CPAP mask liners, cushions and other accessories explained

By SnorkelMatch, last checked October 10, 2026. How we check

Around every CPAP mask sits a small catalog of parts and add-ons: replacement cushions, nasal pillows, headgear, liners, chin straps, strap covers, wipes and hose covers. Some are parts of the mask and come through your supplier; others are comfort items. Here is what each one is, what the official sources say about it, and what to check before you use it.

Open the fit finder

Fig. 1Eight items side by side: a cushion, the frame with its elbow, headgear, the hose, a fabric liner, a chin strap, strap covers, and a pack of wipes with a hose cover.

Parts of the mask itself

Replacement cushions and nasal pillows

The cushion is the soft part that touches your face and makes the seal. On a nasal pillows mask the cushion is replaced by two soft prongs; Medicare's policy article describes that kind of interface as one that “extends a short distance into the nostrils” ^[1].

Cushions and pillows are made for one mask family and come in that family's sizes. ResMed's size guide warns that “sizing across different masks is not always the same”^[2], so a replacement should match both your mask and the size your supplier fitted. They also wear fastest: Fisher & Paykel's schedule replaces its cushions every 14 or 30 days, depending on the mask, or sooner if a cushion leaks constantly, is discolored or is torn^[3]. The replacement schedule guide has the full timetable.

Headgear

The headgear is the set of straps that holds the frame on your head. The same schedule replaces it every six months, or sooner if it “stretches beyond adjustment or the hook and fasteners no longer latch”^[3]. When you fit it, Fisher & Paykel says to tighten the straps gradually and to check “that you can get one finger under each strap”^[4].

CPAP mask liners

Medicare's policy article gives a clear definition: “A liner is soft, flexible material which is placed between the patient's skin and the PAP mask interface. Liners used with a PAP mask are made of cloth, silicone or other materials.” It adds that “Liners are not interfaces”, that is, they are not a part of the mask, and it treats a liner as a comfort or convenience item with no additional payment^[1].

Fisher & Paykel lists a liner as one of three ways to put a barrier between your mask and your skin, next to “a barrier cream” and “a gel pad”^[4]. Because a liner sits exactly where the seal forms, two checks make sense:

Read your mask's user instructions, or ask your supplier, before putting anything between the cushion and your skin.
Check the fit again with the liner in place. Fisher & Paykel says to “Lie in your preferred sleeping position to make final adjustments”^[4].

Liners come up most often with marks on the face. That guide covers the things to check before a liner: strap tension, mask size and a worn cushion.

Chin straps

A chin strap is a band that goes under the jaw and over the head, meant to help keep the mouth closed. Fisher & Paykel's troubleshooting guide says “mouth breathers can experience aerophagia when they use nasal masks. If this is happening to you, consider changing your mask style or wearing a chin strap.” ^[5] Which of the two suits you is a question for your provider. The mouth breathers guide has the questions to ask.

CPAP strap covers

Strap covers are soft sleeves that slip over the headgear straps. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine says marks or sores “are often due to a poor mask fit”, and that “it also may be helpful to buy soft CPAP strap covers” to reduce the rubbing of the straps against your skin^[6]. The first step it names is making sure the straps are not too tight.

CPAP mask wipes and cleaning

Fisher & Paykel says “A common cause of mask irritations and rashes is a buildup of bacteria created by dirt and oil from your skin”, and tells you to always check the user instructions that come with your mask on how to clean it^[7]. That matters for wipes: use only what your mask's instructions allow on the cushion. The AASM suggests a fixed routine: “Clean your mask, tubing and headgear once a week.” ^[6] The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute adds: “Clean your mask and wash your face before you put on the mask.”^[8]

Hose covers

A hose cover is a fabric sleeve that slips over the CPAP tubing. None of the official sources we read say anything about hose covers, so we make no claims for them. If you use one, it is one more item to keep clean along with the tubing.

CPAP pillows

Not a mask part, but often bought with one. Among small adjustments for comfort, the AASM says you “can try using a special bed pillow that is shaped for a CPAP mask and tubing”^[6]. The side sleepers guide explains why the pillow matters to the seal.

What goes through your supplier

The mask is a prescription device. The Sleep Foundation says “CPAP masks technically require a prescription”, and that you need a CPAP prescription “to purchase some CPAP accessories like masks and humidifiers”^[9]. For Medicare, the order must include “the type(s) of supplies ordered and the approximate quantity to be used per unit of time”^[1]. The NHLBI reminds you to “refill prescriptions on time for all of the device's parts that need to be replaced regularly” ^[8].

Before you add any part or accessory, check:

It is made for your exact mask family and size, where that applies.
Your mask's user instructions allow it.
The mask still seals and feels comfortable, lying down, with it in place.
Your supplier or plan covers it, if you expect them to.

In the US, CPAP masks are prescription medical devices (labeled “Rx only”): a mask is ordered through your doctor and fitted by your equipment supplier. We do not sell anything, and we never suggest buying a mask without a prescription. Why masks need a prescription.

Still choosing a type? The fit finder and the mask quiz explain what each type asks of your face and sleep, with questions for your supplier.

Questions people ask

What are CPAP mask liners?

Medicare's policy article defines a liner as soft, flexible material placed between your skin and the mask, made of cloth, silicone or other materials. It is not a part of the mask itself, and the article treats it as a comfort or convenience item. Check your mask maker's instructions before adding one, and check the fit again with it in place.

What are CPAP mask covers?

The phrase is used for two different things: fabric liners that sit between your skin and the cushion, and soft covers that slip over the headgear straps. The AASM mentions soft strap covers to reduce the rubbing of the straps against your skin.

Can I clean my CPAP mask with wipes?

Check the user instructions that came with your mask first: one maker says to always check them for how to clean the product. Wipes do not replace the regular cleaning the instructions describe; the AASM suggests cleaning your mask, tubing and headgear once a week.

What does a CPAP chin strap do?

It is a band worn under the jaw, meant to help keep the mouth closed. One maker's troubleshooting guide says mouth breathers can swallow air with nasal masks, and suggests considering a different mask style or a chin strap. Ask your provider which of the two fits your case.

Do you need a prescription for CPAP accessories?

For the mask, yes: the Sleep Foundation says CPAP masks technically require a prescription and that you also need one for some accessories like masks and humidifiers. Comfort items such as liners are a different category; Medicare does not pay extra for them. Ask your supplier what applies to each item.

Sources

[1]
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), DME MACs: Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) Devices for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Policy Article A52467
"The order must include the type(s) of supplies ordered and the approximate quantity to be used per unit of time. A new order is required if there is an increase in the quantity of the supply used per month and/or the type of supply used."; A7033 is "a replacement nasal cannula-type interface. This interface extends a short distance into the nostrils."; "A liner is soft, flexible material which is placed between the patient's skin and the PAP mask interface. Liners used with a PAP mask are made of cloth, silicone or other materials. Liners are not interfaces for use with a PAP mask."; "A liner used in conjunction with a PAP mask is considered comfort/convenience item. There is no additional payment for liners used with a PAP mask."; "Accessories are separately reimbursable at the time of initial issue and when replaced"; records "must support the need to replace the accessory" Read on 2026-10-10.
[2]
ResMed (manufacturer): CPAP mask template and size guide
"The use of these templates is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional, sleep technician or equipment supplier."; "ensure you are printing at the actual size by turning off all page scaling"; "If you can only get a good seal by tightening the mask until it's uncomfortable, then you may have the wrong size of mask."; "sizing across different masks is not always the same"; "a mask that fits well when you're sitting up might not fit so well when you're lying down"; "you should fit your mask in your usual sleeping position"; "Your mask should be as loose as possible while still creating a seal." Read on 2026-10-10.
[3]
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare (manufacturer): Mask CPAP parts replacement schedule
Cushion: "Replace every fourteen days" (its nasal and nasal pillows masks) or "every thirty days" (its full-face masks) "or if the cushion begins to leak constantly, becomes discolored or is torn"; Frame: "Replace every three months or if the frame becomes discolored or cracked"; Headgear: "Replace every six months or if the headgear becomes discolored, stretches beyond adjustment or the hook and fasteners no longer latch." Read on 2026-10-10.
[4]
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare (manufacturer): How do I fit my CPAP mask correctly?
"Your breathing style, sleep position and facial features can change the fit and seal of your mask."; "Aside from nasal pillows, most CPAP masks come with sizing guides"; "Loosen the straps, place them over your head and then tighten them gradually."; "Check that you can get one finger under each strap – loosen if necessary."; "Lie in your preferred sleeping position to make final adjustments."; "A too-tight mask can distort the shape of components and cause leaks."; "Use a barrier on your skin ... a barrier cream, mask liner or gel pad"; signs of a poor fit: air "around your eyes, nose or mouth", noise, pain, "excessive lines, red marks or bruises"; "A nasal mask could be the best option if you breathe through your nose during sleep."; "There's no one mask that's best for everyone."; a full-face mask has "straps typically around your head and chin"; a noisy mask "can be a sign of an insecure seal and air draft"; "ensure that the headgear is adjusted to the same setting on each side" Read on 2026-10-10.
[5]
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare (manufacturer): Troubleshooting guide for CPAP users
"mouth breathers can experience aerophagia when they use nasal masks. If this is happening to you, consider changing your mask style or wearing a chin strap."; "Waking up with dry, irritated eyes is a sign of excessive mask leak."; "Test how it feels while lying in the position you normally sleep in."; claustrophobia: "You may be better suited to a nasal, nasal cradle or nasal pillows mask. These have less facial coverage"; "we are unable to provide you with medical advice".; aerophagia "causes gas, stomach aches, bloating and belching" and the advice is to "Check your CPAP pressure with your healthcare professional"; "An ill-fitting mask can cause unacceptable levels of air leakage and that too can have a drying effect."; skin problems from "a buildup of sweat, oil, and dead skin cells accumulating on your mask and tubing" Read on 2026-10-10.
[6]
American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), Sleep Education: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
"The CPAP mask may cover only your nose or both your nose and mouth. Another option is to use nasal pillows, which fit in your nostrils. Some other masks fit snugly under your nose."; "The mask must make a seal in order to keep your airway open through the night."; "Your sleep doctor will determine the amount of air pressure needed"; nasal mask: "the most common type of CPAP mask"; full face: "may cover your nose and mouth or may sit under your nose and cover your mouth. This type of mask may help if you have air leaks when using a nasal mask."; nasal pillows: "may help if you have air leaks or don't like the feeling of a mask over your nose and face."; marks or sores "are often due to a poor mask fit"; "Make sure your mask straps aren't too tight. It also may be helpful to buy soft CPAP strap covers"; "If the mask is too big, the straps holding it to your face will need to be pulled tightly"; "A mask that is too small will not seal properly and air will leak out through the edges. The air may blow into your eyes."; "try using a special bed pillow that is shaped for a CPAP mask and tubing"; "Begin using your CPAP for short periods of time during the day while you watch TV or read."; "Clean your mask, tubing and headgear once a week."; "Sometimes a mask style change is necessary to prevent dry nose, mouth or sore throat." Read on 2026-10-10.
[7]
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare (manufacturer): Why am I waking up with CPAP mask marks on my face?
"If you are concerned about pressure marks, you may wish to consider using masks that have a smaller footprint on your face, such as a nasal mask and nasal pillows mask."; "Try not to overtighten your mask as this can cause leaks and marks on the face."; "A common cause of mask irritations and rashes is a buildup of bacteria created by dirt and oil from your skin." Read on 2026-10-10.
[8]
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), NIH: Living With Sleep Apnea
Talk to your provider if "You feel claustrophobic or are bothered by the noise" or "Your mask does not stay on or fit well, or it leaks air"; "Your provider may ask you to try different masks or nasal pillows"; "Clean your mask and wash your face before you put on the mask."; "Be sure to refill prescriptions on time for all of the device's parts that need to be replaced regularly, including the tubes, masks, and air filters." Read on 2026-10-10.
[9]
Sleep Foundation: Do you need a prescription for a CPAP machine?
"You need a doctor's prescription to purchase a CPAP machine and face mask."; "CPAP masks technically require a prescription, but most suppliers will accept your CPAP prescription for both the machine and mask."; "you'll also need a CPAP prescription to purchase some CPAP accessories like masks and humidifiers." Read on 2026-10-10.

Last checked October 10, 2026. General information from official sources, not medical advice. Sleep apnea is diagnosed and treated by a doctor; do not change your pressure or settings yourself, and talk to your sleep doctor or equipment supplier before changing masks. CPAP masks are prescription devices; we sell nothing.