Ideally, your CPAP mask can accommodate the position you sleep in. If you are an active sleeper, look for a CPAP mask with a top-of-head tube connection. Mask leaks happen for a variety of reasons: poor fit, certain sleeping positions, or the age of the mask. When shopping for a CPAP mask, look for one that offers a customized fit or user-friendly adjustability features. Having a secure seal is crucial to successful sleep apnea therapy since leaks can dry out your nose and eyes , lead to dry mouth , cause sore throats , or create a pesky sound.
The best sealing CPAP mask is one that secures the seal and prevents leaks, and you may find that adding a mask liner can enhance the performance of the seal on the CPAP mask you pick. Typically, nasal pillow CPAP masks and those with low-profile designs will provide an open view. Previously, the ResMed AirMini had limited compatibility, but now, it can be used with any standardized tubing, which will work with any CPAP mask, thanks to this universal adapter.
A prescription outlines important information such as the therapy pressure you need, your replacement part schedule, and more. Wondering what types of CPAP masks are there? There are three main types of CPAP masks : full face, nasal, and nasal pillow. Other options include hybrid, oral, nasal prong, and total full face masks. CPAP masks are prescribed by your doctor based on your pressure requirements, sleep style, and budget.
You can find tons of information online about the various types of CPAP masks available, but it may be helpful to have a quick-glance overview of the three core styles to help you and your doctor determine which CPAP mask type is right for you. When shopping for a CPAP mask, consider how you breathe and sleep and which pressure settings your provider prescribed. Shopping for CPAP equipment may not be as fun as shopping for a new fishing rod or pair of heels, but we hope this article has been helpful.
On CPAP. CPAP mask leaks can be caused by poor fit, too high-pressure settings , certain sleeping positions, and even dirt debris build-up. If you continue experiencing excessive leaks after adjusting your fit, changing your sleeping position, and cleaning your mask, visit with your provider—you may need a different CPAP mask.
If you experience recurring allergies or frequent colds, a full face CPAP mask or oral CPAP mask will work best as nasal masks may not be as effective. The CPAP mask that feels most comfortable to you will not pull or drag on your skin but will let you move as needed. Work with your primary care provider or sleep specialist to determine the CPAP mask that fits you best, and feel free to inquire about additional accessories that can make CPAP compliance easier. Not only does routinely cleaning your CPAP mask keep it sanitary for everyday use, but it also helps prevent mask leaks Seriously, dirt and oil build-up can cause your mask to slip off.
Your mask should be cleaned weekly with water and a mild detergent; keep in mind that there are several products that should be avoided —including bleach, chlorine, and oil-based products—when cleaning your CPAP mask. The mask should be air-dried and completely dry before reassembly. The right CPAP mask helps provide comfortable and effective sleep apnea therapy that empowers you to stick with your sleep apnea treatment, so take your time finding the best option for your needs.
If you have narrowed down your mask selection but are still on the fence, our blog features dozens of CPAP mask reviews and articles—including comparisons of one mask style versus another—that may help inform your purchasing decision. Check out our mask buying guides below:. Learn more about full face masks and how they can benefit mouth breathers here! The beauty …. The right CPAP mask can make all the difference in your sleep therapy.
Nasal CPAP masks create an airtight seal that helps maintain ideal pressure …. Are you asking yourself which nasal pillow mask is going to give you the most comfortable sleep? Selecting a nasal pillow mask or any CPAP mask …. What is the best CPAP mask for side sleepers? CPAP machines can be noisy, but did you know there are other parts of your setup that can make a ruckus? Learn more about getting quieter sleep. Share on facebook. In many cases, it's because it's not comfortable to wear.
Therefore, it's important that your patient is comfortable with their mask. The nasal CPAP mask covers your patient's nose from the bridge to their upper lip area. This delivers an indirect airflow to the airway via the nasal mask and works well for patients who need higher pressure settings. The nasal CPAP mask offers your patients many versatile options and is a popular compromise between the bulky full face CPAP mask and the lightweight nasal pillow.
Nasal masks are popular among patients who wear CPAP masks since there are many fits and sizes available. Nasal CPAP masks do come with some downsides. They're not a great choice for patients who are mouth breathers, unless they are used with a chin-strap that keeps their jaw and mouth closed.
In some cases, users may experience some irritation from mask pressure on their forehead or the bridge of their nose. If your patient has a cold or a history of allergies, blockage of their sinuses can be a problem in the delivery of the pressure. A nasal mask may not be the best choice for your patients who find it hard to breathe through their nose due to certain medical conditions, like a deviated septum, narrowed or collapsed nasal valve, or enlarged turbinates.
Nasal pillows are a compact and lightweight option for your patient with designs that allow minimal contact with their face. They work best with prescriptions of low-to moderate pressure settings, since airflow that is direct to the nostrils may be uncomfortable at high settings. Nasal pillows rest at your patient's nostril entrance and create a seal that directs the pressurized air directly into their nose.
Nasal pillows are not ideal if your patients require higher pressure since they direct airflow into their nasal passages and this could be uncomfortable. Some patients may experience higher incidences of nosebleeds or nasal dryness due to the direct air pressure. However, if they are mouth-breathers and they prefer the nasal pillows, they can be used with a chin-strap. They cover a larger area of your patient's face to create a CPAP seal over both airways.
Although some patients may find the bulky size of these masks a bit uncomfortable , they're the perfect solution for those patients that require higher pressures or if they breathe through their mouth. Full face CPAP masks are good for patients who breathe through the mouth. Patients with frequent congestions due to cold symptoms or allergies or nasal obstructions will benefit from these masks.
Claustrophobic patients often prefer full face masks that cover their entire face, oddly enough, since they only touch the outside of their face. Full face masks work well for higher CPAP pressure settings since the wider mask surface area makes the pressure seem less direct and more tolerable to the patient. These masks are ideal for patients who sleep on their back since this position is best for an optimal air seal with a full face mask.
But, the extra support and straps help even restless sleepers keep their mask in place. Fit, size, and comfort are essential considerations when your patients are selecting a CPAP mask. If their mask isn't comfortable, doesn't fit, or doesn't meet their breathing requirements, it's likely they won't stay compliant with their CPAP therapy.
Be sure to go over the most suitable masks or alternative interfaces for your patients and let them know that there's nothing wrong with changing to a different mask later on, if needed.
Let them know that the wrong interface may lead to non-compliance to their CPAP therapy and they should work with their sleep technologist to assure the best mask for their needs.
Let your patients know they have a lot of cushion options available to them such as foam, gel, cloth, or silicone, so they can find a mask that's most comfortable for them. As with any medical disorder, when your patients are educated on CPAP therapy and are proactive in their CPAP treatment regimen, they're more likely to find success.
Encourage your patients to stay positive about their treatment. Comfort: Many people suffering from sleep apnea give up on CPAP therapy because they find the masks too cumbersome or uncomfortable. Side sleepers often complain that full face masks are too bulky and dig in uncomfortably. Tube placement relative to sleep position is an important factor since a tangled tube is more likely to cause air leaks. Combination sleepers typically do well with masks that have top-of-head tubing, which tends to stay out of the way when changing positions.
Included Components: Parts vary based on the model type, but CPAP masks commonly include cushions, headgear, tubing, clips, mask frames, and soft cloths. Skin irritation is a common complaint of those using CPAP therapy, but many masks utilize soft materials like fleece or cotton to minimize aggravation. Other common mask materials include silicone, rubber, foam, and vinyl. The headgear and chin strap will often last as long as six months.
Warranty: The average warranty for a CPAP mask is 90 days, which covers potential manufacturing defects. Some policies will replace your mask right away if a defect arises within the policy window, while other manufacturers require that you return the mask for inspection before they send a new one.
The mask is often reinforced by an additional forehead strap that rests above the eyebrows. Nasal Pillow Masks This is one of the most popular mask types for side sleepers because it has the lowest profile and is the least invasive. The mask consists of a cushion with a seal that is partially inserted into the nostrils and held in place by straps and headgear.
A nasal pillow mask should be lightweight, and because there is minimal contact with the face, side sleepers are less likely to encounter pressure or skin irritation.
Active side sleepers may find that this style is also more likely to stay in place. Full Face Masks The most sizable of the three mask varieties, a full face mask consists of a sturdy plastic frame covering the mouth and nose, which is held in place by straps and headgear. It is typically too large and bulky to be comfortable for most side sleepers, and because it requires a large seal, it is more likely to leak.
This style is recommended for people who breathe through their mouths or require higher pressures. What all factors to consider while shopping CPAP masks. Was this article helpful? Yes No. Other Articles of Interest Sleep Apnea. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website.
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