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Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea starts with pressure therapy from a CPAP, Auto CPAP or BiLevel machine. But it hardly ends there.
While choosing the right machine is important, deciding which CPAP mask to use with it might be even more critical for a reason that will become apparent soon after your head hits the pillow. Because you will wear the mask for hours each night, picking the proper one is essential to a good night’s sleep.
The Talk About Sleep Online Story carries four types of CPAP masks: the nasal, nasal pillow, oral and full face mask. All achieve the same purpose – delivering air from the machine to the body – so one type is not necessarily better than another. What’s important is to choose a mask that fits you well, that is comfortable and that does not leak air.
The nasal CPAP mask is considered standard issue for patients beginning therapy. Many patients breathe only their noses when they sleep, and the mask covers just the nose. The nasal CPAP mask, with its traditional triangle shape, also is easier to wear than other types of masks. A nylon or neoprene-type headgear generally will secure the mask to the face.
These masks are light, easy to adjust, quiet during operation and form a good seal around the nose. Some have gel cushions for added comfort, making them soft yet still sturdy.
Nasal pillow CPAP masks deliver air directly into your nostrils through an accordion-type pillow, prong or cushion. These masks have minimal headgear and are smaller, lighter and generally much less invasive than a triangular-type, full face mask. That makes the fit rate for nasal pillow CPAP masks much higher than for full face masks.
Most nasal pillow CPAP masks can be used by patients whose facial features are hard to fit with a full face mask. The masks come in multiple sizes to help ensure a proper fit. This type of masks is a great option for patients who find that wearing a full face mask makes them feel claustrophobic.
Oral masks are designed for people who do not or cannot breathe through their nose while sleeping. As an alternative to full face masks, oral masks include a mouthpiece and, in many cases, nose plugs to help maintain positive air pressure. Air flows directly into the mouth, with the mouthpiece creating a seal.
Full face CPAP masks cover both the nose and mouth while delivering pressurized air. They are designed for patients who breathe through their mouth, or through both their nose and mouth, during sleep. They also work for those who breathe primarily through their nose but sometimes open their mouths during sleep.
The Talk About Sleep Online Store offers 32 different masks from five different manufacturers for nasal, nasal pillow, oral and full face masks. Compare mask designs, noise levels, features and other differences, and make your decision carefully. The fit of the mask will strongly influence the comfort of your sleep therapy each night.
With quality products from the Talk About Sleep Online Store, a good night’s rest is no longer a dream.
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