How To Find The Right Cpap Mask Size

Finding the Right CPAP Mask Size

Picking out a CPAP mask can be tough. Sizing it properly is important for a good night's sleep. Luckily, you don't need to go to a specialist to find the right fit.

This article will explain how CPAP mask sizes work and show you two simple methods to find your perfect fit at home.

Say goodbye to expensive professional fittings and hello to comfortable sleep!

Find Your Perfect CPAP Mask Size: Easy Home Sizing Methods

Finding the right CPAP mask size can be a challenging and frustrating task. CPAP masks are like clothes; you never really know how they’ll fit until you try them on. That’s why some people like going to a brick and mortar medical equipment store or a sleep clinic for mask fittings.

But what if we told you that there are ways to properly size your mask at home, without all the extra costs associated with seeing a professional?

In this article, we explain how CPAP mask sizes work and provide two easy methods for finding your best mask size.

Understanding CPAP Mask Sizes

Finding the right size CPAP mask can be tricky. There's no single standard, so what's medium for one brand might be small or large for another. Even within the same brand, sizes can change slightly between models.

How are CPAP mask sizes determined?

CPAP masks have a few main parts: the frame, cushion, headgear, and tubing with a swivel. The frame and tubing usually come in one size. The cushion and headgear are what vary in size.

So when you're shopping for a mask, focus on finding the right cushion size for you.

What are the different CPAP mask sizes?

Most masks come in small, medium, and large. Some have extra options like "medium-wide" or "small-wide." There are also smaller cushions for women and larger ones for people who need them.

How to Find Your CPAP Mask Size

Method 1: Use a Sizing Gauge

CPAP mask manufacturers offer sizing gauges, or sizing templates, to help users find their best fitting mask size. They are easy to use and feature detailed instructions so users know they are taking proper measurements.

When used correctly, sizing templates are a reliable way to find your optimal cushion size. A key point to remember is that sizing templates are mask-specific, so make sure you only use the sizing gauge designated for your CPAP mask.

Healthcare professionals use these same sizing gauges when fitting patients with new masks. When fitting a patient with a CPAP mask that is new on the market, many healthcare workers use mask sizing gauges to help them determine their patient’s ideal cushion size.

As they become more familiar with that particular mask, most clinicians reach a point where they can correctly size a patient for a specific mask just by looking at their face.

How to use a CPAP mask sizing gauge

Before you start measuring your face, make sure you have a means of reading your results from the sizing gauge. Consider having a family member or friend help read your results. If you prefer to handle your mask sizing solo, make sure you’re looking into a mirror when measuring.

Find the sizing gauge for your specific CPAP mask below. We’ve organized our collection of sizing gauges by mask type: nasal mask, nasal pillow mask, and full face mask. Once you locate the appropriate sizing template, click on it to download a printable PDF file.

Print the PDF to scale. Make sure the size is set at 100% before printing.

Check the printed PDF to ensure it is to scale. Most of the sizing templates come with a scale you can measure with a ruler to confirm the PDF size. If the ruler doesn’t match the scale, check your Page Scale in Adobe Acrobat. It should be set to 100% or “Actual Size.”

Follow the instructions on the sizing gauge. For a nasal CPAP mask, measure your nose. For a full face mask, measure both your nose and mouth. If you have someone to help you, hold the template up to your face and have them identify your ideal mask cushion size. If you’re alone, hold the sizing gauge up to your face while looking in a mirror to read your results.

If you find yourself in between sizes or at the edge of a size, opt for the next size up. A larger cushion size usually provides more comfort.

If using a CPAP mask sizing gauge doesn’t sound very appealing, you can choose a CPAP mask that’s sold as a fit pack.

Method 2: Choose a Fit Pack

If printing a sizing gauge and measuring your face seem too tedious, consider a CPAP machine mask that comes as a fit pack. Fit packs eliminate sizing concerns and inconveniences by providing users with multiple mask cushion sizes.

Perhaps best of all, they eliminate the need for back-and-forth communication with a durable medical equipment (DME) provider or CPAP supplier, saving you valuable time.

In our opinion, this is the easiest and most accurate way to find your ideal mask size. You never know how anything fits until you try it on. As an added bonus, fit packs allow you to fit and adjust your CPAP mask in the comfort of your own home!

Finding the Right Size for Your Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask

Choosing the right size nasal pillow for your CPAP mask can be tricky. Some masks come with sizing guides, but many don't. Here's a breakdown of how to find the perfect fit for popular nasal pillow CPAP masks:

DreamWear Nasal Pillow Masks

Both the DreamWear Silicone and Gel Nasal Pillow Masks come in various sizes (S, M, L, MW).

While there isn't a dedicated sizing gauge, you can use the "DreamWear Under the Nose/Nasal Mask Sizing Gauge" as a guide.

Remember: The tips of the pillows should sit comfortably in your nostrils, and the base should rest under your nose.

Nuance & Nuance Pro Nasal Pillow Masks

The Philips Respironics Nuance and Nuance Pro masks are very similar. The only difference is the frame – Nuance has a fabric frame, while Nuance Pro has a padded gel frame.

Both come in fit packs with sizes S, M, and L.

Since they don't have specific sizing gauges, you'll need to try each size to find the best fit.

AirFit P10 & AirFit P10 For Her Nasal Pillow Masks

These masks also come in fit packs with multiple sizes.

Here are some tips for finding your size:

Insert the nasal pillow tips into your nostrils.
Make sure the base rests under your nose.
Don't push the bases into your nose.
Try each size to ensure a comfortable fit.

Swift FX Nasal Pillow Masks

All Swift FX masks use the same nasal pillows, even though their headgear designs differ.

Again, no sizing gauge is included, so follow these tips:

Insert the nasal pillow tips into your nostrils.
Make sure the base rests under your nose.
Don't push the bases into your nose.
Try each size for the best fit.

AirFit P30i Nasal Pillow Mask

The AirFit P30i comes in two frame sizes: standard and small. Each size has various nasal pillow sizes.

Here's how to find the right fit:

Insert the nasal pillow tips into your nostrils.
Make sure the base rests under your nose.
Don't push the bases into your nose.
Test each size for a comfortable seal.

Brevida Nasal Pillow Mask

The Brevida has a unique AirPillow Seal with nasal pillow tips inside a cushion. It comes in two sizes: XS/S and M/L.

Here are fitting tips:

Make sure the nasal pillow tips aren't inverted before inserting them into your nostrils.
Spread the wings of the AirPillow Seal and gently guide the tips into your nostrils.
Turn on your CPAP machine to test the seal. The cushion inflates around the tips for a secure fit.
If it's leaking, reposition the cushion so the tips sit securely in your nostrils.
Test both sizes to find the best fit.

Full Face CPAP Mask Sizing Gauges

Quattro Air

Fisher & Paykel Simplus Full Face Mask

My CPAP Mask Doesn't Fit Right

Sometimes, sizing charts for CPAP masks don't work perfectly. Everyone's face is different, so a chart size might not be the right fit for you.

But don't worry! If you bought your mask from RespShop and it doesn't fit, our 30-Day Mask Guarantee Program can help. Just contact our customer service team and let them know your mask is too small or too big. We'll give you store credit for the full amount you paid.

You can use the store credit to buy a different mask or size. Remember, you can return two masks for store credit every six months.

Frequently asked Questions

What are CPAP mask sizes determined by?

All CPAP masks, whether nasal, full face, or nasal pillow, contain a frame, cushion, headgear, elbow swivel, and short tubing with a swivel. The frame and elbow/short tubing with swivel usually come in one size. The cushion and headgear are the parts that are customizable and come in multiple sizes. Therefore, when shopping for the right CPAP mask size, what you’re really looking for is your optimal CPAP mask cushion size.

How can I find my CPAP mask size at home?

There are two main methods to find your CPAP mask size at home. The first is using a sizing gauge provided by the CPAP mask manufacturer. These gauges offer detailed instructions and are reliable for finding your optimal cushion size. Make sure you use the gauge specifically designed for your CPAP mask. Alternatively, you can choose a fit pack which eliminates sizing concerns by providing multiple mask cushion sizes.

What is a CPAP mask fit pack?

A CPAP mask fit pack is a convenient option that simplifies the process of finding the right mask size. It includes various mask cushion sizes, allowing users to try different options and find the most comfortable fit without needing to communicate with a medical equipment provider. This eliminates back-and-forth communication, saving you time and effort.

Conclusion

Finding the right size for your CPAP mask doesn't have to be hard. With a little work, you can find one that feels comfortable and works well for you.

Keep in mind that different brands and even different models from the same brand might use slightly different sizing.

You can use a CPAP mask sizing tool or buy a fit pack to help you figure out the best cushion size for you.

Don't be afraid to try different sizes until you find one that fits perfectly. Remember, comfort is important because it affects how well you sleep.

Take control of your CPAP experience! By understanding sizing and using these tips, you can choose the right mask to help you breathe better and sleep soundly all night long.