Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) masks offer multiple benefits to sleep apnea patients by keeping the airway open during sleep to reduce snoring and other sleep apnea symptoms such as fatigue and daytime drowsiness. There are different types of CPAP masks available and the type of CPAP mask is an important part of the CPAP therapy delivering the air from the CPAP machine to the nose and mouth, and critical for CPAP user adherence. Hence the CPAP mask should be
comfortable while offering a complete seal around the nose and or mouth without leaving marks on the face or irritating the skin for an effective treatment.
Currently, there are three types of CPAP masks available in the market in all sizes, for example, ResMed offers is “For Her” version of all three types specifically designed to fit the contour of a woman’s head and face; a full face mask covers the nose and mouth, nasal masks fit over the nose only offering a light fit, and nasal pillow mask are the lightest weight and minimally designed than nasal mask offering a high level of openness and visibility to help those that fear of marks on the face and felt uncomfortable using a full face mask. The type of mask that is suitable for one is based on a few factors hence it might not be the case that a lighter mask either a nasal mask or nasal pillow mask rather than a heavier one like a full face mask of one’s preference would suit the individual. Factors to consider include if the type of mask chosen provides a good seal against
the face if one has facial hair as one with more facial hair would night a larger mask for a better seal, or if one has claustrophobia one should choose a maller mask to feel more comfortable and improved therapy. Do consult the doctor or medical equipment provider to try on a few types of masks to determine which offers the best and has the most comfortable fit considering the
above factors.
Amongst all the factors comfortability is the most important factor to consider if one is not comfortable with the CPAP mask, one would be less likely to adhere to the CPAP therapy, or tendency to forget to wear the mask, or take it off in the middle of the night without realizing it. Without wearing it regularly, one will not get the full level of sleep apnea treatment, and the treatment will not be effective leaving one in the same condition as before such as drowsiness, and a
lack of energy throughout the day.
There are other types of CPAP masks that are not commonly prescribed such as a total face mask that covers the whole face, an oral mask that covers the mouth only, and a hybrid mask that offers a combination of a whole face and mouth mask. These masks are usually dispensed depending on the severity of the patient’s sleep apnea condition. Essentially, if you or your family member is suffering
from sleep deprivation due to sleep apnea, it is important to consult a doctor for advice, the doctor will advise the type of treatment options that is suitable for your condition and usually manage sleep apnea by getting an accurate diagnosis via sleep apnea CPAP trial in the comfort of your home or an
in-lab sleep test to avoid any long-term issues and recommend an early intervention such as CPAP therapy with a sleep apnea device to stop snoring, get better quality of sleep, and healthier overall well-being.
The Air Station
