What are the different types of CPAP masks and which one is the best for you?

 

Studies show that currently, around 22 million Americans are struggling with sleep apnea, and among these cases, 80% fall in the group of moderate to severe undiagnosed OSA or obstructive sleep apnea. Fortunately, nowadays the society is finally recognizing sleep apnea as a life-threatening disease, but there’s a lot to do in addition to recognizing its danger. People should seek treatment procedures, like using an anion oxygen concentrator and one such standard treatment is via a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) mask.

 

 

However, studies show that around 83 percent of patients generally don’t comply with their CPAP therapy and a majority of them don’t wear their masks. Why? Because reportedly, some patients aren’t comfortable with the way that their masks fit, or some masks are simply not comfortable to wear for prolonged six hours of sleep. Therefore, it’s important to know about the different types of masks and find the one that will fit you. Below are the three most common types of CPAP masks that doctors recommend to their patients. Look at the pros and cons and find out the one for you!

 

#1 Nasal Pillows

The CPAP masks nasal pillows are a relatively compact and lightweight option as compared to the other two. Nasal pillows are designed to allow minimal contact with the face, and they work best with low to moderate pressure settings. A physician usually recommends nasal pillows to patients who have a lot of facial hair, who breathe through their nose, who are claustrophobic, or who consistently toss and turn in their sleep. Although nasal pillows have the most number of advantages, the only downside is that patients who require higher pressure would feel inconvenience with nasal pillows.

 

 

#2 Nasal CPAP Masks

Nasal CPAP masks deliver a direct airflow to the lungs via the nasal mask, and they work excellently for patients who require high-pressure settings. The mask usually covers the nose of the patients from the bridge to the upper lip area, and they are midway between the lightweight CPAP nasal pillows and bulky full face masks. Physicians usually recommend Nasal CPAP masks to patients:

·         Who prefer a natural airflow

·         Who need high-pressure settings, and

·          Who wants a good selection of mask options to pick from.

 

#3 Full face CPAP masks

Unlike the nasal pillows or nasal masks that exclusively seal the nose of the patients, the CPAP full face mask is responsible for covering the mouth and nose of the patients. They create a better seal by covering a larger area of the patient’s face. Although the masks are a bit uncomfortable, they are perfect for patients who need high pressure while breathing through their mouth. Physicians usually recommend full face masks if the patient has to breathe primarily through his mouth, sleep on his back, requires a high-pressure CPAP setting, or has underlying medical issues that make breathing through the nose difficult for them.

 

Gathering facts and going through CPAP education is important to be proactive in therapy. So, better find out your chances and opportunity windows to recover fast from disease as dangerous as sleep apnea by choosing the best treatment procedure.