You can find a variety of CPAP masks and headgear to treat your sleep apnea. Every person has different needs, so it is important to try out many fronts before you find the one that suits you best. You may have been a specific size in a CPAP nose mask manufacturer, but that does not mean you will be the same in other brands.
Here are some masks and their benefits. To ensure that you get the strapless CPAP mask that is right for you, consult your doctor and CPAP mask manufacturers.
Nasal Pillow CPAP Masks
In the past few years, CPAP nasal pillows have been very popular. They are similar to nasal masks and can be used by patients who have a closed mouth and can exhale through the nose. The nasal pillows are small and come in two pieces. They look a lot like mushroom caps. The pillows are designed to fit comfortably into the nostrils. They attach to an adaptor which fastens to the CPAP tubing. Instead of wearing a triangular mask, which rests on the nose, cheeks, and upper lip. Patients with allergies to interface materials and claustrophobia, as well as patients with mustaches or beards, as well as those with a narrower nose bridge and shorter faces, prefer nasal pillows over a mask. The pillows don’t rest directly on the areas above.
Patients who require positive ventilation therapy have innovative devices that allow them to talk, eat, drink, and use their eyeglasses. The nasal inserts are placed in the nares of the patient’s nose and the under-nose reservoir is placed across their upper lips. The tubing drapes over the patient’s ears like a nasal cannula. It stabilizes the under-nose reservoir by the lightweight “Y” coupling. This rests on the patient’s chest and eliminates the need for headgear or straps. The Pillow Mask is usually made of a sturdy plastic frame, which supports the soft nasal pillow cushions and attaches to adjustable headscarves.
Nasal Masks
CPAP patients most commonly use nasal masks. They are triangular-shaped and rest comfortably over the nose. A forehead strap or pad rests above the eyebrow for added stability. The nasal mask should be used if your CPAP setting exceeds 10 cmh20. For CPAP users who sleep with their mouths shut and can exhale through their nares, the Nasal Mask is recommended. The Nasal Mask is comfortable and easy to use. It also provides constant pressure, which prevents the user’s airway from frothing. This reduces the risk of developing apnea. A Full Face Mask is preferable to the smaller interface. Nasal Masks are a better option for patients who find Nasal pillows uncomfortable under higher pressures.
The Nasal Mask is usually made of a strong plastic frame, which supports a soft nose pillow and attaches to adjustable headgear.
Full-Face CPAP Mask
Full Face Masks protect both your mouth and nose. A Full Face Mask is better than a nasal mask if you have problems with your mouth breathing or have a leaky mouth. A full face mask can prevent nasal and throat problems and air loss. A Nasal Mask will not provide the same treatment pressure as a Nasal Mask if your mouth is dry or has leaks. You may not get the maximum benefit from your Sleep Therapy Treatment.
A Full Face Mask is usually made of a strong plastic frame and an inner cushion. The cushion will be placed against the skin with very little pressure. You can choose to have the headgear with fewer points of contact with your face or with forehead straps.