What Are the Different Types of CPAP Masks?

• Nasal CPAP Masks — cover the nose only
• Nasal Pillow CPAP Masks — sit at the entrance of the nostrils
• Hybrid CPAP Masks — combine nasal pillow and mouth coverage
• Full Face CPAP Masks — cover both the nose and mouth
• Nasal Prong CPAP Masks — a compact nasal pillow variant

Not sure which type fits your needs? Browse all CPAP Masks or reach out to our customer service team for guidance based on your prescription and sleep style.

When and How Should I Clean My Mask?

Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines included with your mask's packaging, or check the manufacturer's website for model-specific instructions. Below are general considerations that apply to most silicone and gel mask cushions.

Daily Cleaning

Wash the mask system with warm, soapy water. Don't use scented soaps — plain Ivory® liquid soap or baby shampoo are good options. Rinse well and let the mask air dry out of direct sunlight.

Weekly Cleaning

Separate the mask components and headgear, and hand wash each piece in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and let everything air dry out of direct sunlight.

Important Exception: Memory Foam Cushions

If your mask uses a memory foam cushion (such as the ResMed AirTouch F20), do not wash it with soap and water the way you would a silicone or gel cushion. Foam cushions should only be wiped down with a cloth or CPAP-safe wipe and cannot be soaked or submerged — water exposure damages the foam. Check your specific mask's manual to confirm whether your cushion is foam or silicone/gel before cleaning.

What to Avoid

• Never use solutions containing vinegar, bleach, chlorine, alcohol, aromatics, moisturizers, antibacterial agents, or scented oils on any part of the mask system or tubing — these can damage the material and shorten the product's life.
• Never expose any part of the mask or tubing to direct sunlight, which can cause the material to deteriorate.
• If any component shows visible deterioration (cracking, tears, etc.), discard and replace it rather than continuing to use it.
• Most headgear can be washed without disassembling it.
• Dye used in some manufacturers' headgear may run during the first wash — this is normal and not a sign of a defect.

How Often Should I Replace My Cushion?

Replace your mask cushion periodically, since a worn cushion becomes less effective at maintaining a seal. Cushion lifespan depends on how often you use it, the oils from your skin, and how well you clean it — inspecting your mask routinely helps you catch problems before they affect your therapy.

To get the longest life out of your cushion, wash your face each night before putting on your mask, and clean your mask after each use with only mild, unscented soap — nothing with perfumes, moisturizers, antibacterial agents, or bleach. Always dry your mask and cushion out of direct sunlight.

Poor performance is often the first sign a cushion needs replacing. Check for small tears or pinholes that could cause a leak. Pets and children have both been known to damage cushions left within reach, so it's worth keeping your mask somewhere secure between uses, and out of direct sunlight during the day.

How Often Should I Replace My Headgear?

Headgear needs periodic replacement too. Like cushions, its lifespan depends on use, skin oils, and how well it's cared for. Wash your headgear at least once a week and dry it out of direct sunlight; if you have oily skin or hair, you may need to wash it more often to maintain a good fit and keep the material from breaking down prematurely.

What Do I Do If My Mask Is Leaking?

A mask leak can point to a few different issues:

• Incorrect adjustment
• Incorrect assembly
• Incorrect size
• A worn-out mask that needs replacing

Follow the manufacturer's fitting instructions for your specific mask, since different mask types and materials fit differently. Many ResMed masks, for example, use an air seal design that relies on airflow from your machine to create a slight suction — fitting these masks should always be done with the machine turned on, and they perform best with minimal headgear tension. Over-tightening an air-seal mask often makes leaks worse, not better. Other materials, like foam or gel, rely more on a tension seal and can perform well when tightened somewhat more. Some masks combine both an air-seal and tension-seal design.

Many manufacturers publish mask-specific fitting videos and tips on their websites, and several are also available for individual masks throughout our site.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace my CPAP mask cushion?

There's no single fixed number, since it depends on use and care, but many users replace their cushion every 1 to 3 months. Watch for reduced seal, visible wear, or discoloration as the real signal it's time, rather than relying on a strict calendar.

Can I wash my CPAP mask with regular dish soap?

Mild, unscented soap like plain Ivory® liquid soap or baby shampoo is recommended. Avoid scented dish soaps, antibacterial soaps, and anything containing moisturizers, since these can leave residue or degrade the mask material over time.

Can I clean my mask with vinegar?

No. Vinegar, along with bleach, chlorine, alcohol, and scented oils, can damage mask materials and shorten the product's lifespan. Stick to mild soap and water instead.

Why does my mask leak even though I tightened it?

Over-tightening is a common cause of leaks, especially on air-seal style masks like many ResMed designs, which rely on airflow rather than tension to seal. If tightening further hasn't helped, check that the mask is correctly sized and assembled, and consider whether the cushion is due for replacement.

Can I wash a memory foam CPAP cushion?

No. Memory foam cushions should only be wiped down, never washed or soaked in water. Washing damages the foam. Check your mask's documentation to confirm your cushion material before cleaning.

Do I need to turn my machine on to fit an air-seal mask?

Yes, for masks that use an air-seal design (many ResMed masks fall into this category), fitting should be done with the machine running, since the seal depends on airflow rather than tension alone.