You should consider these factors before choosing CPAP masks
When it comes to treating obstructive sleep apnea, many people focus on the CPAP masks themselves. It is impossible to discount the benefits of a top-notch CPAP machine. By providing pressurized air constantly throughout the night, it may stop your airways from closing, preventing nightly sleep disruptions.
However, the CPAP masks you use with the machine are just as important to it.
To pick the finest CPAP masks for your needs, you must consider a number of important factors. There is no one approach that works for everyone; ultimately, the perfect CPAP mask depends on your preferences. Finding the right fit might help you prevent air leaks and other issues that could lessen the effectiveness of your treatment.
Understanding the Different Types of CPAP Masks
There are three primary types of CPAP masks used to treat sleep apnea:
Full-face CPAP mask types are used to conceal the mouth and nostrils. Despite the fact that they are the biggest masks, people who breathe through their lips when they are asleep should use them. More simple designs have lately been created to reduce the feeling of claustrophobia or sight impairment when wearing these masks.
Nasal masks are the most often used kind of CPAP masks. These little, triangular masks fit over the nose and are held in place by a number of straps and cushions. The best candidates for these masks are individuals who breathe via their nose while sleeping with their lips closed.
The nasal pillow devices are the smallest kind of CPAP mask types. The nasal pillows are positioned within the nostrils. Due to their little size, they are a popular choice for those who may feel claustrophobic while wearing a larger mask. Furthermore, it is believed that those with narrow nose bridges or other facial characteristics that may render a nasal mask or full face mask leaky are good candidates for them.
Sleep Position
The kind of CPAP mask that will work best for you may be greatly influenced by your sleeping position. The CPAP mask may press uncomfortable on your face or cause air leaks depending on how you sleep.
For side sleepers, nose cushions and nasal masks are often advised. The seal is unaffected by how your head is resting on the nasal cushion. Users with larger nasal masks should choose a soft, adjustable headpiece rather than a hard plastic one to achieve a high-quality seal.
Despite having a higher risk of sleep apnea occurrences, those who sleep on their backs may still pick any kind of CPAP mask online. Full face masks, nose masks, and nasal pillows all work well and are unlikely to fall out for this sleeping position.
It’s unusual to sleep on one’s stomach, and using CPAP masks while doing so may be difficult. A nasal pillow is often the best option for stomach sleepers since it won’t put as much strain on your face and neck and is less likely to get dislodged. If you want to use another CPAP mask, you may need to buy a different cushion.
Another consideration is whether or not you roll over when you sleep. Make sure the mask will function properly even if you shift around and change positions during the course of the night. It is often suggested to use a mask with tubes that go up or over the top of the head in these situations.
Size Matters
Along with picking the ideal kind of mask for your needs, you must ensure that your CPAP masks are the correct size. Masks unfortunately don’t come in a standard size in the industry. Some manufacturers provide a variety of sizing choices, while other masks come with a number of different cushion sizes, so you may find the perfect fit for your face.
The measurements that matter most for mask sizing are typically the distance between your eyes, the width of your upper lip, the diameter of your head, the length of your nose’s bridge to its base, and the distance between your eyes.
Many vendors will give you a measuring instrument to help with these measurements and a range of measurements for different mask sizes. The right size will properly fit your face and significantly reduce the likelihood of air leaks and other problems.
Finally, remember that even if the CPAP mask is the proper size, you will need to adjust the straps after donning it. The straps should be adjusted such that they are tight yet still provide a good seal on your skin.
Selecting the Ideal Fit
Even after accounting for all of these factors, you can still have issues with your new CPAP masks. Blisters on your face, excessive air leakage, or an uncomfortable fit shouldn’t be tolerated. In fact, these issues can make it impossible for your CPAP masks therapy to work. If you have worries about your CPAP mask, speak with your sleep doctor, and try to find a suitable replacement mask together.
The term compliance may have previously come up in conversation with your physician or a rheumatologist. It’s important to use your CPAP machine as directed to be “compliant.” You are in “noncompliance” when you don’t follow your therapist’s recommendations, such as not wearing your CPAP mask often or for a sufficient amount of time.
The majority of patients establish a pattern of compliance or noncompliance during the first week of therapy. Anyone who has attempted to sleep while wearing a mask that forces air into their mouth or nose can confirm that it is not an easy task. Unfortunately, a lot of patients have trouble sticking with their CPAP treatment.
It’s not only you that finds it challenging to put on your CPAP mask each night. Statistics from the last 20 years show that up to 35% of patients who are prescribed CPAP masks treatments don’t stick to the routine. Every night, some individuals utilize their computer for a little period of time, while others stop using it altogether.
People struggle to cooperate for a number of reasons. The pressurized air makes it difficult for them to fall asleep, the CPAP mask doesn’t fit properly, or the tubes clog up when they lay on their sides. Many people just give up on therapy completely, while others look for help, try other masks, or alter their environment.
If you are a pilot, a professional driver, or have an insurance provider that keeps track of compliance, it can be a major problem. The majority of modern CPAP machines contain sophisticated usage monitoring features. It is also feasible to monitor information precisely and send it automatically to your doctor, insurance company, or employer.
Your ability to keep your job or get insurance coverage for your equipment may suffer greatly if you don’t adhere to treatment recommendations. Naturally, coping with these financial repercussions may be quite stressful when you’re adjusting to therapy. However, many people perceive the serious health effects of noncompliance to be the most worrying.