The NCOA Adviser Reviews Team researches these products & services and may earn a commission from qualified purchases made through links included.
The NCOA Adviser Reviews Team researches these products & services and may earn a commission from qualified purchases made through links included. NCOA does not receive a commission for purchases. If you find these resources useful, consider donating to NCOA.
One of the most common sleep disorders is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition that causes the muscles in the back of the throat to relax during sleep, blocking the airway and reducing or stopping the flow of air into the lungs. According to the American Medical Association, an estimated 30 million people in the United States live with OSA, but only six million have been diagnosed with it.
If you have been diagnosed with OSA, your doctor might prescribe a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to help you breathe while you sleep. The type of CPAP mask you choose for your machine is essential, since it needs a good seal to prevent leaks and deliver pressurized air to your lungs. Air leakage due to a mask that doesn’t fit snugly enough can make your treatment less effective. On the other hand, a mask that fits too tightly can cause skin irritation. For people who have beards, finding a CPAP mask that can create a seal with facial hair is an important detail.
Below, we’ve rounded up four of the best CPAP masks for beards, mustaches, and other facial hair styles. Read on to learn more about them, and to see more options, visit our review of the six best CPAP masks.
The ResMed AirTouch™ N20’s cushions sit just below the nose but above the upper lip, which should be compatible with most beard and mustache styles.
The cushions are made with memory foam, but if you prefer a silicone cushion instead of memory foam, you can also use the silicone cushions made for the ResMed AirFit™ N20 mask without altering the fit.
The headgear features adjustable Velcro straps to help you find a good fit and comes in small and large sizes in addition to the standard medium size, and you can choose from small, medium, or large mask-cushion sizes. There’s also a “for her” version, which features smaller headgear and mask size.
The mask attaches to the headgear with magnetic clips, which should be easy to take on and off if you have arthritis or shaky hands. The mask also has a quick-release latch that attaches to the breathing tube so you can easily disconnect the mask from the machine without needing to remove it for bathroom breaks.
We conducted a survey of 600 CPAP users in October 2023. ResMed was the second most popular brand for CPAP machines, with nearly 17% of respondents choosing the brand. While we don’t have data on how many people chose ResMed CPAP masks, like the AirTouch™ N20, nasal masks were the second most popular CPAP mask style. Nearly 24% of survey participants reported opting for them.
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
On Lofta, the ResMed AirTouch™ N20 Nasal Mask has a rating of 4.3 out of five stars, with more than 190 total reviews. Some reviewers say the mask is comfortable and that they enjoy the convenience of the magnetic clips. But other reviewers say they have found that the mask has to be uncomfortably tight to get a good seal.
“After trying the nasal pillows and two different full face masks, I finally gave this one a try and it is my new favorite. It sits on my nose well, and since it doesn’t cover my mouth it feels less constricting and is easier to get used to. I have to wear it with a mouthguard and chinstrap to keep my mouth from blowing open due to the pressure, but it is worth it and fairly easy to get used to.”
– Adam H., verified buyer on Aug. 20, 2024
“This thing fits great and is very comfortable. No leaks with movement or change of sleep position. No marks on your face when you wake. Highly recommend.”
– Scott R., verified buyer on May 13, 2024
The Philips Respironics Dreamwear CPAP Mask features a nasal-pillow cushion style, which seals around the nostrils rather than at the base of the nose. The mask comes with an adjustable medium frame, four nasal pillow cushions (small, medium, medium wide, and large), fabric sleeves, and headgear with side-arms and a quick swivel elbow.
Philips also offers a nasal-cradle mask cushion style, which seals just beneath the nose. These cushions are compatible with the Philips Respironics Dreamwear frame.
The headgear frame has an eyeglass-style design, with a detachable “arm” on each side that is held in place by a strap at the back of the head. The tubing is placed at the top of the forehead instead of in front of the nose so that there is nothing blocking your view if you want to read or watch TV during your CPAP machine’s ramp time. The tube swivels freely, so you can sleep on your side or stomach without pushing the mask out of place.
Philips Respironics was the third most popular brand choice for CPAP machines in our October 2023 CPAP survey, with nearly 15% choosing the brand.
Nasal pillows were also the third most popular CPAP mask style among respondents, with 8.5% reporting that they currently wore them. We don’t have data on how many people specifically chose Philips Respironics for their CPAP masks.
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
There is only one customer review for the Philips Respironics Dreamwear Silicone Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask on Sleep Doctor. The review gives the mask five stars.
“Lightweight, very comfortable, easy to use.”
– Jay A., verified buyer on Nov. 4, 2023.
On Lofta, the mask has 3.8 out of 5 stars from 16 reviews. Positive reviews mention that the mask is comfortable and works well, while some other reviews mention that the pressure from the nasal pillows can be uncomfortable on higher settings and can sometimes shift if the wearer sleeps on their side.
“Super comfortable for side sleepers. Very easy to seal and it stays on all night even for sleepers who move often.”
– Josh S., verified buyer on Feb. 16, 2024
“Pillows fit comfortably under my nose but when I lay on my side the mask gets shifted and it becomes uncomfortable.”
– Kevin P., verified buyer on Aug. 22, 2023
If you struggle to buckle straps or clips, you may appreciate that the Fisher & Paykel Solo Nasal CPAP Mask features a minimalist headgear design that fits around your head with a band that auto-locks into place. The straps lock into place when you adjust the cushion to fit your nose. It’s also free of any magnets, making it compatible for people with metal or heart implants.
The tube swivels for maneuverability but it attaches at the bottom of the mask, which could make side or stomach sleeping awkward for some people.
The Fisher & Paykel Solo Nasal Mask comes with a fit pack of cushions in small, medium, large, and wide sizes to fit a variety of face shapes and nose sizes so you can find your best fit. The mask frame is also compatible with other CPAP nasal cradles and nasal pillows made by Fisher & Paykel.
Fisher & Paykel wasn’t a popular brand choice for CPAP machines on our 2023 survey. Only 3.33% of participants reported choosing the brand for their CPAP machine. Around 32% of total participants reported choosing either a nasal mask or nasal pillow cushion style, and the Fisher & Paykel Solo model works with both.
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
On Lofta, the Fisher & Paykel Solo Nasal Mask has 3.5 out of five stars with 33 total reviews. Some reviewers say the straps take some getting used to, but many still find the mask comfortable to sleep in.
“I’ve tried a bunch of masks and head gear through Lofta and this has been the ultimate in comfort and ease of use. It fits right, feels comfortable, doesn’t loosen up over night, doesn’t make me look like Bane and overall just great! The nasal pillow didn’t quite work for me, the M was a tad small and the L was a tad big. Looking forward to trying this again when the nasal pillows come out!”
– Richard B., verified buyer on June 11, 2024
“The F&P Solo is the first mask I have used that has an auto adjust feature to the headgear that provides the exact tightness needed to achieve a leak-free fit. Simply pull the headgear over your head and place the cushion under your nose and the mask does the rest. Easy to use, no Velcro straps or magnetic clips to worry about. As a dedicated side-sleeper my litmus test for any mask is whether I can lay on my side with my mask and have a night of leak free sleep. This mask effortlessly passed my test, never leaking during any of my side laying or moving around. The headgear and frame are nearly weightless and are significantly quieter in operation than my other masks.”
– Scott Z., verified buyer on April 23, 2024
The ResMed AirFit™ N30i Nasal Cradle CPAP mask is designed to be as non-invasive as possible. In addition to the “QuietAir” vent technology, the exhalation port blows exhaled air away from you and your sleeping partner.
The mask weighs less than 2 ounces and has the tube connection at the top of the frame, which is designed to promote freedom of movement while sleeping. The mask frame slips over the head and has adjustable straps to help you secure it. The straps also split into two at the back to allow adjustments for extra head support.
The nasal cradle cushions only hug the bottom of the nose, so you shouldn’t need to trim your beard or mustache. The mask headgear isn’t compatible with other cushion styles, only the cushions that are specifically designed for it.
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
On Lofta, the ResMed AirFit™ N30i CPAP Nasal Cradle Mask has a total rating of 4.4 out of five stars, with nearly 450 total reviews. Reviewers generally find it comfortable, and some report that it doesn’t lead to skin irritation like other mask styles. Some reviewers mention difficulties adjusting the mask for a good fit and seal.
“Very comfortable. Switched from a full face mask and can now sleep comfortably every night without fighting the mask.”
– Anthony Z., verified buyer on June 1, 2024
“The N30i is comfortable but takes some getting used to. The mask also tends to leak air when the pressure is above 15 for me. It blows onto my face and wakes me up sometimes.”
– Timothy T., verified buyer on March 1, 2024
Our team dedicated more than 250 hours to researching CPAP machines, masks, and accessories, including 15 brands and 18 different CPAP masks. This research included comparing the product specifications, features, and performance to determine the best options for different types of sleep apnea. We also used the findings from our survey of 600 CPAP users about their experiences with different devices and masks to make our recommendations.
By combining expert opinions, comprehensive research, customer feedback, and academic insights, our Reviews Team makes sure that we recommend CPAP masks that can truly benefit our readers. Our goal is to help people make informed decisions about their sleep apnea treatment options, leading to better sleep quality and improved overall health.
We also have all of our selections medically reviewed by an expert in the field to ensure that each brand and model is appropriate for our readers’ needs and preferences, especially older adults seeking reliable and comfortable sleep apnea solutions.
Our Reviews Team selected the best CPAP masks for beards based on the following factors:
We also had all of our selections medically reviewed by an expert in the field to ensure that each brand and model is appropriate for our readers’ needs.
Read our CPAP review methodology to learn more about our review process.
When purchasing the best CPAP mask for your needs, it’s important to keep a few main factors in mind, including the following.
If you have a beard, mustache, or any other heavy facial hair, it’s important to choose a CPAP mask that won’t overlap with your hair and compromise the mask seal.
We selected masks with the following cushion styles since they stay above the mouth and minimize contact with the upper lip area. Consider the location and length of your facial hair when choosing a cushion style that will work for you.
These masks cover your nose and the area around it while leaving your mouth uncovered. Some research suggests that people are more likely to stick with nasal masks than they are with masks that cover the whole face.
This mask style shouldn’t interfere with your beard since they sit higher up on the face. But depending on how far the cushion comes down onto your upper lip, they may not be compatible with people who have mustaches.
These masks rest below the nose instead of over the nose, which can feel less invasive for some people. Because these types of masks sit just below the nose, they’re less likely to come into contact with beards and mustaches, as long as the hair does not grow too high on the face.
Nasal pillows have cushions that rest beneath the nose and seal against your nostrils. Since the seal doesn’t affect any part of your upper lip area, they’re ideal for people with mustaches and beards. This type of mask may not work for people with deviated septums, though.
Because they’re considered medical equipment, many health insurance and Medicare plans cover CPAP machines and masks. This could help you cover the cost of your mask partially or in full.
For example, Medicare requires a three-month trial to measure your “compliance.” You’ll need to use the CPAP machine for at least four hours per night and the nights must add up to 70% of the trial nights to be considered compliant.
If you don’t qualify for insurance coverage of a CPAP mask, you can still pay out of pocket at many third-party distributors like RespShop and Lofta. Consider how much the mask costs, the costs for any accessories and replacement parts, and how often the manufacturer recommends replacing the mask.
If you’re still researching CPAP machine to determine your options, learn more about the cost of CPAP machines and how you can save money or apply for CPAP assistance.
| Price | $108 | $89 | $119 | $105 |
| Sizes | Small, medium, and large mask sizes; “for her” mask size; small, standard, and large headgear | Small, medium, large, and medium wide cushions; small, medium, and large head frames | Small, medium, large, and wide cushion sizes | Small, medium, and large cushion sizes |
| Pressure range in centimeters of water (cmH20) | 4–30 | 4–20 | 4–20 | 4–20 |
| Warranty | 90 days | 90 days | 90 days | 90 days |
If you need a CPAP machine to sleep at night, you don’t necessarily need to shave your beard for your mask to seal properly. You have options other than full CPAP masks, like the ResMed AirTouch N20, a nasal mask that doesn’t cover the mouth. Also, a nasal pillow mask like the Fisher & Paykel Solo seals around the nostrils so you can comfortably wear it without your mustache breaking the seal.
Consider pairing your new mask with a travel CPAP machine so you can sleep well wherever you go.
When selecting a CPAP mask that works with your beard, we recommend choosing a style that avoids your mouth area, such as nasal masks, nasal cradles, or nasal pillows.
The CPAP masks on our roundup cost between $89 and $119, but you may be able to lower the cost with insurance copays or Medicare coverage.
Possibly, but it may not be ideal. People with thick facial hair may have difficulty getting a good seal with a full-face mask design. If you prefer a full-face mask, you may need to experiment with different brands and sizes to find one that stays in place and keeps a tight seal with your beard.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
