How to Choose the Right Mask Style

There can be many health issues that a person experiences, and one of those could be sleep apnea. People with this condition experience constantly interrupted sleep due to their airways closing at night. One common treatment for sleep apnea is the use of a CPAP machine. Users wear a CPAP mask over their nose, or nose and mouth, when they sleep. Through a tube, the mask connects to a machine that sends a gentle flow of air through your airways to keep them open.

There are different types of masks you can use. Which one is right for you?

Nasal CPAP Mask

This mask covers your nose from the bridge to your upper lip. Because it delivers an indirect airflow to the airway, it works well if you need a higher pressure setting.

Consider this mask if you:

• Move around a lot when you sleep.
• Prefer a more natural flow of air.
• Would like a greater number of styles to fit different facial features and structure.
• Breathe primarily through your nose. This won’t work as well if you tend to breathe through your mouth or get sinus issues or allergies.

Nasal Pillow

This type of mask sits at the entrance of your nostril. It creates a seal to move the air directly into your nose. It is smaller and has less contact with you face than other types of masks.

Consider this mask if you:

• Toss and turn in your sleep.
• Cannot get comfortable using a larger mask.
• Breathe through your nose.
• Have a substantial amount of facial hair or wear glasses.
• Require less pressure. Due to the more direct airflow into your nasal passages, it can get uncomfortable if you need higher pressure.

Full Face CPAP Mask

This mask covers most of your mouth and nose, with side straps to secure it in place. This allows the mask to seal both airways.  

This mask is great if you:

• Breathe mainly through your mouth or have issues that restrict your ability to breathe through your nose. Because the mask covers both your nose and mouth, it may take time for you to get used to wearing the mask.
• Need a higher pressure.
• Sleep on your back.

Which Mask is Right for You?

Try different masks to find the one that is right for you. Ask for recommendations, get comfortable with the mask, and get ready for great sleeps again.