What Are The Different Types Of CPAP Masks?

In a CPAP machine, the mask plays a vital role. It is responsible for the comfort you receive during sleep. Moreover, it is important to ensure the continuous flow of air to your airways. As people use CPAP masks for various sleep problems like sleep apnea, hypopnea, or breathing issues while sleeping in general, here is a quick overview of different types of CPAP masks available in the market:

Nasal Masks

A nasal CPAP mask is the most commonly found option of all. It comes with most CPAP machines and covers only the nose area. It covers the entire nose. There are straps connected to a headgear to wear and fit the mask on your face.

As headgear is adjustable, you can make sure that it is the right fit for you. This is the default choice because most people breathe through their noses while sleeping. However, it is not a great choice for those who also breathe through their mouth.

Nasal Pillow Masks

A nasal pillow mask is very similar to the default nasal mask. However, it comes with a cushion, and the design doesn't cover the entire nose. You use nose cushions that enter the nose passage (nostrils) and sit there. Of course, to ensure proper fit, they come with straps and minimalist headgear.

It is a great choice for anyone who doesn't like the heavy or mask cushion that other options may make you feel. If you often feel discomfort, skin irritation, or claustrophobia because of other masks, this one's perfect for you.

However, while it offers remarkable comfort and ease, it is also easier to take it off. So, it is not a great choice for restless sleepers.

Full Face CPAP Mask

Of course, full-face masks cover the entire breathing segment, the nose and the mouth. It uses headgear strongly to ensure you receive the best fit. These are great if you have mouth-breathing habits while sleeping.

As users might have problems adjusting to the pressurized air, this mask makes it easy and gives users an option to also breathe through their mouth. If you also maintain facial hair, or have trouble breathing through the nose, like due to frequent nasal congestion, then the full-face mask is the right choice.

Oral Masks

Oral masks are the opposite of nasal CPAP masks. An oral cpap mask only covers your mouth. Therefore, it is a great choice for mouth breathers. While Full face masks cover both nose and mouth, this is specifically to ensure you receive mouth breathing.

Often, oral masks are also used to reduce or induce mouth breathing for various sleep apnea treatments. These mostly come with straps, but you can also find ones with mask frames (headgear).

Hybrid Masks

Each CPAP mask is unique because of small changes and differences. As it can be a literal situation of life and death, these differences make a huge difference in CPAP therapy.

Hybrid masks are a combination of a nasal pillow CPAP mask, and a full face mask. Now, you might think that won't make just the full face mask. Actually, it uses the minimalist approach of the nasal pillow mask and eliminates the use of full coverage. It only covers the mouth and nose and uses headgear. The design is more lightweight than the full face masks.

The Need For Different Types Of Mask Styles

Everyone is different. Some people sleep peacefully in a single sleeping position. Others will change their sleep position as the night progress. It is pivotal to ensure that the masks come in minimal contact during sleep or have perfect straps to prevent them from coming off.

A sleep specialist helps by analyzing your sleeping patterns to find the right kind of CPAP mask. Air leakage is another reason to ensure you find the right CPAP mask. If there are air leaks, then there's no point in using CPAP therapy in the first place.

Common CPAP Mask Problems

CPAP users can come across several issues. Therefore, finding the right mask becomes pivotal. For instance, both the nose passage might not work due to deviated septum or some other reason. The use of hybrid CPAP masks becomes more necessary.

Nasal pillows are great for people who come across issues with skin irritation, dry mouth, or discomfort during the mask. Cleaning also becomes a challenge for CPAP mask types. Therefore, you have to keep these problems in mind.

The Bottom Line

A sleep apnea mask is a great choice for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and other issues. Make sure that you receive the prescription for the air pressure to use with your mask. Your mask style will matter as long as your mask frame keeps the mask stable.