A Guide To Choosing The Ideal CPAP Mask
Suffering from sleep apnea can be very exhausting since you probably spend many sleepless nights. OSA patients often wake up during night because of lack of air in the lungs. Thanks to the cpap mask, this health condition is easier to deal with. You can find various types of cpap masks on the market, but which one you are going to choose depends on your personal preferences. Cpap machines increase air pressure in the throat allowing air to properly flow to the lungs. For some people finding the right mask can be daunting as they may have to try few different models until finding the right one. Follow our guide below on how to choose the ideal cpap mask.
If you feel discomfort every time you use a facial Cpap mask, then nasal pillow mask would be ideal for you. This type of cpap mask prevents air leakage since it covers less surface. The side straps help hold the mask tight when moving during the sleep or when sleeping on your abdomen. Regular nasal pillow mask has two nasal inserts that go inside of the nose which may cause irritation or a bloody nose, so it is best to use lubricant and a humidifier to prevent the nose from getting dry. Therefore, it is best to use nasal pillow mask (ball cap style) and nasal mask with foam cushion since you will feel less claustrophobic and it will be easier to sleep on one side.
If you however suffer from chronic nasal congestion that never clears out and find it difficult to breath through the nose, then full face mask is ideal. If you want no leakage, this type of cpap mask should be considered. There are full face masks that only cover your nose and mouth and are less claustrophobic, but can be used only if the air pressure is not that high. The advantage of using this type of cpap mask is the fact that it gives you the option to breath either through your nose or mouth, where as with the other cpap masks you will have to breath through your nose all the time. If you are a mouth breather, this type of mask is perfect for you. With adjustments on the side, you will get good seal since it is adjusted according to your face shape. However, full face masks may not be ideal if you have facial hair since you will have higher incidents of cpap mask leaks.