Abstract: A holder for nasal pillow as used for respiration in the treatment of sleep apnea, is arranged to enclose the mask substantially continuously along its longitudinal axis or axial length, stabilizing the mask against the nose breathing passage openings. The holder is held in position by a soft, deformable, or flexible strap. The flexible strap, which conforms to the contour or shape of the wearer's face, directs the force holding the nasal pillow in place along the facial contour, without causing any deformation of the face tissue and sleep interfering discomfort.