If you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and breathe through your mouth, you might not be getting the most out of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. Mouth breathing is associated with increased levels of oxygen desaturation and more severe symptoms for people with OSA. However, the right type of mask can increase the effectiveness of CPAP therapy. Show
Studies have shown that CPAP is more effective with the mouth closed. If a person breathes through their mouth while using a nasal mask they can experience mouth leaks, causing an increase in nasal resistance that can compromise CPAP therapy. Additionally, people who experience mouth leaks are less likely to adhere to CPAP therapy over the long term. Full-face masks are an alternative to nasal masks for people with OSA who breathe through their mouths. While a nasal mask fits over the nose, a full-face mask covers both the nose and mouth. Unfortunately, many users find the larger design of a full-face mask bulky and uncomfortable. The good news is that newer full-face models are sleeker and more lightweight. Our picks for the best CPAP masks for mouth breathers include full-face masks with varied designs and a range of price-points. We also give general tips concerning size, fit, materials, and cleaning recommendations. Product Details
 Best Overall ResMed AirFit F30 Full Face CPAP Mask
Who it's best for:
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Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer! Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on ResMed products Most people who primarily breathe through their mouths need a CPAP mask that forms a tight seal and provides steady airflow, but these masks tend to be somewhat bulky and uncomfortable. The ResMed AirFit F30 is the best of both worlds: a full face mask that delivers continuous air with an adjustable, low-profile design that isn’t too heavy. The soft mesh straps conform to your face, and magnetic clips help you easily customize the fit. Since the cushion rests beneath the bridge of your nose, irritation and red marks shouldn’t be an issue. This also allows you to wear glasses without the lenses fogging up. Without a forehead strap, you should have complete visibility while wearing the mask if you enjoy watching television or reading in bed. The hose is located directly in front of the mouth, ensuring sufficient airflow throughout the night. You can swivel the hose in any direction, so you can comfortably sleep on your back or side, and the quick-release lets you quickly attach and detach the connective tube. The headgear has a one-size-fits-all design, but you can choose between small and medium size cushions. ResMed offers a printable chart to help you determine the proper size, and recommends choosing the medium cushions if you fall between the sizes. The AirFit F30 carries a mid-range price-point. Those who order from Singular Sleep receive a 5% discount on their purchase when they sign up for a subscription. Shipping is free of charge for all orders in the contiguous U.S., and you may return the mask within 30 days as long as it hasn’t been used.
Best for Side Sleepers Philips Respironics DreamWear Full Face CPAP Mask
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Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer! Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Philips Respironics products The Philips Respironics DreamWear Full Face Mask comes with a wider range of cushions and settings than the typical mask. Users can alternate between a full-face mask, a nasal gel cushion, and a nasal pillow. Four headgear settings prevent an overly loose or tight fit. Unlike standard full-face designs, the cushion of the DreamWear Full Face Mask sits below the nose, helping to prevent painful indentations and pressure points. The frame is made from soft, lightweight silicone that gently contours the face. The tube connects at the top of the head, so visibility isn’t obstructed. Flexible tubing ensures a secure seal even for restless sleepers. The mask is easy to take on and off, thanks to the Velcro straps on the headgear and the magnetic clips that fasten the cushion. Full-face cushions come in small, medium, medium wide, and large sizes. If you’re between sizes, Philips recommends going with the smaller of the two. To maintain a hygienic mask, hand-wash the frame and cushion with warm, soapy water after each use. The headgear only needs to be washed by hand weekly. A 90-day limited warranty protects customers from manufacturing and material defects.
Best Value Circadiance SleepWeaver Anew Full Face CPAP Mask
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Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer! Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Circadiance products Full face masks with silicone cushions are highly effective at providing steady airflow, but many wearers complain about their rigidity. The SleepWeaver Anew from Circadiance uses soft cloth for the nasal and mouth cushions instead. This material gently rubs against the skin, ensuring little to no irritation. Although the fit is somewhat loose, the border forms a tight seal to prevent air from escaping and ensure effective CPAP therapy. The straps are an elastic mesh material with hook-and-loop closures to help you customize the fit. Regular and large sizes are available. An open-face design provides a complete line of sight, so you won’t have to worry about a forehead strap interfering with your visibility. The hose connects to the mouth cushion, and can be quickly attached and detached thanks to the quick-release snaps. You can also swivel the hose in any direction, allowing you to sleep on your back or side. Circadiance recommends spot cleaning the cloth as needed, and replacing the cushions every 90 days. The SleepWeaver Anew’s price-point falls well below average for a full face CPAP mask, and customers who opt for a subscription with Singular Sleep receive a 5% discount on their order. Low-cost flat-rate shipping is available for each purchase within the contiguous U.S. The mask may be returned unused within 30 days of delivery.
Best Bundle Fisher & Paykel Simplus Full Face Mask Premium Bundle
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Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer! Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Fisher and Paykel products The Fisher & Paykel Simplus Full Face Mask is a low-profile alternative to bulky full-face masks. Geared toward mouth breathers, the mask is designed to keep a secure seal over the nose and mouth. With only three components, assembly and cleaning are straightforward. Proprietary ErgoForm headgear rests at the back of the head and accommodates a full range of motion. A hot and clammy face can be an issue with some full-face masks, but the Simplus uses VentiCool fabric designed to increase breathability. The mask is notable for its RollFit seal, which rolls back and forth on the bridge of the nose to help reduce air leaks and discomfort. An air diffuser in the seal is engineered to minimize exhalation sounds. Sold as a bundle, the set includes one mask, two cushions, and an extra head strap. The mask is available in small, medium, and large sizes. The compact silicone frame has a clip-on attachment for quick assembly and removal. The frame, RollFit seal, and swivel connector should be hand-washed daily using warm water and mild soap. The headgear only needs to be washed weekly, also using warm soapy water. None of the parts should be soaked for longer than 10 minutes. Avoid direct sunlight when air-drying. The Fisher & Paykel Simplus Full Face Mask Premium Bundle includes a 90-day warranty that covers defects in craftsmanship and materials. Why You Should Trust UsOur sleep specialists have years of experience researching and testing products designed to improve sleep quality. Our team includes medical experts, so you can be assured that you’re getting science-backed advice. Every product pick is thoroughly vetted and rigorously tested. Our goal is to make finding a compatible CPAP mask as uncomplicated as possible. What Type of CPAP Mask Is Best Suited for Mouth Breathing?CPAP masks are available in different styles to meet varying needs. Most masks fall into one of three types: full-face, nasal, and nasal pillows. Full-Face MasksThis style of CPAP mask forms a tight seal over the nose and mouth. The mask covers the lower portion of the face and is secured by headgear. Full-face masks are typically best for back sleepers or mouth breathers. The larger surface area also diffuses uncomfortable pressure buildup for people who require higher pressure settings. However, side and stomach sleepers may find the extra material of a full-face mask bulky and unwieldy. Nasal MasksNasal masks extend from the nasal bridge to the upper lip, so they deliver airflow only to the nasal passages. They are smaller than full-face designs but can accommodate high pressure settings better than nasal pillows. People who find full-face masks too cumbersome often try nasal masks next, especially if they move frequently when sleeping. Nasal PillowsThe sleekest design, a nasal pillow rests below the nose and is secured with headgear. Similar to a nasal mask, this design directs airflow only to the nasal cavity. Because nasal pillows only minimally touch the face, they are a good choice for side, stomach, and combination sleepers. However, they are generally not suited to high pressure settings. How to Choose a CPAP Mask for Mouth BreathingAn effective CPAP mask for mouth breathers decreases the likelihood of air escaping from the mouth so users can get the most out of CPAP therapy. Beyond this, more general factors like price, machine compatibility, and material quality should also be considered before purchasing a mask. What to Consider When Purchasing a CPAP Mask for Mouth BreathingEven if you’re fairly certain which the mask style you want, sifting through all the models can still be overwhelming. Distinguishing marketing hype from authentic product claims is often easier said than done. You can simplify the shopping process by focusing on a few important factors. Size, comfort, sleep position, and machine compatibility should all be noted when choosing a model. Price Price varies based on quality, features, and manufacturer, but most full-face masks cost between $75 and $250. Not all insurance plans cover the cost of CPAP accessories, so always check with your provider first. Make sure to keep any receipts or proof of purchase if your insurance plan offers reimbursements. Size & Fit Size and fit are crucial when it comes to minimizing air leaks and pressure loss. Most head straps are adjustable to ensure a snug fit across the head and face. Manufacturers typically list the dimensions for full-face masks. A loosely fitting mask can increase the occurrence of air leaks. On the other hand, a mask that is uncomfortably tight can contribute to poor therapy adherence. Compatibility Most full-face masks are designed to work with the majority of CPAP machines. However, it’s still a good idea to check that a mask is compatible with your machine before purchasing. Manufacturers generally list compatibility details on product pages. Different mask styles have varying pressure ranges. Full-face masks can typically handle the highest pressure settings, while nasal pillows have the lowest pressure threshold. Make sure the mask you’re considering is compatible with the pressure requirements specified by your doctor. Comfort Having a comfortable mask is essential to therapy compliance. Discomfort can lead people to give up on CPAP therapy. Full-face masks are larger than other styles, but most newer models have more minimal designs than their predecessors. Some models also provide extra comfort with cushions that sit below the nose to help prevent red marks from occurring. Sleep Position Sleep position is an important consideration when choosing a CPAP mask. Stomach and side sleepers usually prefer nasal masks or pillows, as they don’t dig into the face as much as full-face masks. Full-face masks are more generally appropriate for back sleepers or people who remain fairly stationary when sleeping. Quality Materials Higher-quality materials usually mean a more durable and comfortable mask. Mouth breathers can often avoid red marks and pressure points by opting for silicone frames and cushions that are more flexible than hard plastics. High-quality materials also tend to hold up to washing better, which is important, given that most components should be washed on a daily basis. Many models are latex-free, but people with latex allergies should double-check product details. Cleaning & Care While cleaning guidelines vary based on the model, most CPAP hoses, frames, cushions, and nasal pillows should be hand-washed daily and fully air-dried before use. Headgear can typically be hand-washed on a weekly basis. Warm water and a mild detergent or liquid dish soap are usually recommended. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions before starting a cleaning regimen. Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions?Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market. Send an email to [email protected] or call us at (877) 672-8966 with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Which sleep apnea mask is best for mouth breathers?The Best CPAP Masks for Mouth Breathers. Best Overall - ResMed AirFit F30 Full Face CPAP Mask.. Best for Side Sleepers - Philips Respironics Dreamwear Full Face CPAP Mask.. Best Value - Circadiance SleepWeaver Anew Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear.. Best Bundle - Fisher & Paykel Simplus Full Face Mask Premium Bundle.. Can you use a CPAP If you are a mouth breather?A mouth breather on CPAP has 2 choices, a full face mask or a traditional nasal mask/nasal pillow mask with the addition of a chin strap. To help reduce mask leak – remember to do your final fit and adjustment while laying in bed in your normal sleeping position.
How do you keep your lips closed with a CPAP?Keep the Mouth Closed. Chin strap: Chin straps encircle the head and gently cradle the chin to keep it closed. ... . Adhesive strips: CPAP users may also use disposable adhesive strips applied over the mouth to encourage sleeping with the mouth closed.. How do I keep my mouth dry with a CPAP mask?How To Avoid Dry Mouth From Your CPAP Sleep Apnea Treatment. Wear a Chinstrap. Dry mouth is especially common for people who only wear a nasal mask with their CPAP, as this allows their jaw to fall open during the night and dry out their mouth. ... . Switch to a Facemask. ... . Make sure you're hydrated. ... . Get an oral appliance.. |
CPAP mask types for mouth breathers
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