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Let's face it. Masks can be annoying. Some of them make a lot of noise, blow air into the eyes, or bother a sleeping partner. Quiet masks are well-loved among CPAP users, and this blog post has a comprehensive list of some of the quietest masks on the market today-- with customer reviews. These are some of the most-loved and highest-rated masks among CPAP users. Want to see if yours made the list? Read on to find out!
What Causes Mask Noise?
When you exhale, the pressure from your CPAP machine must be exhausted out of the mask through the ports, so the design of your mask can affect the sound. The venting of exhaled air can also disturb your spouse or sleeping partner, especially if you sleep in a position where the air blows directly on them. While many manufacturers aim to create quiet CPAP masks, some do an especially great job. Here are a few masks that have gained popularity in the CPAP community for being quiet and what people are saying about them.
Quiet CPAP Masks
Resmed AirFit P10 Nasal Pillow Mask
AirFit™ P10 - "I love it. It is so quiet and light. I could hardly believe the air was coming through, it was so gentle." - Michael, FL
Resmed AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow Mask
Representing the next generation in quiet venting technology, the Resmed AirFit™ P10 is over 50% quieter than the Swift™ FX. The most remarkable thing about this statistic is that the Swift™ FX is pretty quiet, to begin with. The AirFit™ P10 features a short tube design that allows for greater movement and flexibility while sleeping. The AirFit™ P10 is one of the most beloved and best-selling CPAP masks available, accounting for an astonishing 37% of total nasal pillow sales on CPAP.com. For most people that breathe through their nose, this mask makes it easy to fall and stay asleep. If you're trying out a few different masks, you'll definitely want to give the AirFit™ P10 a try.
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Resmed Swift FX Nasal Pillow Mask
Swift™ FX - "I have tried just about all the masks out there, and for me, this is the best I have had in 15 years. Very comfortable and noiseless."- Anonymous, GA
Resmed Swift™ FX Nasal Pillow Mask
The exhalation ports for this mask are on the sides, making the venting barely noticeable. The quiet, ergonomic design makes it easy to relax and get ready for bed. The Swift™FX features a soft silicone-based design for a light and very comfortable fit. It's gentle on the face and very light to the touch. Like its Resmed cousin, the AirFit™ P10, the Swift™ FX is a very popular and well-liked mask, accounting for 25% of Nasal Pillow sales. If you breathe through your nose, it's worth checking out!
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Resmed Quattro Air Full Face Mask
Quattro™ Air - "The new soft-edge headgear is also very comfortable, and the circular air diffuser is both quiet and unobtrusive." - Steven R, Canada
Resmed Quattro™ Air Full Face Mask
The Resmed Quattro™ Air is a very simplistic and unique design consisting of only four parts. It has a lightweight and open frame that makes it easy on the face and comfortable all night long. It features a Spring Air Cushion that is lightweight and very flexible. The dual wall design greatly reduces pressure on the face and supports the seal, making it suitable for anyone who breathes through the nose and mouth. Overall this is a very unique design, one many customers have enjoyed since its release several years ago.
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Philips Respironics Nuance & Nuance Pro Nasal Pillow Mask
Nuance & Nuance Pro - "For those who enjoy nasal pillows, this product is both comfortable and quiet."- Howard H, VA
Philips Respironics Nuance & Nuance Pro Nasal Pillow Mask
This mask represents a first of its kind in nasal pillow technology. Philips Respironics, a leading CPAP manufacturer and a pioneer in the field, introduces a nasal pillow mask that makes use of gel cushions typically found on full face masks. Gel cushions are popular because of their comfort, but you don't see it much in nasal pillow mask styles. The Nuance & Nuance Pro brings the comfort of gel technology home to a nasal pillow mask, a first of its kind in the industry when it was released several years ago. It also features a quiet venting system that helps you get a great night's sleep.
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Resmed Mirage Activa LT Nasal Mask
Mirage Activa™ LT - "This mask seals nicely to your face, and the seal doesn't break when you move your head around. The exhaust vent is very quiet."- Ken C, IN
Resmed Mirage Activa™ LT Nasal Mask
The Mirage Activa™ LT features a diffusion vent that disperses air softly and quieter than ever before. The exhalation ports are configured in a circular design that greatly reduces the audible sound of exhaled air and redirects the airflow away from your spouse or sleeping partner. This quiet venting technology is enjoyed by anyone that wants to fall asleep quickly, with few irritations or distractions.
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Fisher & Paykel Pilairo Q Nasal Pillow Mask
Pilairo Q - "Excellent product. Soft, comfortable nasal pillow and nice and quiet." - Grant L, UT
Fisher & Paykel Pilairo Q Nasal Pillow Mask
One of the biggest improvements from the original design centers on the diffuser and exhalation port of the Pilairo Q. The diffuser helps reduce noise created from air being vented through the exhalation ports, providing a better experience for your spouse or sleeping partner. The extra diffuser is an innovation that has been really effective at reducing noise and increasing overall comfort. The Pilairo Q is a mask that should be high on the list of nasal pillows to try, especially if you're testing out several different kinds of masks.
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Philips Respironics Amara View Full Face Mask
Amara View Full Face Mask - "Have used it almost a month now and it is wonderful. Comfortable, unrestricted view, little to no marks in the morning, easy to adjust. Oh, did I mention I love it?" - Anonymous, TN
Philips Respironics Amara View Full Face Mask
Features an original design that uses a rectangular opening in the nasal cushion to deliver the prescribed pressure through the nose. The mask sits below the nostrils creating an open view, and the headgear works together with the mask to create a seal below the nostrils and mouth, eliminating the need for the traditional forehead support, for a more comfortable sleep.
Shop Amara View Read Customer Reviews
Detailed Buying Guides for CPAP Masks
- Best CPAP Masks Overall
- Best CPAP Masks for Mouth Breathers
- Best CPAP Masks for Facial Hair
- The Best CPAP Masks for Side Sleepers
What Can I do to Quiet the Mask I've Got?
Don't worry if the mask you've got isn't listed above, there are a few things you can do to help quiet things down with your current setup.
Make Sure Your Mask is Sealed Properly
Make sure your mask is sealing properly. Nothing is louder or more disturbing than a mask leak. It's good practice to keep your cushion and any other part of your equipment in tip-top shape by cleaning and replacing when needed.
You can use our helpful schedule to keep track of which items need to be replaced and when.
If your cushion has been replaced and you're still getting leaks, reassess your setup and make sure your headgear is fitting properly, not too tight or too loose. For some people, certain mask types work better than others. Full face masks generally are a bit tricky to keep sealed as they have a larger surface area, nasal masks, and nasal pillows have a smaller surface and require less skin contact to remain sealed.
Position the Mask Right to Reduce Blowing Air
It's also important to make sure the mask fits in a way that the venting air doesn't blow directly on the face or your sleeping companion, as that can be distracting. Vented air also sometimes has an audible sound to it. It's important to decide if the sound of vented air is something you can live with. If not, you may want to look for a mask that is rated as being extra quiet, like the AirFit™ P10, the Swift™ FX, Pilairo Q, or the Mirage Activa LT. These masks utilize technology that reduces or dampens the sound of the vented air, and deal with it in a way that's less distracting to you or your partner.
Hose Noise
Last but not least, your hose can carry unwanted CPAP machine noise up to your mask. The Q-Tube is a device designed to be placed inline with your machine and hose to trap and muffle the sound as it passes through the hose.
Sometimes the hose itself can rub against bedposts and nightstands creating sound. If this is an issue, try a SnuggleHose to add padding to the exterior of your hose to prevent any unwanted noise. An added benefit of the SnuggleHose is that if you use a heated humidifier, the SnuggleHose can reduce the presence of condensation forming inside of the hose itself during use.
Do you have additional questions about CPAP masks? We've created a comprehensive resource about CPAP masks that will hopefully answer some of the most common questions you have about masks. Learn about the different mask types, and how to solve common problems.
CPAP therapy noise can be disturbing for you and your bed partner, but don’t get discouraged! Quiet therapy is within reach. If you need more help, feel free to join other CPAP users on CPAPTalk.
