A patient-friendly guide to the middle-ground mask style that covers the nose but not the mouth.

What is a nasal CPAP mask?

A nasal CPAP mask covers the nose but leaves the mouth uncovered. The cushion normally seals around the bridge, sides, and lower part of the nose, delivering PAP air through the nasal passages. For some patients, a nasal mask may feel more stable than nasal pillows, especially when airflow through the nostrils feels too direct. Because the mask does not cover the mouth, air can escape if your mouth opens during sleep. This is commonly called mouth leak.

A nasal mask may help if…

• You breathe comfortably through your nose most nights.
• You want less facial coverage than a full face mask but more structure than nasal pillows.
• You move during sleep and want a cushion that feels stable around the nose.
• You are new to CPAP and want a familiar, balanced mask style.
• You prefer a mask that does not cover your mouth.

It may not be the best fit if…

• You frequently breathe through your mouth during sleep.
• You wake up with significant dry mouth caused by mouth leak.
• Your nose is frequently blocked because of allergies or congestion.
• You experience pressure or soreness on the bridge of your nose.
• You want to wear glasses or read comfortably while wearing your mask.

Common problems and simple fixes

Many nasal mask problems can be improved through proper sizing, strap adjustment, humidification, cushion replacement, or trying a different mask style. Use the suggestions below as a starting point, not as a substitute for guidance from your sleep care team. Mouth leak or dry mouth: Ask your care team about humidification, possible chin support, treatment for nasal congestion, or trying a different mask style if the leak continues [7]. Bridge-of-nose soreness: Check the mask size and cushion position. The mask should not need to be painfully tight to maintain a seal. A different nasal mask design may reduce contact with the bridge of the nose. Nasal dryness or congestion: Ask about humidification, heated tubing, saline rinses, or allergy management. Do not change your pressure settings without guidance from your clinician. Mask shifts during sleep: Adjust the headgear evenly and refit the mask while lying in your normal sleep position. Air leaking toward the eyes: Reposition the cushion while the machine is running. Avoid overtightening the straps, because excessive tension can sometimes make leaks worse.

Clinical note

Nasal breathing often works well with CPAP, but comfort and effectiveness depend on the individual. If your therapy data shows significant leaks, persistent breathing events, low use, or frequent mask removal, the mask size, fit, and style should be reviewed with your clinician or equipment provider [3][4]. Research comparing CPAP interfaces suggests that nasal masks and nasal pillows may perform better than oronasal masks for some patients. However, the best mask is still the one that seals properly, feels comfortable, and supports consistent therapy use [5].

Nasal mask fit checklist

• You can breathe comfortably through your nose before putting on the mask.
• The cushion seals around your nose without pressing painfully on the bridge.
• Air is not blowing toward your eyes.
• Your mouth stays mostly closed during sleep, or mouth leak is controlled.
• You do not wake up with significant dry mouth, eye irritation, or whistling air.
• The mask remains in place when you turn from side to side.
• The straps feel secure without being overly tight.

When to ask for help

Contact your sleep clinician, clinic, or equipment provider if:

• You continue to experience large leaks after carefully refitting the mask.
• You wake up with eye irritation, significant dry mouth, skin sores, or pain.
• Your nose is frequently blocked and prevents comfortable nasal breathing.
• You cannot tolerate the mask, even after gradually practicing with it.
• You frequently remove the mask while sleeping.
• Your therapy data shows persistent breathing events, low use, or ongoing mask leak.

Nasal masks compared with other mask styles

A nasal mask is often considered a middle-ground option because it provides more structure than nasal pillows while covering less of the face than a full face mask. Nasal Mask: Covers the nose but leaves the mouth uncovered. It may provide a stable and balanced fit for people who breathe mainly through the nose. Under-the-Nose Nasal Mask: Sits below the nostrils instead of covering the bridge of the nose. It may feel more open and reduce contact with the upper nose. Nasal Pillow Mask: Uses small cushions that sit at or near the nostrils. It provides minimal facial coverage but may feel more direct because air enters through the nostrils. Full Face Mask: Covers both the nose and mouth. It may help some patients who need mouth coverage, but it covers more of the face. The correct style depends on your breathing pattern, facial shape, comfort, sleep position, therapy experience, and provider guidance.

How MaskFit can help

MaskFit can help narrow down nasal mask options by comparing face shape, the nose bridge area, likely seal zones, and fitting information. Instead of asking patients to choose from a long product list without guidance, MaskFit provides a structured top match list based on the face scan and fitting information. The results should be used as a guide. Your final mask choice may also depend on comfort, provider guidance, product availability, therapy settings, and your experience after using the mask.

Questions to ask your care team

• Is my current nasal mask the correct size?
• Are my leaks caused by cushion position, mask size, or strap adjustment?
• Is the mask placing too much pressure on the bridge of my nose?
• Could an under-the-nose nasal mask reduce pressure on my nose bridge?
• Is my dry mouth caused by mouth leak, humidity, congestion, or another issue?
• Should I consider a nasal pillow or full face mask instead?
• Should my humidification or heated tubing settings be reviewed?
• Do my CPAP data or leak patterns suggest that my mask should be changed?

Final takeaway

A nasal CPAP mask can be a balanced option for patients who breathe mainly through the nose and want more structure than nasal pillows without the facial coverage of a full face mask. The mask should seal comfortably around your nose without causing pain, significant air leaks, or excessive pressure on the bridge of your nose. If one nasal mask does not feel right, it does not mean that all nasal masks will feel the same. A different size, cushion shape, headgear design, or under-the-nose style may provide a better fit. When in doubt, talk with your sleep clinician, DME provider, or equipment supplier.

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References and further reading

This article is for patient education only and is not a substitute for medical advice. It does not diagnose sleep apnea, set PAP pressure, or replace advice from a licensed clinician. Follow your prescription and contact your sleep care team before changing your mask, therapy settings, or accessories.

1. Mayo Clinic. Which CPAP Masks Are Best for You? Accessed June 24, 2026.
2. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. CPAP. Accessed June 24, 2026.
3. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Sleep Apnea Treatment. Accessed June 24, 2026.
4. Patil SP, et al. Treatment of Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea With Positive Airway Pressure: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine Clinical Practice Guideline. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 2019;15(2):335–343.
5. Chen LY, et al. In Search of a Better CPAP Interface: A Network Meta-Analysis Comparing Nasal Masks, Nasal Pillows and Oronasal Masks. Journal of Sleep Research. 2022. DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13686.
6. Sleep Foundation. CPAP Machine Side Effects: Dry Mouth, Aerophagia, and More. Accessed June 24, 2026.
7. Sleep Foundation. CPAP Dry Mouth: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention. Accessed June 24, 2026.