CPAP is the most commonly prescribed and effective treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea patients. However, CPAP therapy works only when people wear their masks every night. The masks connect to a small machine with a hose and come in various sizes, styles, and materials. The machine pumps the pressured air into the mask wearer’s airway to keep it open while sleeping. Continuous positive airway has been proven an effective treatment for sleep apnea patients.
With so many different CPAP masks available, finding a mask that fits your needs, facial profile, favored sleeping position, and lifestyle can be overwhelming. The wide range of masks falls into three commonly prescribed mask types; nasal, nasal pillow, and full-face. Let's discuss these masks in detail and explore the common features among these types of CPAP masks are.
1- Nasal pillow mask
Nasal pillows, also called nasal cushions, are small in size. These masks rest above the upper lip and create a seal at the base of the nostril where the cushion sits. The two pillows in the mask seal to the nose to deliver pressure in a manner that is more direct than with the nasal CPAP mask.
Air is less likely to escape from nasal pillows due to the direct nature of the seal. This mask works well for people who toss and turn at night.
A nasal pillow mask is a good option for men having facial hair. These masks are a comfortable fit and have a minimalistic design so wearers enjoy higher levels of compliance. This is the least invasive style of mask that provides a clear field of vision, ideal for reading and watching TV.
Some people need different pressure settings for their sleep apnea treatment. Such individuals will include a long-standing nasal obstruction or nasal allergies, may not be comfortable using nasal pillows since these masks' , nasal mask delivery system imposes higher settings than desired. Sometimes irritation may happen at the opening of the nostril both on the inside of the nose and outside.
2- Nasal Mask cpap bipap
Nasal oronasal masks sit on the nose's bridge, usually covering the entire nose or the bottom half of the nose. The mask is a rounded, triangular dome shape meant to fit comfortably to the contours of most faces. It is commonly held in place by four-point headgear which attaches to the frame.
It delivers pressurized air through a tube and into the space of the mask. Air is likely to be inhaled only through the nose.
Nasal masks are available in many shapes and sizes, making them a popular option because there is one to fit just about every user. This makes it a good choice for people who need high pressures and naturally breathe through the nose.
Nasal masks are top-rated for their minimalistic nature. But these masks are not recommended if you are suffering from nasal congestion or severe allergies and can also cause problems if you have deviated septum or similar nasal obstruction.
3- Full Face mask
.Full face CSAP mask fits a larger space, from near the top of the bridge of the nose to underneath the lower lip, creating a seal around your nose and mouth. These masks have cushions in a triangular shape that are held in place by four-point headgear. It typically consists of supportive pieces that fit the forehead and cheeks to ensure a god seal. The downside of the mask is that they are usually heavier and bulkier because they cover both the nose and mouth.
Full-face masks are a good option for people who breathe through their mouth and don’t want to use a nasal mask with a chinstrap. Patients find it comfortable because it allows them to breathe orally without diminishing pressure delivery which can even reduce feelings of claustrophobia.
Common Features among CPAP masks types
While nasal pillows, nasal and full-face CPAP masks offer different features that make them more or less appealing to others, also they have some features n common.
1. To reduce the chances of skin irritation, areas on each mask that come in contact with the face are cushioned with medical-grade latex-free materials to improve the seal it makes with the face. Although, people with sensitive skin may have problems adjusting to some CPAP mask materials, such as silicone, foam, gel, plastic, or cloth
. 2. All these CPAP masks come with headgear that helps to keep them in place. People can also add accessories like chin support to the nasal pillow mask or nasal mask to help keep the mouth from opening as you sleep.
3. The tube in the delivery system is expected to fit comfortably into the mask.
4. All masks have areas that allow carbon dioxide to release, and some masks include ports for those patients who may also need to initiate supplemental oxygen as they sleep.
5. CPAP masks come with replaceable parts, especially cushions.
6. Any mask that does not fit on the face risks leaking pressurized air that works against the purpose of CPAP therapy. Leaked air reduces the effectiveness of the pressure and may result in dry or irritated eyes and excess noise during sleep.
7. Any CPAP mask can be overtightened by the user, which means they wake up with marks on their face. Before using any CPAP mask, a mask-fitting with a sleep technologist is essential.
8. Cleaning and safe storage is recommended for all mask users to ensure they last a long time and are not damaged by anyone.
All these features would finally give you a different experience, although most CPAP masks fall within these three types available to meet almost every need. You will find the right CPAP mask that fits you by carefully examining your sleeping patterns and breathing.