Jun 15th 2026
How to Size CPAP Nasal Pillows for the Right Fit (XS, S, M, L)
How to Size CPAP Nasal Pillows for the Perfect Fit
Most CPAP nasal pillows come in XS, S, M, and L. You can measure your nostril diameter with a ruler; most adults fit Medium. Start with the size guide that came with your mask, then exchange if needed.
Picking the right size CPAP nasal pillow can be difficult. It’s essential to ensure both comfort and seal when choosing the best fit for you. The wrong size could cause discomfort, mask irritation, and ineffective sleep apnea therapy.
CPAP nasal pillows are small cushions that seal at the entrance of your nostrils and deliver pressurized air from your CPAP machine. Understanding how CPAP nasal pillows work and how CPAP nasal pillows should fit is the first step toward finding the right size and maintaining effective therapy.
Why Proper Sizing Matters
Choosing the correct nasal pillow size is essential to ensure both comfort and seal when using CPAP therapy. The wrong size could cause discomfort, mask irritation, and ineffective sleep apnea therapy.
Leaks, Sore Nostrils, and Lost Therapy
When finding the right nasal pillow size, comfort and seal are the most important things to remember.
A tight seal doesn’t mean a good seal. If you need to compromise comfort for a good seal, you have the wrong size.
The wrong size may cause excessive pressure on your nostrils, discomfort, mask irritation, and air leaks that can affect the effectiveness of your sleep apnea therapy.
How to Measure Your Nostrils for CPAP Pillows
Some nasal pillow masks come with varying pillow sizes, while other nasal pillow masks require you to choose a size when ordering. If the mask you are looking at requires you to select a size in advance, begin by finding the sizing guide and template for the nasal CPAP mask you intend to purchase to measure your nose size. Use this to determine which size to order.
Once you've selected the correct size, it's important to learn how to wear CPAP nasal pillows correctly. The pillows should sit lightly against the nostrils rather than being pushed inside them.
Step-by-Step Guide
Measuring Your Nose
- When printing the sizing template, make sure you print it at its original size.
- Cut the template along the dotted lines.
- Place the cut-out template around your nose.
- Determine your size based on where the edges of your nostrils and the tip of your nose land.
What If You're Between Sizes?
To determine if you are using the correct size, it’s important that you insert your nasal pillows properly.
- Gently insert the nasal cushions into each nostril.
- You should not have to push the pillow into your nostril. If this is the case, try a larger size.
- Each pillow should lightly rest on the edge of your nostril while still securing a seal.
When finding the right nasal pillow size, comfort and seal are the most important things to remember.
- Comfortable fit: Ensure that the nasal pillow fits comfortably in your nostrils.
- Snug fit: Your nasal pillows should fit snugly while remaining comfortable.
- Optimize comfort and seal: The goal is to keep your mask as loose as possible for optimal comfort while still creating a secure seal.
CPAP Nasal Pillow Sizes by Brand
ResMed AirFit P10 and P30i Sizes
Resmed P10 and P30i masks with headgear, or starter packs come with multiple size pillows to trial and find the right size and fit. Find these mask options available here: ResMed Nasal Mask with Headgear - AirFit P30i | GoCPAP
ResMed AirFit P10 Nasal Mask with Headgear | GoCPAP
Philips DreamWear Nasal Pillow Sizes
The Dreamwear Nasal Pillows mask offers 4 different size options, and has a starter pack option with multiple size pillows to try. Philips has an easy template to best find your right size. Please see the template linked here: dreamwear-masks-sizing-guide.pdf
Find these mask options available here:
Starter Pack: Philips Respironics Dreamwear Gel Nasal Pillow Mask | GoCPAP
Respironics Nasal Mask with Headgear DreamWear Gel | GoCPAP
Fisher & Paykel Brevida Sizes
The Brevida Pillows mask has 2 pillows sizing options XS/S and M/L making it a versatile fit for most users.
Find this mask option available here: Fisher & Paykel Nasal Mask with Headgear - Brevida | GoCPAP
Signs Your Nasal Pillow Doesn't Fit Right
Sore or Raw Nose
Excessive pressure on nostrils: When wearing the nasal mask, your nostrils shouldn’t feel extreme pressure.
Air Leaks (Especially at Night)
Excessive space between nose and pillow: If there is extra space between the nasal pillow and your nose, you may need to tighten your headgear or get a larger pillow size.
You can feel or hear air escaping out of the mask: If air is seeping out of the mask, you’ll need to change the size of your nasal pillows to ensure a secure seal. (Note: The venting system is constantly releasing air.)
Whistling or Pressure Loss
You can feel or hear air escaping out of the mask. If air is seeping out of the mask, you’ll need to change the size of your nasal pillows to ensure a secure seal.
How Often to Replace CPAP Nasal Pillows
One of the most common questions CPAP users ask is how often CPAP nasal pillows should be replaced. Most users replace their pillows every 2–4 weeks, but factors such as manufacturer recommendations, cleaning habits, and changes in comfort or seal quality can influence when replacement is needed.
Tips for Side Sleepers
It is best to fit your mask in your sleeping position because it may fit differently when sitting versus lying down. Lay down with the mask on and check for leaks in varying sleeping positions and when you move. Make sure the tubing doesn’t get caught when moving, which could pull on the mask.
Side Sleepers: Test your mask on both sides for a few minutes, allowing the mask to present any concerns in those positions.
Back Sleepers: We also recommend you lay in this position for at least five minutes to guarantee your mask will fit soundly at night.
Active Sleepers: Wear your mask while moving from one position to another. Is the mask getting dislodged at all during movement?
FAQs
What size CPAP nasal pillow do most people use?
Most CPAP nasal pillows come in XS, S, M, and L. Most adults fit Medium.
How tight should nasal pillows fit?
Your nasal pillows should fit snugly while remaining comfortable. The goal is to keep your mask as loose as possible for optimal comfort while still creating a secure seal.
A tight seal doesn’t mean a good seal. If you need to compromise comfort for a good seal, you have the wrong size.
Why do my nasal pillows hurt?
When wearing the nasal mask, your nostrils shouldn’t feel extreme pressure. If you have excessive pressure on your nostrils, you may need a different pillow size.
You should not have to push the pillow into your nostril. If this is the case, try a larger size.
Can I Use Vaseline With Nasal Pillows?
Vaseline is not recommended for use with CPAP nasal pillows. Water-based moisturizers and CPAP-specific nasal creams are generally better options for relieving dryness while helping maintain the integrity of your mask cushion.
Explore More CPAP Mask Options
Shop all of our makes and models to find the perfect mask for you.
Masks - Nasal Pillow - GoCPAP.com
