How To Choose A CPAP Mask

How to choose a CPAP mask

© 2024 Super Sleep MD All rights reserved. All information presented on this guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice. The content here is not intended to replace a relationship between you and your medical provider.

There are three main types of masks. Each has many brands and varieties and usually comes in different sizes (usually small, medium, and large). A CPAP mask must keep a good seal to be effective.

NASAL PILLOW or NASAL CRADLE MASK

NASAL MASK

FULL FACE MASK or ORONASAL MASK

Mask parts include: a flexible "cushion," usually made of silicone a frame that holds the cushion headgear with magnetic or Velcro closures to adjust the straps a universal connection to the CPAP tube

intended to serve as medical advice. The content here is not intended to replace a relationship between you and your medical provider.

Different Types of CPAP masks

NASAL PILLOW or NASAL CRADLE MASK

NASAL MASK

FULL FACE MASK or ORONASAL MASK

SEAL:

under the nose or just inside your nostrils

around the outside of your nose

around the nose and the mouth; usually has the most stable seal.

TUBING:

may connect near your nose or at the top of your head

may connect at the mask or on the top of your head

usually connects in front of the mask

HEADGEAR STRAPS:

many variations

generally more supportive

PRESSURE:

Low to middle (5-12 cm water pressure)

Low to middle (5-14 cm water pressure)

Any (5-30 cm water pressure)

COST:

$75-150

$50-175

$75-150

intended to serve as medical advice. The content here is not intended to replace a relationship between you and your medical provider.

The mask is the most important part of CPAP therapy.

NASAL PILLOW or NASAL CRADLE MASK

NASAL MASK

FULL FACE MASK or ORONASAL MASK

The air goes through your nose to open and support the back of your throat during sleep

For many people, a nasal mask seal has more stability compared to a nasal pillow mask

It is okay to open your mouth and still get the full benefit of air pressure

It is important to keep your mouth closed while using a nasal pillow mask since an open mouth will allow the supportive air pressure to escape

It is important to keep your mouth closed while using a nasal mask, since an open mouth will allow the supportive air pressure to escape

Higher humidification levels may be needed if you are a mouth breather Some full face masks have a support on the forehead which helps take pressure off the bridge of your nose

The Ultimate CPAP Mask Course Solutions you need RIGHT NOW

How to choose the right mask How to troubleshoot the top mask problems How to wear your CPAP mask through the night Live group sessions taught by Dr. Wells

Learn more

"Dr Wells is an expert in sleep medicine and CPAP therapy. She is very detailed and thorough in her knowledge and teaching. I highly recommend her for anyone who has sleep apnea. I learned more from her than the three other sleep specialists I went to beforehand." -Audrey F. © 2024 Super Sleep MD All rights reserved. All information presented on this guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice. The content here is not intended to replace a relationship between you and your medical provider.

Mask comfort is essential! The CPAP mask is the most important part of therapy because It is the part that touches you. Many people want "the smallest mask," usually a nasal pillow mask. That is understandable, but try to keep an open mind. It takes time and patience to find the right mask and then regular practice to get used to it. The process is like finding a pair of jeans, shoes, or a bra. Be prepared for trial and error, this is a normal part of the process.

Here are some considerations to narrow down your mask choices:

FEELING CLAUSTROPHOBIC OR ANXIOUS

A nasal mask or nasal pillow mask allows you to open your mouth, which can provide quick relief.

MOUTH BREATHING Some people who breathe through their mouths before CPAP find that using CPAP helps to transition to nasal breathing (you will know in a few days to weeks). Nasal breathing is better since air flowing through your mouth can cause dryness, discomfort, and even problems with dental health. However, if mouth breathing is persistent, a chin strap may be applied for support. You may also consider taping your mouth closed with medical-grade tape. If these measures don't work, a mask that covers your mouth is the best choice (full face mask or hybrid mask) for now.

intended to serve as medical advice. The content here is not intended to replace a relationship between you and your medical provider.

BEARD

FACIAL ASYMMETRY or SCAR TISSUE

If you have facial hair, you may do well with a nasal mask or nasal pillow mask because the seal is better maintained.

A total face mask seals around the perimeter of the face and may be a good choice if you are having trouble getting a good seal.

DEXTERITY and ARTHRITIS Magnetic mask closures make it easy to put on and take off your mask. Magnetic clasps can interfere with medical metallic implants. For a complete list, talk to your doctor. You can also find more information at this FDA website.

ALLERGIC TO SILICONE

This is uncommon, but if it happens to you, change to a mask made of cloth, gel, or foam. A cloth liner could also be effective. Watch out for leaks with cloth masks!

BITE SPLINT or RETAINER If you use a nasal mask or nasal pillow mask, you must be able to keep your lips closed around your bite splint or retainer during sleep (otherwise the air will escape from your mouth). You may consider using a chin strap, mouth tape, or a full face/hybrid mask.

intended to serve as medical advice. The content here is not intended to replace a relationship between you and your medical provider.

DRY EYES

GASSINESS or BLOATING

Try a gel or ointment eye lubricant first. Some people have retrograde airflow through the tear ducts and into the eyes, in which case a half-face or total-face mask may help.

The medical term for swallowing air is aerophagia, and it is frustrating! You may go through a gassy phase as you acclimate to CPAP therapy. If it persists, consider that swallowing air may be due to acid reflux during sleep, air pressure, or air leak through your mouth (causing you to gasp during sleep).

WEARING GLASSES IN BED Consider a nasal pillow mask or a hybrid mask (no plastic or silicone above the nose).

MOVEMENT DURING SLEEP Often people sleep more peacefully once their sleep apnea is adequately treated. However, if you are still an active sleeper there are two things that may help: 1) tubing attaches at the top of your head 2) using a nasal or full face mask for a more stable seal

intended to serve as medical advice. The content here is not intended to replace a relationship between you and your medical provider.

Here are THREE reasons to have TWO CPAP masks on hand: SENSITIVE SKIN Alternating between two masks can help if you have some skin irritation or just get tired of the way a mask feels. A cloth liner may also help.

FULL FACE MASK BACK-UP Even if you choose a nasal pillow or a nasal mask, it is good to have a full-face mask on hand as a backup. This is for times when your nose is stuffed up due to a cold or allergies.

YOUR MASK GETS DAMAGED Pets, kids, and your cleaning routine may inadvertently damage your mask. Obtaining another one may take a while, so using your second mask on hand keeps your sleep apnea treated while you wait.

The Ultimate CPAP Mask Course Solutions you need RIGHT NOW

How to choose the right mask How to troubleshoot the top mask problems How to wear your CPAP mask through the night Live group sessions taught by Dr. Wells

Learn more

"Dr Wells is an expert in sleep medicine and CPAP therapy. She is very detailed and thorough in her knowledge and teaching. I highly recommend her for anyone who has sleep apnea. I learned more from her than the three other sleep specialists I went to beforehand." -Audrey F. © 2024 Super Sleep MD All rights reserved. All information presented on this guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice. The content here is not intended to replace a relationship between you and your medical provider.

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