDA has issued a recall alert for the ResMed AirFit F30. The reason for the recall is that ResMed is updating the labeling and warnings on this 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.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is commonly used as a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a sleep disorder that causes interruptions in breathing while sleeping. This usually occurs as a result of muscles around the throat relaxing when you sleep, which restricts the upper airway1.
CPAP masks are worn while you sleep and send a flow of pressurized air that forces the airway open, facilitating a more normal breathing pattern. One style of CPAP mask is a hybrid, which is less bulky than a full face mask. They feature a mouth cushion and nasal pillows or a nasal cushion, which sits under the nose.
We’ve gathered our top picks for hybrid CPAP masks on the market to help give you an idea of what’s out there. That said, you always adhere to the advice of your healthcare provider as to which CPAP mask you should get based on your needs.
Best Hybrid CPAP Masks
- ResMed AirFit F30 – Editor’s Pick
- DreamWear Full Face Mask – Best Hybrid CPAP Mask for Side Sleepers
- Philips Respironics Amara View – Best Hybrid CPAP Mask for Minimal Facial Contact
- ResMed Mirage Liberty – Most Comfortable Hybrid CPAP Mask
ResMed AirFit F30 – Editor’s Pick
Why the ResMed AirFit F30 Earned Editor’s Pick
The ResMed AirFit F30 is ResMed’s first minimal-contact full face mask, featuring a sleek, compact design with features that might just make you say sayonara to your current mask. We were won over by the quick-release elbow, QuietAir™ vent technology, comfortable cushion, and the ability to wear glasses – four small things that could have a huge impact on your CPAP experience.
The ResMed AirFit F30 is one of the more compact hybrid mask designs, with the cushion sitting under your nose, rather than over it. This prevents discomfort on the nasal bridge, which is sometimes experienced with traditional full face designs. This could be ideal for people who feel claustrophobic in larger masks, or for those with facial hair. It also allows you to wear glasses while wearing it, which is perfect if you like to watch TV or read in bed before falling asleep. Also, the compact design and 360-degree range of motion on the hose elbow should make it a little easier to sleep in this position.
Our Take: One of the most compact full face masks out there, the ResMed AirFit F30 is comfortable, whisper quiet, and easy to attach and remove, though its one-size-fits-all design may not suit all users.
What We Liked
- Quick-release elbow – The quick-release elbow allows you to swiftly disconnect the tubing, so you can use the bathroom in the middle of the night without having to remove the entire mask.
- Easy assembly – With magnetic clasps and velcro fasteners, this mask is super easy to assemble and disassemble, which makes putting it on and taking it apart for cleaning a breeze. Adjusting the headgear is also a simple process thanks to the velcro.
- Noise-minimizing – This mask features ResMed’s QuietAir™ vent technology that disperses air through multiple small vents in the elbow, making for a quieter experience. This could be great for light sleepers, or those who don’t want to disturb their partner.
- Comfortable cushion – The silicone cushion is soft yet sturdy, which helps minimize pressure points.
Potential Drawbacks
- One size – The cushion is available in two sizes, but the headgear and mask itself come in a universal size. Some users have reported that the headgear feels too tight, which could be extra uncomfortable when wearing spectacles under the straps.
- Difficulty aligning nasal holes – The cushion of this mask sits under the nostrils, with two holes for air to flow through. It might be difficult to align the holes correctly, which can affect airflow through the nasal passage and lead to mouth breathing. However, two cushion sizes are available, so if you’re having trouble with your current size, consider switching to the other one.
- Magnets can interfere with other medical devices – ResMed has issued a warning2 that the magnets in the mask can interfere with active medical devices like pacemakers, neurostimulators, and insulin pumps, as well as metallic implants in the body, such as aneurysm clips, stents, and magnetic hearing implants.
DreamWear Full Face Mask – Best Hybrid CPAP Mask for Side Sleepers
DreamWear Full Face Mask
A hybrid CPAP with features great for side sleepers. Easy to adjust and has multiple size option.
Philips Score
3.50 / 5
Why the DreamWear Earned Best Hybrid CPAP Mask for Side Sleepers
If you’re a side sleeper who has to use a hybrid CPAP mask, we think you might love the Philips Respironics DreamWear. The innovative design feeds air down from a connector at the top of the head through two soft tubes that run on either side of the face. When you roll onto your side and compress that tube, the other tube works independently so that the device’s performance isn’t impacted.
We also like that the mask’s size is minimal, with a cushion that sits under the nose, rather than a nasal mask that sits over it. The lightweight, compact design of the DreamWear may be welcomed by those who have been advised to wear a full face mask but also have claustrophobia or skin irritation. As the cushion sits under the nose, it prevents nasal bridge discomfort, which can happen with regular full face masks. The mask also allows you to wear glasses.
Our Take: We think the DreamWear mask could be a great option for CPAP users who dislike the bulkiness of regular full face masks and side sleepers who are forever having issues with their tubing.
What We Liked
- Sizing options – This mask comes with an option of three frame sizes and four cushion sizes, and you can even buy variety packs that contain all the sizes, allowing you to find the right fit in the comfort of your own home.
- Quick-release elbow – The elbow disconnects easily, allowing you to get up in the night without the hassle of having to remove the entire mask.
- Easy to adjust – Adjustability can help make a mask comfortable. The DreamWear comes with velcro fasteners and magnetic clasps that make it easier to adjust and put on/remove this mask.
- Versatility – DreamWear’s unique design allows you to switch cushion options (sold separately). This means you can modify it to be a nasal mask, nasal pillow mask, or full face mask. This is ideal for people whose CPAP needs may change over time.
Potential Drawbacks
- May be somewhat noisy – On the whole, this mask is relatively quiet, thanks to vents on the elbow and cushion that get rid of excess air. However, as airflow is delivered from the top of the head through tubing that passes the ears, this may be bothersome for some sleepers.
- Magnets can interfere with other medical devices – In 2022, the FDA issued a class I recall3 on the DreamWear mask, warning users that the magnetic clasps could affect certain medical devices. This includes implanted medical devices, like pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, and neurostimulators. It can also affect medical implants containing metal, such as bone substitutes, joint replacements, and ocular implants.3
- Not a budget option – Innovative design comes at a premium, and the DreamWear does come at a higher price point than some other full face masks, which may not suit everyone’s budget.
Philips Respironics Amara View – Best Hybrid CPAP Mask for Minimal Facial Contact
Why the Amara View Earned Best Hybrid CPAP Mask for Minimal Facial Contact
If you want as little facial contact as possible with a hybrid mask, then we think you could like the Amara View. This mask’s design is aimed at preventing facial red marks and discomfort at the bridge of the nose, both of which can be sources of frustration for some CPAP users.
With its minimal contact design, the Amara View gives you a better field of vision, which is great news for those who want to be able to wear their CPAP in bed while still being able to read or watch movies and television.
Unique to the Amara View is that the size of the cushion on it directly correlates with the depth of the user’s nose by using their sizing gauge. This adjustability should help with overall comfort.
Our Take: We think the Amara View could be a fantastic choice for those who are frustrated by CPAP masks that continually leave them waking up with red marks on their face.
What We Liked
- Adjustable cushion – The Amara View’s cushion adapts to the depth of the user’s nose for a more customized fit. Additionally, the manufacturer emphasizes the mask should fit loosely and comfortably rather than too tight.
- Small and lightweight design – The Amara View is small and lightweight. This makes it easier to transport when needed.
Potential Drawbacks
- Magnetic clips – While the Amara View does come with magnetic clips for easier use, this means it’s not going to be a good choice for those who use certain medical devices as these magnets could interfere with their performance. If you use anything like a pacemaker or have metal implants inside your body, you should consult your physician on the appropriate CPAP mask for safe use.
- May have some sizing and seal issues – Some users have reported issues with the Amara View’s face cushion not sealing well or the mask not fitting well overall.
ResMed Mirage Liberty – Most Comfortable Hybrid CPAP Mask
ResMed Mirage Liberty CPAP Mask
A smaller hybrid CPAP which combination sleepers love. Easy to clean and has multiple size options.
ResMed Score
5.00 / 5
Why ResMed Mirage Liberty Earned Most Comfortable Hybrid CPAP Mask
When it comes to the ResMed Mirage Liberty, you either love it or hate it, judging by the conflicting online reviews. It’s important to remember that CPAP masks are incredibly subjective – what works for someone else may not work for you. You should use reviews as guidance but ultimately, the proof is in the pudding; you won’t know until you’ve tried it.
That said, it earned the ‘Most Comfortable’ title because those who love this mask are big fans of the low-profile design, unrestricted vision, lack of nasal bridge discomfort, and variety of sizing options. However, this mask features nasal pillows, which are soft inserts that seal into the nostrils. Nasal pillows aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, especially with a higher pressure setting. However, the use of nasal pillows instead of a nasal cushion allows the overall frame to be smaller, which could feel less restrictive.
Our Take: The ResMed Mirage Liberty isn’t for everyone, but its small size makes it more suitable for a wider variety of sleeping positions, which is great news for combination sleepers.
What We Liked
- Easier to clean – The Mirage Liberty has fewer parts than some other full face masks, so disassembling it for cleaning is a simpler process. This is great news for those who lead busy lives and want something efficient for this.
- Eliminates nasal bridge discomfort – The Mirage Liberty sits under the nose rather than covering the whole nose. As such, you shouldn’t get any nasal bridge soreness.
- Multiple sizing options – The mask frame, mouth cushion, and headgear all come in two different sizes. The product also ships with three different sizes of nasal pillows.
- Open field of vision – If you like to relax in bed with a good book or television show at night but are worried you’ll fall asleep before putting on your CPAP mask, then this could be a good option for you. The compact design doesn’t restrict your vision, so you can read or watch TV as normal, and you can even wear your glasses.
Potential Drawbacks
- Issues with nasal pillows – Despite the mask coming with three sizes of nasal pillows, some users have reported problems with the pillows not sealing properly or coming out. However, it’s important to remember that no one mask will suit all sleepers, and it may take some time to find the pillow size that works for you. Some people also find using nasal pillows on a higher pressure setting uncomfortable and difficult to exhale against.
- Flimsy clips – The clips that attach the strapping to the mask are easy to remove but perhaps a little too easy, as they can sometimes come undone during the night.
- Noisier than competitors – We wouldn’t describe this as a noisy mask, but the positioning of the exhalation ports does make it a little louder than some other styles, which could affect light sleepers.
What Is a Hybrid CPAP Mask?
A hybrid CPAP mask is a more compact version of a full face CPAP mask. Full face masks seal around the entire nose and mouth, while hybrid masks typically seal around the mouth and under the nose, with either nasal pillows or a nasal cushion. Hybrid masks may be a better option for CPAP users who require their nose and mouth covering but find traditional full face masks claustrophobic or uncomfortable.
See: Best CPAP Mask and Best CPAP Mask for Women
What to Look for in a Hybrid CPAP Mask
Size and Fit
It’s important to purchase the correct size mask, not only to maximize comfort but also to ensure the perfect seal so that your CPAP machine does its job effectively. Masks should be snug but not too tight; if you have to tighten your mask to an uncomfortable level to make it seal, you may be wearing the incorrect size.
A poorly fitted mask can cause air leaks4, which not only affects the air pressure but can also lead to skin or eye irritation and bothersome noise. Sizing varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, so you may be a different size from one mask to another; ensure you use the manufacturer’s sizing guide before ordering. It’s best to consult your healthcare provider before making a decision, as they have a lot of experience in this area and can help you avoid making an unsuitable and costly purchase.
Comfort
A 2019 study5 revealed that failure to continue using CPAP ranges from 29 to 83 percent of users, with patients citing discomfort as a major reason for quitting. This goes to show that comfort is key – it’s important to take time to find a mask that feels good for you, factoring in your sleeping style, sleeping habits, and face shape. Along with the mask frame itself, you should consider the placement of the headgear and how that may affect you while sleeping.
CPAP Machine Compatibility
CPAP masks tend to be compatible with a wide range of CPAP machines, but you should double-check before ordering since you may not be able to return the mask. The manufacturer should be able to provide this information. Hybrid masks tend to be more tolerant of higher pressure settings6 than other masks, but your healthcare provider will be able to advise on this.
Sleeping Position
Your sleeping position will be a factor in your mask decision. Although back sleeping can collapse the airway7 and worsen sleep apnea, it’s actually the most versatile position when it comes to choosing a mask. This is because it minimizes the risk of the pillow dislodging the mask.
Full face masks generally aren’t advised for side sleepers or stomach sleepers as contact with the pillow can interfere with this larger style of mask. However, hybrid masks tend to be more compact, so they can be better for people who sleep in these positions and require an oronasal (hybrid) mask. If you’re a combination sleeper and/or move around a lot during the night, look for a compact mask with flexible tubing that’s less likely to get tangled or compressed.
Doctor’s Recommendation
Ultimately, your doctor knows best and should be able to advise on the best style of mask for your diagnosis, face shape, and sleeping style. A good mask should be both comfortable and effective, allowing you to get a full night’s rest.
Materials
CPAP mask cushions are usually made from silicone because it’s more hypoallergenic than other materials, like latex. However, if you’re allergic to silicone, cushions are available in other materials, such as gel, memory foam, or cloth. Comfort is another important factor when choosing materials, as you want something that feels soft, not rigid against the face.
Care
Unfortunately, there’s no escaping the fact that CPAP masks require regular cleaning – dirty PAP equipment can be a breeding ground for dirt, bacteria, and allergens that can damage the mask and make you sick8. It’s recommended that you clean your mask daily9 with warm water and mild soap. It makes sense to find a mask that’s easy to take apart and clean, which will reduce the risk of skipping your cleaning schedule and endangering your health.
More Information: How to Clean a CPAP
Budget
Hybrid CPAP masks can be more expensive than regular full face masks due to their more complex design, so this may factor into your decision. Hybrids vary in price, but it’s also worth noting that the cost may depend on whether your insurance is helping to cover your CPAP therapy. We recommend confirming these details with your insurance provider upfront to avoid any surprise fees.
Learn more about CPAP insurance coverage and the cost of CPAP machines.
Warranty
Mask warranties cover manufacturing defects, but they tend to be short as government guidelines10 recommend that you replace your mask every three months. Your CPAP supplier will determine the warranty period, and many suppliers also offer an assurance program that allows you to exchange or refund a used mask within a set time period.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you wear a hybrid CPAP mask?
A hybrid CPAP mask seals around the mouth and under the nose, utilizing either nasal pillows or a nasal cushion. The mask secures to the head with strapping that usually connects either side of the mask at the top and bottom, meeting around the back of your skull. The mask is connected to your prescribed PAP machine and is worn overnight while sleeping.
Learn More: Tips for Sleeping with a CPAP Mask
Can you sleep on your side with a hybrid CPAP mask?
Hybrid CPAP masks are generally better for side sleeping than traditional full face masks due to their smaller design, which is less likely to experience interference from your pillow. However, this all depends on what pillow you use, your face shape, and the style of the mask. Lots of people manage to sleep soundly on their side while wearing a hybrid, but it may take some trial and error. A specially designed CPAP pillow may also help.
How do I know what size hybrid CPAP mask I should get?
Sizing varies, so you may be a small in one mask and a medium in another. Manufacturers provide sizing guides, which require you to measure your face and match it with the corresponding mask size, and some companies have AI mask fitting technology, which does the legwork for you. Of course, size guides aren’t infallible, and the shape of your face may affect the fit, so check the return policy before purchasing.
Your healthcare provider is also a great resource for questions you may have on this.
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. “Obstructive Sleep Apnea”. Mayo Clinic. Last modified July 14, 2024. –
- 2. “Urgent Field Safety Notice ResMed Masks with Magnets – Potential Magnetic Interference with Certain Medical Devices”. ResMed. 2024. –
- 3. “Certain Philips Respironics Masks for BiPAP, CPAP Machines Recalled Due to Safety Issue with Magnets That May Affect Certain Medical Devices: FDA Safety Communication.” U.S. Food & Drug Administration. 2022. –
- 4. “CPAP machines: Tips for avoiding 10 common problems”. Mayo Clinic. Last modified November 29, 2024. –
- 5. 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. –
- 6. Landry, Shane., 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. –
- 7. Howland, Jason. “Mayo Clinic Minute: What is the best sleeping position?” Mayo Clinic. 2024. –
- 8. “CPAP Machine Cleaning: Ozone, UV Light Products Are Not FDA Approved”. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 2024. –
- 9. “CPAP Equipment Cleaning and Disinfecting Instructions”. Weill Cornell. Webpage accessed November 1, 2024. –
- 10. “Replacement Schedules for Medicare Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Supplies”. Department of Health and Human Services. 2013. –