One of the biggest health issues in the United States are sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea. It has been estimated that about 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, 80 percent of which have severe undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a very life-threatening disease, which should be diagnosed and treated properly. So, the most common and effective sleep apnea treatment is continuous positive airway pressure. The continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP is a machine which uses a mask that patients should wear overnight. The CPAP mask is connected to a small machine with a hose, through which it received pressured air and transfers it into the patient’s airway to keep it open while they're sleeping.

Besides the fact that continuous positive airway pressure is the most effective treatment for sleep apnea, not everyone can comply with it. The main issue seems to be the mask, which is often uncomfortable. The comfort of the CPAP mask is crucial for the success of the therapy. Hence, here is everything you need to know about each and every CPAP mask type.

Nasal CPAP Mask

The nasal CPAP mask covers the patient’s nose from the bridge to their upper lip area. This mask provides an indirect airflow to the airway and works well for patients who need higher pressure settings. This type of mask is a great option when a person can’t tolerate the fullface CPAP mask or the nasal pillow. The nasal CPAP mask is recommended for people who:

• want a natural airflow;
• need a higher pressure setting on their CPAP machine;
• move a lot during sleep;
• want to have a wide range of mask options;

The nasal CPAP masks are available in plenty of fits and sizes. Thus, this mask type comes with a lot of advantages, including natural and indirect airflow, various styles to choose from and perfect if you move around in your sleep or if you sleep on your side.

On the other side, the nasal mask has some downside. So, if you’re a mouth breather, this isn’t a recommended option for you. Likewise, you shouldn’t consider this type of mask if you have a cold or a history of allergies, as well as, a blockage of your sinuses, narrowed or collapsed nasal valve, and deviated septum.

Nasal Pillows

This is a very lightweight and compact option which allows a minimal contact with the face. They are placed at the nostril entrance and create a seal that directs the pressurized air directly into the nose.Nasal pillows are perfect for prescriptions of low-to moderate pressure settings because at high setting the direct airflow to the nostrils might be troublesome. The nasal pillows are perfect for people who:

• move a lot during sleep;
• breathe through the nose;
• have a lot of facial hair;
• deal with the claustrophobia of large masks;

The nasal pillows have a lot of pros, as they are great for people who want to watch TV before sleep as it’s easier to see with them. Moreover, you can wear your glassed when using nasal pillows and there won’t be any air leakage. Plus, they are a great choice if you have a mustache or beard.

However, if you require higher pressure, you shouldn’t opt this mask type. Furthermore, nasal pillow might not be the recommended option for people who can’t breathe through the nose, while some people might experience higher incidences of nosebleeds or nasal dryness.

Full Face CPAP Mask

The full face CPAP mask covers the entire mouth and nose and creates a CPAP seal over both airways. It uses side straps to keep the mask in place. This type of mask might feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s the best option for people who require higher pressures or if they breathe through the mouth. Hence, a full face CPAP mask is recommended for people who:

• breathe through the mouth;
• sleep on the back;
• have other health issues or allergies;
• need a high-pressure CPAP setting;

This is an exceptional mask for people who breathe through the mouth, as well as, for people who have allergies, a cold, or nasal obstructions. Likewise, it’s the preferred option if you sleep on your back or if you are a restless sleeper.

Nevertheless, the full face CPAP mask comes with some downsides. Hence, there can be an air leak due to the larger surface area, you can’t wear glasses while wearing the mask, you might experience dry eyes, and it’s almost impossible to sleep on the stomach or side.

Additional Things to Know About CPAP Masks

When selecting the type of CPAP mask you need, your first and primary focus should be the health benefits of the therapy. You should talk to your sleep specialist about every concert you might have and contact them in case of having trouble with the equipment.

Moreover, when choosing the mask, it should be comfortable, fit perfectly, and meet your breathing requirements. Go through all CPAP mask types until you find the perfect fit and make sure you stay positive throughout the whole treatment.