Generally, a wide array of CPAP masks is available on the market, specifically for people with OSA or obstructive sleep apnea. Therefore, the process can be highly overwhelming, especially if it is your first time doing it.
Therefore, finding the best mask for your needs, sleeping position, and lifestyle will help you fight obstructive apnea. You should know that people who wore them that fit felt better experience and less discomfort, meaning they could tolerate high-pressure therapies. As soon as you click here, you will understand everything about CPAP.
That is why we created this guide, which will help you understand each step and avoid confusion about the CPAP mask types you can find on the market. It would be best if you stayed with us to learn more about them. Let us start from the beginning.
Things to Know About CPAP Mask
Remembering that it will help you get the pressurized air into the airways as part of therapy. It would be best if you connected it to a CPAP machine by using tubing or a hose, meaning you can choose a wide array of materials, sizes, and styles depending on your preferences.
The job is to provide you with an airtight seal so that the pressure will remain the same as it goes down your airway. A traditional option will go over your nose and feature triangular cushion, but you can find the ones that will rest underneath it, or encompass both mouth and nose. Some of them will cover your entire face.
The one you prefer should not be too tight because it may cause sores to your face and require consistent adjustments, which is not something you need. Therefore, you should know that most CPAP masks feature three essential components:
- Frame – The frame can help you hold the cushion and allow you to attach it to a headgear. It is vital to remember that most common options use either magnetic or regular clips to hold everything in place. Some feature quick-release clips, meaning you can remove them without readjusting them.
- Cushions –Cushions will provide a tight seal, reducing air leaks and providing additional comfort. We can differentiate a few options you can choose from, while the most common options are inflatable, silicone, foam, and gel. The best ones will allow you to maintain a proper seal while being comfortable at the same time. That way, you can change sleeping positions with ease.
- Material –Another important consideration is choosing the material you will find comfortable,mainly because it will rub and touch your face while sleeping. You can find a wide array of skin irritation solutions such as cloth mask liners and fabric wraps, which will provide you with significant comfort.
Check out this guide: https://www.wikihow.com/Adjust-to-Wearing-a-CPAP-Mask to learn everything about wearing a CPAP mask.
The Most Common Types of CPAP Masks
1. Full Face
Full face masks will seal around your mouth and nose, while cushions will come in the form of a triangle, and you can place them using four-point headgear. They are perfect for people who breathe through the mouth and do not wish to use nasal counterparts.
The full-face option comes with main disadvantage is its bulky and heavy appearance, mainly because they cover both the mouth and nose. The most common reasons people use them include the following:
- You have chronic allergies or sinus issues, meaning you cannot breathe through your nose
- You open your mouth during sleep, meaning you will need a more effective way than chinstrap
2. Nasal Mask
Of course, irritations can happen on the bridge of your nose, which is essential to remember. On the other hand, you can choose nasal CPAP masks, which will sit on the bridge of your nose and cover it completely or only the bottom half. You can hold it in place by using four-point headgear to attach it to the frame.
They are trendy because of their minimalistic appearance and nature. However, mouth breathing can lead to dry throat and mouth, which can pose a problem to some people. You can easily handle this problem using chin strap CPAP masks to hold it during sleep. However, you may need a full-face counterpart to offer you the best action.
At the same time, it is not for people with nasal congestion or allergies because it may lead to potential obstruction and deviated septum.