CPAP Mask Sizing Guide 2026

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.

If you prefer a more visual guide, please refer to the video below.

Understanding CPAP Mask Sizes

There isn’t a specific standard for CPAP mask sizing, which means that mask sizes differ across brands. A medium for a ResMed nasal mask may correspond to a large or a small in a Fisher & Paykel nasal mask.

To make this even more complicated, mask sizes can also vary within the same brand. Sizes can change slightly from one model to the next so there’s no guarantee you’ll always use the same size.

How are CPAP mask sizes determined?

All CPAP masks, whether nasal, full face, or nasal pillow, contain the following parts:

Frame
Cushion
Headgear
Elbow swivel or short tubing with 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.

What are the different CPAP mask sizes?

Typical mask sizes range from small, medium, to large. However, some masks, such as the DreamWear Silicone Nasal Pillow Mask offer in-between sizes such as medium-wide, while the ResMed AirFit N30i Nasal Cradle Mask, offers sizes such as small-wide.

There are also CPAP masks designed to accommodate individuals at the opposite ends of the size spectrum, offering petite/extra small and extra large cushions. Extra small cushions typically come with CPAP masks designed specifically for women while extra large sizes are usually only available in a select few full face masks.

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 (you can find it on the "Resources" section of each mask). We’ve organized our collection 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.

Nasal CPAP Mask Sizing Gauges

If you don't see your preferred model in the list, don't worry!

Some models share the same Sizing Gauge. Contact our experts here to know more.

Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask Sizing Gauges

Pillow size depends on nostril size as well as personal preference. The tips of the nasal pillows should sit in the nostrils and the base of the nasal pillows should rest comfortably under the nose.

Most Nasal Pillow models doesn't include a sizing gauge. In those cases, the option of buying a Fit Pack could be the best, specially for first-time users. We will explore that option next. If you choose that option (or you want to try an specific size), you can follow the nasal pillow sizing tips below to find your best size.

Insert the nasal pillow tips into your nostrils, making sure the bases of the nasal pillows rest under your nose.
Do not push the bases of the nasal pillows into your nose.
Try out each size so you don’t miss out on your best fit.

Full Face CPAP Mask Sizing Gauges

Same as with the other models, if you don't see the one you want on the list, don't worry!

Some models share the same Sizing Gauge. Contact our experts here to know more.

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!

What if My CPAP Mask Isn’t the Right Size?

Unfortunately, mask sizing templates can sometimes be misleading. They are generic sizing templates after all, and everyone’s facial features are unique.

Fortunately, if you purchased your mask from RespShop and discovered your “correct size” is actually incorrect, our CPAP Mask 60-Day Mask Guarantee Program ensures you don’t end up paying for a mask you can’t use.

Simply contact RespShop customer service and let them know your CPAP mask (purchased within the last 60 days) is a poor fit. We’ll happily provide you with 100% store credit for the amount you paid for that mask, no questions asked.

You can use your store credit towards a different mask or size. Please bear in mind that each customer is entitled to two mask returns for store credit once every six months.

The Takeaway

Finding your right CPAP mask size might appear challenging at first due to variations in mask sizes across different brands and even within the same brand. However, by using mask-specific sizing gauges and choosing CPAP masks that come as fit packs, it is entirely possible to accurately find your ideal CPAP mask without visiting a sleep clinic or a brick-and-mortar CPAP supply store. With a little patience and the right resources, every CPAP user can find their ideal mask size conveniently at home.

Should you encounter any difficulties while sizing your CPAP mask, our customer service team is here to help!

Our customer service team consists of medical staff with years of experience helping patients adjust to CPAP therapy. They are available by phone, email and online chat to answer your questions about mask sizing and fitting. They can also provide mask recommendations – they’re that good!