Many people who struggle with CPAP do not give up because the therapy stops working; they stop using it because the mask never feels quite right. Bulk, leaks, pressure marks, and an awkward fit are often what push people away from treatment, which is why the right mask matters so much.

This isn't just a guess. A study called HomePAP tracked CPAP users and found that even small leaks made a big difference. For every little bit more air that leaked out, people used their machine less. Small leaks really do add up.¹

Another study followed over 2,000 long-term CPAP users and found the same thing. Mask problems, especially leaks, were one of the biggest reasons people stopped using their machine or felt tired during the day. So if you're struggling with CPAP, it's usually not you, and it's usually not the therapy. The mask is often a key factor.²

Nasal masks are often the first style people try because they cover the nose without enclosing the mouth, which can make them feel lighter and less intrusive than fuller masks. That makes them a practical starting point for many people who want a simpler nightly routine.

Here's how our most popular nasal masks compare, and how to work out which one actually suits your face, pressure setting, and sleep style.

 

What is a Nasal CPAP mask?

 

A nasal CPAP mask seals around the outside of the nose and directs air through the nostrils to help keep the airway open during sleep. That is different from a nasal pillow mask, which uses small inserts that sit at the nostril openings rather than around the nose.

Nasal masks are a good starting point for people who breathe through their nose at night and want a more minimal feel than a fuller mask. They are also often the better choice for users who want a mask that feels less bulky across the face.

Choosing the right nasal mask ultimately comes down to matching your fit, seal, and comfort preferences to your therapy needs. For a deeper look at how each mask style compares, see our 2026 CPAP Mask Guide: Balance Comfort With Effective Therapy, your go to resource for finding the right balance between everyday comfort and consistent, effective treatment.

Is a nasal mask right for you?

Nasal masks work well for...

✓ Pressure up to 30 cm H2O
✓ Nose breathers
✓ Side and active sleepers
✓ Users who find full face masks too bulky
✓ Wanting more stability than a nasal pillow
✓ New to CPAP therapy
✓ Reading or watching the television before bed
✓ A clearer line of sight than a full face mask

Nasal masks are not ideal for...

✗ Mouth breathing (unless paired with a chin strap)
✗ Claustrophobia (more facial coverage than a pillow mask)
✗ Sensitive skin across the nose bridge

 

 

Note: These rankings reflect our own team's testing and opinion, based on comfort, ease of use, and customer feedback. They're not a clinical recommendation, and the right mask for you will depend on your own fit, prescription, and sleep habits.

Nasal CPAP Masks: Our Ranked Picks

 

1. Best all rounder — ResMed AirFit N20

The ResMed AirFit N20 is a dependable, widely used nasal mask that suits a broad range of face shapes. It has a simple, familiar feel and is a solid pick for people who want an easy-to-use mask that is straightforward to put on, take off and clean.

Best for: New users, everyday reliability and anyone wanting a simple nasal mask.

Why it stands out: It is a familiar all purpose option with a flexible frame and a proven fit profile.

Key specs: InfinitySeal cushion, therapy pressure is 4 to 30 cm H2O, magnetic clips, three cushion sizes.

Pros:

• Durable frame that holds its seal night after night.

• Available in three sizes.

• Cushion and headgear can be washed with soap and water.

• Clear line of sight, which suits people who like to read or watch TV in bed.

Cons:

• Uses magnetic clips, which may not suit everyone.

• Some users may prefer a lighter or more minimal style.

Note: Because this mask uses magnetic clips, users with implanted devices should check the manufacturer’s magnet guidance before choosing it. Read here.³

 

It's also available in a For Her fit , designed around a smaller frame and softer headgear fabric.

 

2. Best for low maintenance comfort  — ResMed AirTouch N20 Starter Pack 

This uses the same frame and headgear as the AirFit N20, but the cushion is swapped for ResMed’s UltraSoft memory foam. It is built for an easier nightly routine; the foam cushion feels softer against the skin, and when replaced on schedule, it does not require cleaning.

Best for: Users who want a softer cushion feel and a lower-maintenance routine.

Why it stands out: Memory foam is often chosen by users looking for less direct pressure on the skin.

Key specs: UltraSoft memory foam cushion, magnetic clips and three cushion sizes.

Pros:

• Cushion swaps directly onto an AirFit N20 frame if you want to try silicone later.

• Foam moulds to your face shape over time rather than pressing back.

• No cleaning required when replaced on schedule.

• Same magnetic clip headgear as the AirFit N20 for quick on and off.

Cons:

• Relies on regular replacement rather than washing.

• May need more frequent replacement than standard silicone cushions.

 

Note: The UltraSoft cushion is designed to be replaced, not washed. Wiping it down is optional, but plan on a new cushion roughly every 30 days to keep the seal and comfort consistent.

 

3. Best for a modern, low profile fit — Fisher & Paykel Nova Nasal

The Nova Nasal is a strong option for people who want a modern, low profile nasal mask. Built for real-life comfort, its low-profile design means fewer facial touch points, making it a good fit for side sleepers and anyone who feels claustrophobic with bulkier masks whether new to CPAP therapy or looking for an upgrade.

Best for: active sleepers, side sleepers, and people who prefer a simpler fit process.

Why it stands out: its low-profile RollFit cushion and SwingFit headgear offer a more contemporary feel and fit.

Key Specs: RollFit cushion, SwingFit headgear, and 3 cushion sizes (plus Fit Pack).

Pros:

• A low profile cushion sits under the nose rather than over the bridge.

• Lightweight frame with a smaller footprint on the face.

• Quiet diffuser vent.

• Straightforward to line up and clip into place.

Cons:

• Less familiar than some of the bigger name options.

• Comes with medium-large headgear by default a smaller size must be purchased separately if needed.

 

Note: Unlike some other nasal masks, the Nova Nasal doesn't use magnetic clips, so it's a solid option if you have a pacemaker or other implanted device and need to avoid magnets entirely.

 

4. Best for higher pressures — Fisher & Paykel Eson 2

The Eson 2 builds on the success of Fisher & Paykel’s original Eson nasal mask, with more than 20 design improvements built in. It is designed to suit patients at every stage of the CPAP journey and holds a stable seal, making it a solid pick for higher pressure settings.

Best for: Users who want a secure, adaptable fit at higher pressures, light sleepers and anyone who prefers a more traditional nasal mask.

Why it stands out: The updated RollFit seal adjusts as you move through the night, and an eco-friendly diffuser filter cuts sound levels by 33% for a quieter setup.

Key specs: RollFit seal, intuitive headgear, and three cushion sizes.

Pros:

• RollFit seal adapts to movement overnight rather than staying fixed in one position.

• Stitch less headgear that is soft to the touch and simple to put on.

• An eco-friendly diffuser improves air filtration while running more quietly.

• Holds its seal well at higher CPAP pressures.

Cons:

• More conventional and less minimal than some newer designs.

• Not compatible with original Eson parts, so existing accessories will not carry over. 

 

Note: If you are upgrading from the original Eson, keep in mind you will need new compatible parts rather than reusing your current ones.

 

5. Best for a minimal, lightweight feel  — Löwenstein CARA Nasal

The CARA is a lower profile nasal mask that appeals to users who want less material on the face and more freedom of movement. That makes it a good editorial pick for side sleepers and people who dislike forehead support.

Best for: Smaller faces, side sleepers and users looking for a minimal design.

Why it stands out: The lightweight format and low facial contact can make it feel less restrictive.

Key specs: Ball-and-socket swivel, 60 g weight, and three sizes (XS, S/M, M/L).

Pros:

• Size range extends down to XS, useful if standard sizing runs large.

• Ball-and-socket tube connection that moves with you rather than dragging.

• Quiet exhalation vent.

• No forehead pad, so nothing sits across the brow.

Cons:

• Less widely known than some competing brands.

• Fewer people may have tried it, so it can be a more unfamiliar choice.

 

6. Best magnet free classic — ResMed Mirage FX

The Mirage FX is an older but proven nasal mask style, and its traditional frame can appeal to users who prefer a more structured fit. It is also a useful option for people who want to avoid magnetic clips altogether.

Best for: Users who want a classic form factor and a magnet-free design.

Why it stands out: It remains a familiar, stable option in a category where many users still prefer traditional designs.

Key specs: Dual-wall SpringAir cushion, SoftEdge headgear, and three sizes (small, standard, wide).

Pros:

• Long track record, so parts and cushions remain easy to source.

• The forehead support arm adds extra stability if you move around at night.

• Inexpensive and simple to replace the cushion.

Cons:

• Less minimal than newer designs.

• May feel bulkier than lightweight masks.

It's also available in a For Her fit , designed around a smaller frame and softer headgear fabric.

 

7. Best budget friendly pick — BMC N5A

The BMC N5A is a budget-friendly nasal mask option that still offers a low-profile design. For shoppers who care most about cost and simplicity, it is a practical entry-level pick.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, glasses wearers and users who dislike forehead support.

Why it stands out: It keeps the mask simple and affordable without moving away from the nasal format.

Key specs: AutoFit cushion, forehead-free design, three cushion sizes and a starter kit.

Pros:

• No forehead frame, so there is nothing blocking your glasses or line of sight.

• Quick-release clips for easy on and off.

• Quiet multi-hole diffuser.

• One of the more affordable masks in our range.

Cons:

• Less premium feel than some higher-end options.

• May not suit every face shape as well as more adjustable masks.

 

Quick Comparison

How to choose your nasal mask

1. Match your skin sensitivity

If pressure marks, rosacea, or eczema are a problem, the AirTouch N20's memory foam is the standout choice. For normal skin, any of the silicone options will usually work well.

For higher prescribed pressures, mask design in general matters. A meta-analysis of 4,563 patients across 13 randomised and non-randomised trials found that oronasal (full-face) masks required, on average, 1.5 cm H₂O more pressure than nasal masks, alongside a higher residual apnoea hypopnoea index (AHI) and poorer adherence.⁴ Earlier pilot work comparing the two mask types found nasal masks also produced less mask leak, and more recent research using airway imaging has linked the mask-type pressure difference to where the airway tends to collapse during sleep.⁵ ⁶ Within the nasal category, masks built with a more reinforced seal such as the AirFit N20, Eson 2, or Mirage FX are generally designed with higher-pressure use in mind, though individual fit and seal will vary person to person. 

2. Check for implanted devices

If you or your bed partner has a pacemaker, defibrillator, cochlear implant, or other metallic implant, the Nova Nasal, Eson 2, CARA, and Mirage FX are all magnet free. The AirFit N20, AirTouch N20, and BMC N5A use magnetic clips.

3. Think about your face size

 If you have found ResMed and Fisher & Paykel sizing runs a little large or small for you, the Löwenstein CARA's wider size range, including XS, is worth trying.

4. Think about mouth breathing

If you only breathe through your mouth occasionally, a CPAP chin strap can help keep your mouth closed so you can continue using a nasal mask though research on chinstraps is mixed one trial found it reduced mouth leak but increased snoring time, while another found chinstrap users had significantly better adherence and lower leak overall.⁷ ⁸ If mouth breathing happens most nights, a full face mask is often recommended, as it’s designed to accommodate both nose and mouth breathing and may help minimise air leaks.

 

Buying your nasal mask

 

In Australia you generally don't need a prescription to purchase a mask on its own, though it's worth having your current pressure settings or diagnosis details on hand. It helps make sure you land on the right mask the first time poor mask fit is one of the leading reasons CPAP therapy is abandoned, Reviews estimate that CPAP therapy is unsuccessful for around one third of patients, mainly because they do not continue using the device and mask as prescribed, rather than because the therapy itself doesn’t work for them.⁹

 

If you're new to CPAP, mask sizing can feel a little confusing but you don’t have to guess. Most of our mask product pages include a detailed sizing guide to help you find the right fit with confidence. Still unsure? Our friendly local support team is always here to help you choose the best option.

 

The bottom line

For most people starting CPAP, a nasal mask is still the sensible first move. The ResMed AirFit N20 is our all round pick, the AirTouch N20 is worth the extra cost if your skin marks easily, and the new F&P Nova Nasal is a great option if you want an N20 style mask without magnets. 

Whichever you land on, use our sizing guide before you order and reach out if you're not sure. A mask that doesn't fit is still one of the most common reasons people give up on therapy that would otherwise have worked just fine. The best mask is the mask that works for you and that you'll wear consistently.

 

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.

Disclaimer: If you're unsure which mask suits your therapy, check with your treating doctor or sleep specialist.

 

Sources

CPAP Online has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity.

Source 1 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s44470-026-00046-2

Source 2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7809735/

Source 3 https://www.cpaponline.com.au/pages/resmed-masks-with-magnets-safety-update

Source 4 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29273515/

Source 5 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21800222/

Source 6 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41184655/

Source 7 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15165532/

Source 8 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3960379/

Source 9 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2019/7215258

Source 10 https://www.resmed.com/en-us/health-professionals/products/cpap/masks/airtouch-n20/

Source 11 https://eshop.resmed.com/products/airtouch-n20-cushion

Source 12 https://www.cpaponline.com.au/blogs/learn/cpap-mask-guide-balance-comfort-with-effective-therapy