Best Nasal Pillow Masks for May 2024

Can't find the right nasal pillow mask? We've compared and reviewed the top nasal pillow mask brands to help make your decision easier.

Nightstand with Lamp and CPAP Machine
1
Best Overall
Phillips Logo

Dreamwear Silicone Pillow

Philips Respironics DreamWear Full Face Mask
Phillips Logo

Dreamwear Silicone Pillow

  • Hose connects to the top of the head for easy movement and sleep position changes
  • Magnetic clips connect back strap to headgear for easy assembly and removal
  • Interchangeable design lets you switch out cushions for a different mask type
  • Hose connects to the top of the head for easy movement and sleep position changes
  • Magnetic clips connect back strap to headgear for easy assembly and removal
  • Interchangeable design lets you switch out cushions for a different mask type

Best Overall

Ideal For:

  • Any sleeper regardless of their preferred position
  • People who frequently get up during the night
  • Those seeking a low-profile frame with minimal facial coverage

Who Should Keep Looking:

  • CPAP users who need high pressure settings for their therapy
  • Those with easily irritated nostrils
  • Mouth breathers
  • Regular Price

    $109

  • Mask Type

    Nasal pillow

  • Cushion Material

    Silicone

  • Size

    Small, medium, medium-wide, and large

2
Most Comfortable

AirFit™ P10

ResMed AirFit P10

AirFit™ P10

  • Nasal pillow design with minimal coverage and facial contact points
  • Built-in vent breaks up exhaled air and reduces noise from your machine
  • Slip-on headgear with clips for easy adjustability
  • Nasal pillow design with minimal coverage and facial contact points
  • Built-in vent breaks up exhaled air and reduces noise from your machine
  • Slip-on headgear with clips for easy adjustability

Most Comfortable

Ideal For:

  • Side and back sleepers
  • People whose sleep is often disrupted by noise
  • Those who wear glasses

Who Should Keep Looking:

  • CPAP users who need relatively high pressure settings
  • People who frequently experience nasal blockage or irritation
  • Those who primarily breathe through their mouths
  • Regular Price

    $108

  • Warranty

    90 days

  • Mask Type

    Nasal

  • Cushion Material

    Silicone

  • Size

    Small, medium, and large (standard and "for her")

3
Best Freedom of Movement

AirFit™ P30i

ResMed AirFit P30i

AirFit™ P30i

  • Hose port located at the top of the head to ensure freedom of movement
  • Slip-on design with quick-release elbow is easy to put on and remove
  • Open forehead provides full line of sight
  • Hose port located at the top of the head to ensure freedom of movement
  • Slip-on design with quick-release elbow is easy to put on and remove
  • Open forehead provides full line of sight

Best Freedom of Movement

Ideal For:

  • Combination sleepers
  • People who enjoy reading or watching television before bed
  • Those who need quiet sleep environments

Who Should Keep Looking:

  • CPAP users with high prescribed pressure levels
  • People with easily irritated nostrils
  • Those seeking a mask with adjustable headgear
  • Regular Price

    $85

  • Warranty

    90 days

  • Mask Type

    Nasal pillow

  • Cushion Material

    Silicone

  • Size

    Small, medium, and large (small and standard frames)

4
Best Value
3b

Rio II Nasal Pillow

Rio II Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask
3b

Rio II Nasal Pillow

  • Ball-and-socket hose port swivels as you move and change positions
  • Flexible headgear conforms to the cheeks and supports the back of your head
  • Small, medium, and large cushions included with purchase
  • Ball-and-socket hose port swivels as you move and change positions
  • Flexible headgear conforms to the cheeks and supports the back of your head
  • Small, medium, and large cushions included with purchase

Best Value

Ideal For:

  • Combination sleepers
  • Anyone who isn’t sure which cushion size is best for them
  • CPAP users who use low to moderate pressure levels during therapy

Who Should Keep Looking:

  • People who need a full face mask to deliver high pressure settings
  • Those who frequently experience nasal irritation or blockage
  • Mouth breathers
  • Regular Price

    $72

  • Warranty

    None

  • Mask Type

    Nasal pillow

  • Cushion Material

    Silicone

  • Size

    Small, medium, large

How to Choose the Best CPAP Mask for You

As with CPAP machines, a CPAP mask requires a prescription. Your doctor can help you choose the best mask based on your symptoms and prescribed pressure level. Other factors to consider include compatibility with your CPAP machine, sizing options, your preferred sleep position, and cost. Finding the best mask may involve some trial and error. Once you determine the mask style you want, the size of the mask’s cushion plays a major role in how comfortable you feel. Many manufacturers offer “fit packs” that include a mask and cushions in multiple sizes. Most of these packs don’t cost much more than stand-alone masks and can be a solid investment if you’re unsure which cushion size is right for you.

Types of CPAP Masks

Each CPAP mask is unique, but most fall into one of three categories:
  • Full-face masks: This style of CPAP mask covers the entire mouth and most or all of the nose. Most have extensive headgear to hold the mask in place. These masks are often recommended for people who need high pressure levels, as well as those who primarily breathe through their mouth. Back sleepers can typically use full-face masks without difficulty, but side and stomach sleepers may need a less bulky mask. People with a lot of facial hair may have difficulty getting a good seal with this style.
  • Nasal masks: This CPAP mask type seals over the nose, leaving the mouth uncovered. While many CPAP users prefer nasal masks over full-face designs due to their smaller profiles, they may be suboptimal if you primarily breathe through your mouth or are prone to nasal congestion.
  • Nasal pillow masks: Featuring two small silicone cushions that are inserted just inside the nostrils, this CPAP mask type has the smallest footprint. Side and stomach sleepers may prefer their sleeker design, though they may be unsuitable for people who breathe through their mouth during sleep or those with nasal blockages. Additionally, people who require high pressure settings may find the more direct airflow of nasal pillow masks uncomfortable.
Though the names are sometimes conflated, nasal cushion masks are similar to nasal pillows but have cushions that rest just under the nose and seal around the nostril openings. Like full-face models, hybrid masks deliver air to the nose and mouth, but they feature a cushion that rests under the nostrils instead of extending up to the bridge of the nose. Other less common mask types include total face masks, which cover the entire face, and oral masks, which deliver pressurized air to just the mouth.

Summary

Finding the right CPAP mask may involve some experimentation. You may test out a full-face mask and decide that a nasal mask or nasal pillow model is more suitable, or vice versa. Your doctor can help you determine the best options based on your symptoms, prescribed pressure level, and budget.

Recommended CPAP Machines

Best Overall: AirSense™ 11 AutoSet

The ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet is one of the sleekest CPAP machines available today. Rather than adhering to a single pressure level during the night like other traditional CPAP machines, the AirSense 11 automatically adjusts pressure based on your breathing. For most people, this means steady airflow when you breathe in and lower pressure when you exhale.

The device features an integrated, heated humidifier. You can manually adjust tube temperature and humidity levels using the machine’s touchscreen, or activate climate control for automatic adjustments throughout the night. For the latter, you’ll need ClimateLineAir heated tubing, which is sold separately. 

An auto-ramp feature helps you ease into your therapy with a gradual pressure increase. This can be programmed in 5-minute increments up to 45 minutes. Standard AutoSet and “AutoSet for Her” algorithms are available, the latter of which has gentler pressure transitions that some users find more comfortable. All AirSense 11 owners receive full access to ResMed myAir, an online support network that provides check-ins, sleep coaching, and installation assistance.

As the most expensive version of the AirSense 11, the AutoSet CPAP Machine may be out of reach for shoppers with tight budgets — especially if their insurance coverage is limited. Keep in mind that some insurers require policyholders to try standard CPAP therapy before providing coverage for more advanced devices. If you don’t mind fixed-pressure CPAP therapy, this device may not be worth the investment.

Who It’s Best For:

  • People who find fixed-pressure CPAP therapy uncomfortable
  • Those prone to congestion
  • Shoppers seeking a device with integrated sleep coaching

Highlights:

  • Machine automatically adjusts pressure levels based on breathing patterns
  • Climate control feature lets you easily change temperature and humidity levels
  • Auto-ramp and exhalation relief help you breathe more easily
  • Regular Price

    $1,299

  • Weight

    2.5 lbs.

  • Warranty

    2 years

  • Dimensions

    3.72" x 10.71" x 5.45"

  • Noise Rating

    27 dBA

Best Card-to-Cloud: AirSense™ 10 C2C

The ResMed AirSense 10 Card-to-Cloud (C2C) stands out from other CPAP machines for its ease of compliance. Using a built-in SD card, the device downloads your compliance data and uploads it into cloud-based reporting programs. This streamlined process allows you to meet compliance requirements and receive prescription updates without directly contacting your doctor too frequently.

Like other devices in this ResMed series, the AirSense 10 C2C is equipped with features to help you breathe more easily during CPAP therapy. The machine automatically adjusts pressure levels throughout the night, maintaining steady pressure when you inhale and reducing pressure during exhalation. Many people find this varied pressure delivery more comfortable than one fixed setting. The auto-ramp function also helps you ease into therapy by gradually building pressure up to 45 minutes after you begin.

The AirSense 10 C2C has an integrated heated humidifier with adjustable climate control. You can manually change temperature and humidity on the touchscreen, or set the device to automatically adjust these settings during the night based on your bedroom environment. ClimateLineAir heated tubing is required for the automatic option. All owners receive access to myAir, an online support system that guides new CPAP users through installation and provides sleep-coaching tips.

Since the AirSense 10 C2C is somewhat expensive, this device may not be necessary for people who are generally satisfied with standard CPAP therapy. Those with limited insurance coverage may also want a more affordable machine. That said, the convenience of card-to-cloud reporting might be worth the investment.

Who It’s Best For:

  • Those looking for a device that streamlines the data reporting process
  • CPAP users who feel more comfortable with flexible pressure settings
  • People who are new to CPAP therapy

Highlights:

  • Card-to-cloud software sends compliance data directly to your physician
  • Automatic climate control adjusts temperature and humidity levels during the night
  • Ramp and EPR features improve ease of breathing
  • Regular Price

    $913

  • Weight

    2.75 lbs.

  • Warranty

    2 years

  • Dimensions

    4.57" x 10.04" x 5.91"

  • Noise Rating

    27 dBA