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CPAP mask size chart: how official sizing guides work

By SnorkelMatch, last checked . How we check

Search for a CPAP mask size chart and you will find S, M and L, but no single chart that works for every mask. Each maker sizes each mask family on its own and publishes a guide for it. This page explains how those guides work, when to ask your supplier, and links to the official ones. We link to the makers’ documents; we never copy a template or its dimensions.

Open the fit finder

How a printable sizing guide worksLeft: a printed page with a ruler strip at the top and a gauge outlined with a dotted cut line. A ruler is laid against the printed ruler to check it was printed at actual size. Right: the cut-out gauge held under the nose of a face, with three size notches.SMLPrint at 100 %ruler must match rulerGauge to the facewhere that guide says
Fig. 1Left: a printed sizing guide with a ruler strip at the top, checked against a real ruler, and a gauge outlined for cutting. Right: the cut-out gauge held under the nose, with three size notches.

Why there is no universal CPAP mask size chart

A size letter only means something inside one mask family. ResMed’s troubleshooting guide says it plainly: “sizing across different masks is not always the same”, and it suggests talking to your clinician to have your face checked against the sizing tool or fitting template[1]. ResMed’s template page repeats the point and adds that the templates are “not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional, sleep technician or equipment supplier”[2].

Size is also only part of fit. Fisher & Paykel’s fitting article notes that “your breathing style, sleep position and facial features can change the fit and seal of your mask”, and that, aside from nasal pillows, most CPAP masks come with sizing guides[3]. So the useful question is not “what size am I?” but “what size am I in this mask family?”

The makers do not even measure the same part of the face. A full face guide may span from the bridge of the nose to below the lower lip, while a guide for a mask that seals under the nose is held against the underside of the nose. That is why this page links to each guide instead of drawing one chart.

How the printable CPAP mask size guides work

The steps are much the same from one maker to the next. The details that matter are in the guide for your exact mask.

  1. Print at actual size. Fisher & Paykel’s guides say to select “Actual size” and not “Fit” in the printer settings[4]. ResMed asks you to turn off all page scaling[2], and Philips to print “at 100%”[5].
  2. Check the printed ruler. Lay a real ruler on the printed scale: “ensure they measure the same”[4]. ResMed’s templates carry a “Sample size check” ruler for this[6]. If the two do not match, one Fisher & Paykel guide says to contact your healthcare provider[4].
  3. Cut along the dotted line, as the template shows[6].
  4. Hold it where the guide says (see below), using a mirror or asking someone at home to help, as Fisher & Paykel suggests[4].
  5. Note the family and the size and take both to your supplier. ResMed’s how-to ends with: “Now you know which size to request from your CPAP equipment provider.”[7]

Full face templates

ResMed’s how-to for its AirFit F20 full face mask aligns the arrow on the printed guide with the bridge of the nose and reads the size at the indent of the chin, just below the bottom lip. The same page describes measuring that distance with a ruler and asks you to use “a rigid measuring tool”[7].

Guides held under the nose

Fisher & Paykel’s printable guides for its Evora full face and Evora nasal masks tell you to “hold the guide so that it presses against the underside of your nose” and choose the size that best fits[4].

Nasal cushion gauges

Philips’ guide for one nasal cushion has you place a fitting gauge on your nose and read the size where the outer edge of the nostrils and the tip of the nose touch it. Its tip: “use the smallest cushion that fits your nose.” Philips also recommends consulting a physician or a registered sleep therapist when fitting a mask[5].

Nasal pillows

Pillows are the usual exception to printable guides[3]. If they do not sit well, ResMed’s guide suggests trying another pillow size or talking to your medical equipment provider[1].

Size it, then fit it lying down

A template gives you a starting size. The fit is checked on the mask, in bed. ResMed explains that “a mask that fits well when you’re sitting up might not fit so well when you’re lying down”, because facial muscles relax, and says “you should fit your mask in your usual sleeping position”[2]. Fisher & Paykel’s steps end the same way: lie in your preferred sleeping position to make final adjustments, and check that you can get one finger under each strap[3].

Headgear strap tensionTwo faces wearing a full face mask. Left, straps too tight: the cushion is pressed flat and red lines show where it marks the bridge of the nose and the cheeks. Right, straps snug: one finger slides under each strap.Too tightcushion flattens, marksSnugone finger under each strap
Fig. 2Two faces wearing a full face mask. Left: straps too tight press the cushion flat, with red lines at the bridge of the nose and the cheeks. Right: snug straps, with one finger sliding under each strap.

Tightness is the clue that the size is wrong. ResMed: “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.”[2] The American Academy of Sleep Medicine describes both directions: a mask that is too big needs straps pulled tightly, and one that is too small “will not seal properly”, so air leaks out through the edges and may blow into your eyes[8]. If that sounds familiar, our guides on leaks and on fitting a mask for side sleeping go further.

When to ask your supplier

  • The printed ruler does not match a real ruler.
  • You land between two sizes, or different guides disagree.
  • The mask only seals when the straps are tight, or it leaves marks.
  • You are thinking about another type or another family.

ResMed’s advice for a mask that may be the wrong size is to talk to your clinician and have your face checked against the fitting template[1]. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute lists a mask that “does not stay on or fit well, or it leaks air” among the reasons to talk to your provider, who “may ask you to try different masks or nasal pillows”[9].

Official CPAP mask sizing guides by maker

The table lists each maker’s own guide by mask family, with the maker’s category for it and the date we checked the link. Use the guide for the exact family your supplier offers. A magnet mark means the family appears on the FDA’s January 2024 list of masks with magnets[10].

ResMed

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare

Philips Respironics

Every link above opened (HTTP 200) when we checked it on 2026-10-10.

Sizing guides are the makers' own documents, linked as checked on 2026-10-10; makers change them. S, M and L differ from one mask family to the next. Fitting is done with your equipment supplier, and we do not guarantee fit. Brand names belong to their owners; no affiliation, sponsorship or endorsement.

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.

Next steps

Not sure which type to size for? The fit finder asks about breathing, sleeping position, facial hair and glasses and returns mask types to ask about, with the reasons. The mask quiz asks the same questions one at a time. Our guide to mask types explains where each type seals.

Questions people ask

Is there a universal CPAP mask size chart?

No. Each maker sizes each mask family on its own, and ResMed’s troubleshooting guide notes that sizing across different masks is not always the same. Use the official guide for the exact mask family, and check the result with your equipment supplier.

How do I measure my face for a CPAP mask?

Use the maker’s printable guide for that mask: print it at actual size, check its printed ruler against a real one, cut it out and hold it where the guide says. ResMed’s how-to for one full face family reads the size from the bridge of the nose to the indent just below the lower lip; Fisher & Paykel’s guides press against the underside of the nose.

What if I am between two sizes on the template?

Ask your supplier rather than guessing. One maker’s nasal cushion guide advises using the smallest cushion that fits your nose, but that advice belongs to that guide, not to every mask. ResMed adds that if you can only get a seal by tightening the mask until it is uncomfortable, you may have the wrong size.

Why does my CPAP mask fit sitting up but leak lying down?

ResMed explains that facial muscles change when you lie down and relax further when you are asleep, so a mask that fits sitting up may not fit as well lying down. Both ResMed and Fisher & Paykel say to make the final adjustments in your usual sleeping position.

Do nasal pillows have a sizing guide?

Often not a printable one: Fisher & Paykel notes that, aside from nasal pillows, most CPAP masks come with sizing guides. If pillows feel loose or leak, ResMed’s troubleshooting guide suggests trying another pillow size or talking to your medical equipment provider.

Sources

  1. [1]
    ResMed (manufacturer): Patient Information Guide: Mask Troubleshooting

    "sizing across different masks is not always the same. Talk to your clinician to have your face size checked against the sizing tool/fitting template."; leaks at the bridge of the nose, eyes or lip: "Gently pull the cushion away from the face to reinflate it."; "Leak in eyes: Top straps"; "Leak on lip: Bottom straps"; "Cushion membrane is creased or folded"; "Headgear straps are too tight: Adjust straps evenly."; nasal pillows: "Re-seat the pillows by positioning them just inside the entrance of the nostrils ... Do not overtighten." Read on 2026-10-10.

  2. [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. [3]
    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.

  4. [4]
    Fisher & Paykel Healthcare (manufacturer): Printable mask sizing guides

    "Ensure you select “Actual size” and not “Fit” in the printer settings."; "Place your ruler on the scale below and ensure they measure the same."; "Hold the guide so that it presses against the underside of your nose."; other guides: "If they don’t, please contact your healthcare provider."; "Use a mirror or ask someone at home to assist you with sizing." Read on 2026-10-10.

  5. [5]
    Philips Respironics (manufacturer): Nasal cushion sizing guide (PDF)

    "Print out this Adobe PDF File at 100% on your printer."; "Place the fitting gauge on your nose"; "For the best performance, use the smallest cushion that fits your nose."; "Philips Respironics always recommends consulting a physician or registered Sleep Therapist in fitting a mask to ensure a proper sizing and fit."; "Determine the appropriate size where the outer edge of your nostrils and tip of your nose contact the fitting gauge." Read on 2026-10-10.

  6. [6]
    ResMed (manufacturer): Full face mask fitting templates (PDF)

    "Please ensure the template is printed to scale"; "Cut out along dotted line"; "Refer to diagram on template to determine appropriate cushion size"; each template prints its actual size and a "Sample size check" ruler. Read on 2026-10-10.

  7. [7]
    ResMed (manufacturer): How to measure your ideal mask size (one full face mask family)

    "Measure from the bridge of your nose to the indent on your chin (just below your bottom lip)."; "please try to use a rigid measuring tool"; with the printed template: "Align the arrow on the sizing guide to the bridge of your nose."; "Now you know which size to request from your CPAP equipment provider." Read on 2026-10-10.

  8. [8]
    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.

  9. [9]
    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.

  10. [10]
    U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Certain masks for BiPAP, CPAP machines recalled due to safety issue with magnets: FDA Safety Communication, January 18, 2024

    The masks "have magnets that can cause potential injuries or death when the magnets interfere with certain implanted metallic medical devices or metallic objects in the body"; Class I recall; "Stop use of the recalled mask and switch to a non-magnetic mask, if available, if you have any of the implanted metallic medical devices or metallic objects (listed below) in your body. This recommendation also applies if anyone in close physical contact with the mask has" one; "Ensure the recalled mask is kept at least six inches away from the listed implanted metallic medical devices"; "Consult with your health care provider"; "You may continue to use the recalled mask if neither you nor anyone in close physical contact with the mask have any of the implanted metallic medical devices or metallic objects"; the list includes "Implantable cardioverter defibrillators", "Metallic stents", "Neurostimulators", "Cerebral spinal fluid shunts", "Ocular implants", "Certain contact lenses with metal", cochlear implants and "Implantable ports and pumps (such as insulin pumps)"; risks listed for pacemakers, defibrillators, shunts, aneurysm clips and neurostimulators; "Six injuries have been reported ... There have been no reports of deaths."; affected full face and nasal families are listed on the page.; the injury reports involved "an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, a cochlear implant, a cerebrospinal fluid shunt, and brain and dental implants"; "ResMed is making replacement masks without magnets available to mask providers." Read on 2026-10-10.

Related guides

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.