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 extensively researches and tests the products & services shared and may earn a commission from qualified purchases made. Learn more about how we test products and write reviews. NCOA does not receive a commission for purchases. If you find these resources useful, consider donating to NCOA.
Obstructive sleep apnea affects more than 936 million adults worldwide. If you’re one of them, your health care provider or sleep specialist may prescribe a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine for you to use while sleeping.
Many people who use a CPAP machine prefer nasal masks, which only deliver air to your nasal airway. But if you’re a mouth breather, air can leak out of your mouth and impact your CPAP treatment. If that’s the case, you may prefer a full-face CPAP mask that covers your nose and mouth. Some research shows that it may be tougher to find a good fit with a full-face mask, which can still cause air leakage and lead to lower rates of CPAP usage. Some users may also find success using a combination nasal pillow or nasal mask with a chin strap. In our review, we focus on full face masks because you won’t need to purchase additional equipment like a chin strap.
To help you find the best CPAP mask for you, we rounded up four of the best CPAP masks for mouth breathers. Read about our CPAP mask choices below, and learn how to purchase them with or without insurance.
The Philips Respironics DreamWear Full Face Mask has headgear that attaches to the side of your face, and the mask cushion isn’t bulky. This design covers both your nose and mouth but shouldn’t block your sight, allowing you to freely read a book during your CPAP’s ramp time. The mask cushion attaches to the headgear with magnetic clips, making it easy to quickly detach from the machine for bathroom breaks. That said, the magnets can interfere with metal implants located within 6 inches of the mask.
The headgear comes in three different sizes and has four mask cushion types to help you get the right fit with a good seal. You can also purchase a “fit pack” that includes all the cushion sizes, but it costs $30 more than the individual options.
The mask’s tube attachment can turn 360 degrees and is located at the top of your head, giving you more freedom to move around while you sleep. This can be useful if you’re a side, stomach, or combination sleeper.
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
On Lofta, the Philips DreamWear Full Face CPAP Mask has a rating of 3.8 out of five stars based on more than 40 reviews. Many reviewers find the mask comfortable and easy to sleep in, while others report air leakage and that it can take a little while to find the right fit and seal.
“This mask sounds like a jet taking off unless you can get the tubing just right and the mask seal just right, I mean it is panic-inducing it is so loud and weird sounding. It is very comfortable though once you get it sealed, just don’t expect it to be easily done.”
– Donna G., verified buyer on Aug. 12, 2024
“This may be my new go-to mask. It is very minimally invasive and you don’t even notice it on your face. It does tend to leak a bit if you roll to your side, but you can easily adjust it.”
– Angela S., verified buyer on June 21, 2024
Mouth breathing is related to snoring, which can disturb your partner’s sleep. But if you need CPAP therapy, you may not want to swap your snoring habit for an equally noisy CPAP mask. The ResMed AirFit™ F20 Full Face CPAP Mask produces only 21 decibels of sound, less than that of an average whisper, which could help you and your partner sleep more soundly.
This CPAP mask comes in small, medium, and large headgear and cushion sizes to help you get a good fit. But it doesn’t have a fit pack like other CPAP masks we reviewed. The cushions come in silicone and memory foam options.
The headgear of this CPAP mask has an open frame that doesn’t block your vision and magnetic clips that allow you to quickly remove the mask cushion. The tube attaches at the bottom of the mask, and it has a “quick release” elbow that allows you to easily disconnect from the machine when you need to get out of bed.
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
On Lofta, the ResMed AirFit™ F20 Full Face CPAP Mask has 4.4 out of five stars with over 920 reviews. Many reviewers report that the mask seals well and is comfortable to wear, while others report air leakage and dislike the headgear’s hard plastic.
“I love the full face mask. It’s very comfortable and does not move or leak during the night. I’m able to sleep the whole night through without waking up to adjust my mask.”
– Erik N., verified buyer on Sept. 18, 2024
“I’m new to using a CPAP machine and it does take a bit getting used to. It definitely helps you sleep better. The mask is comfortable and the full face helps if you’re a mouth breather. I have noticed I breathe more out of my nose now than ever before since the CPAP helps out my nasal airways.”
– Scott L., verified buyer on Sept. 11, 2024
Wearing a full-face CPAP mask doesn’t mean you need to go without your glasses. The ResMed AirFit™ F30 has a cushion that seals underneath the nose. This enables you to wear your glasses while wearing your mask.
The headgear only comes in one size, but the straps feature five different points of adjustment to help you get a better fit. It also features small and medium cushion sizes but no large option.
The mask cushion attaches with magnetic clips without the need to fasten buckles or straps, and the tube attaches with a quick-release valve. Like the other ResMed mask on our list, it features quiet vents to avoid disturbing your partner.
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
On Lofta, the ResMed AirFit™ F30 Full Face CPAP Mask has 4 out of five stars with more than 225 reviews. Many reviewers find it to be a comfortable and simple face mask, while others report leaking and difficulty sleeping on their stomach due to the bottom air hose attachment.
“I love the hybrid style. I have used various styles in the past and this is the best for me. It allows for both nose and mouth breathing without taking over my whole face. The straps are easy to use and adjust as well.”
– Erin H., verified buyer on May 11, 2024
“It’s not terrible. It’s just hard to get it in the right spot. It might just be my face that’s the issue. Takes me probably 5-10 mins every night before it’s sitting perfectly and I can fall asleep. It’s either pressing too hard on my nose and i can’t breathe with my nose or it’s not pressing hard enough and it’s leaking. I started with a full face and that was good. I think I’m going to return it and go back to the F20? It’s a nice mask, it just doesn’t work for me.”
– Edward S., verified buyer on March 14, 2024
The Fisher & Paykel Evora Full Face CPAP Mask uses VentiCool™ technology designed to move moisture away from the skin and make the skin feel cooler, making it a good choice for hot sleepers.
The headgear is available in standard and extra-large sizes and features top and bottom adjustment straps for a tighter fit. The cushions are available in three sizes, and there’s a fit pack option that includes all three. We appreciate that the fit pack doesn’t cost more than the standard mask.
Also, the mask cushion doesn’t cover the bridge of your nose, making it glasses-friendly, and it doesn’t attach with magnets, making it safe for people who have metal implants. But since the tube attaches to the front of the mask, it could be inconvenient for stomach or combination sleepers.
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
On Lofta, the Fisher & Paykel Evora Full Face CPAP Mask has 3.9 out of 5 stars with more than 105 reviews. Many reviewers find the mask comfortable and leak-free, although some reviewers dislike the lack of a swivel tube, or a tube that can turn 360 degrees, and find the headgear too cramped.
“I have had more success with this mask than with a nasal pillow mask because I am a mouth breather at night. The mask is lightweight, comfortable and is working!”
– Laurie F., verified buyer on Aug. 8, 2023
“I am new to CPAPs so I have nothing to compare it to. The mask is lightweight and easy to read or watch tv with. I cannot seem to find a perfect fit yet with this mask but I’m working on it.”
– Angela O., verified buyer on January 6, 2024
Our Reviews Team devoted over 250 hours to researching and reviewing CPAP machines, masks, accessories, and other positive airway pressure (PAP) devices.
We continually read and review academic research to understand the benefits and details of CPAP therapy and how the devices work, incorporating insight from medical experts, including Elizabeth Lyda, RRT, a registered respiratory therapist in Rochester, New York. We also surveyed 600 real CPAP users to learn which CPAP brands earned their trust and what types of masks they preferred.
We chose these CPAP masks for mouth breathers based on the following criteria:
Read our CPAP review methodology to learn more about our review process.
In order to purchase a CPAP machine and accessories, like masks, you’ll need an obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis and prescription from a health care provider. To get a diagnosis, you’ll first need to undergo a sleep study, which you can do either in a lab setting or with a home sleep apnea test.
Once you’ve received your prescription, you can then purchase your CPAP machine and mask of choice. You may have a few different options to pay for the cost of your CPAP equipment, such as the following.
Many insurance providers may cover CPAP masks. Medicare also covers most CPAP accessories. Some CPAP equipment suppliers, like Lofta, provide claim forms you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
In order to qualify for coverage, your insurance provider will likely want evidence that you use your CPAP machine often enough. For example, Medicare requires that you undergo a three-month trial period to verify your “rate of adherence.” For each 30-day period during the trial, you’ll need to use your CPAP machine at least four hours per night, 70% of the nights. Many private insurers also follow these guidelines, but you should check with your insurance provider to verify its requirements.
If you don’t have insurance or have a high deductible or copay, you may prefer to pay for your CPAP mask out of pocket. Some online CPAP equipment providers might offer lower prices when you pay without insurance. You won’t need to adhere to any specific usage guidelines set by your insurer, either.
If you can’t afford to pay cash for your CPAP mask and your insurance won’t provide enough coverage, you may be able to pay for your CPAP equipment through third-party financing or financial aid programs.
Some organizations, like the American Sleep Apnea Association, also offer CPAP mask assistance programs for people who can’t afford to buy them.
| Price | $169–$199 | $155 | $155 | $149 |
| Sizes | Small, medium, and large headgear; small, medium, medium wide, and large cushions | Small, medium, and large headgear; small, medium, and large cushions | Small and medium cushions | Standard and extra large headgear; extra small, small-medium, and large cushions |
| Warranty | 90 days | 90 days | 90 days | 90 days |
While mouth breathing can compromise treatment with some nasal CPAP masks, there are full-face mask options mouth breathers can use safely. Options like the Philips Respironics DreamWear Full Face Mask, ResMed AirFit™ F30 and F20 masks, and Fisher & Paykel Evora Full Face Mask cover both your nose and your mouth. With any of these options, you may need to experiment with different masks until you find one that fits your face well and doesn’t leak air.
Since breathing through the mouth can lead to air leakage when using a nasal mask, we included only full-face and hybrid masks in our roundup because they cover both the nose and mouth.
Yes, but some research associates mouth breathing with less effective CPAP treatment. So you may also want to look into other methods to address the root cause of your mouth breathing.
For example, if your nose often runs before bed, you might want to increase the temperature in the room or take a decongestant medication.
You can clean your CPAP mask by washing each piece in warm soapy water or a mixture of one part vinegar to three or four parts water. It’s best to clean your mask daily to prevent bacteria buildup.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
