While the CPAP machine provides the life-saving pressure used to treat obstructive sleep apnea, the fit, feel, and reliability of your mask will likely determine if you stick with your CPAP therapy.

An uncomfortable mask, or one that doesn’t provide a good seal because of ill fit or style, will turn a person off. Full-face, nasal, nasal pillow and now nasal cradle masks allow a patient find a mask that suits their sleeping style, their breathing habits, and their facial structure. Add to that the sheer number of manufacturers and models/styles of each type, and you have a veritable boat load from which to find the mask that is perfect for you.

I’m a “nose breather” on most occasions and typically only breathe through my mouth when I’m congested. My sleep doctor fit me with a ResMed AirFit N20 nasal mask (size medium, to my relief), and it only cost…