What is CPAP mask?

CPAP is an acronym for “Continuous Positive Airway Pressure” and is a respiratory therapy device that delivers air to a mask worn over the nose and/or mouth to aid in even breathing. It is mainly used for sleep apnea, but also for other respiratory diseases. Let's learn about unfamiliar CPAP masks.

Question: Which masks can I choose from?

Answer: There are three main types of cpap masks: full face masks, nasal masks and nasal pillows masks. Your doctor or the manufacturer can help you find the right mask for your lifestyle. Exchange ideas with other patients who are already taking part in CPAP treatment and try out as many masks as you need until you find the right one.

Question: Does wearing glasses limit my choices?

Answer: Yes. If you wear glasses, a nasal pillows mask is recommended. If your beard growth prevents you from wearing other types of masks, nasal pillows masks are also an option.

Question: The thought of having to wear a mask that pumps air into my lungs scares me a little. Why is that and what can I do about it?

Answer: There is a high probability that you suffer from some form of claustrophobia. Nasal pillow masks only cover a small part of the face, so they're a good choice if you're concerned. Alternatively, you can wear the mask during the day while doing other everyday tasks. This will help you gradually get used to the feeling of wearing a mask. You can also opt for the “Ramp” feature supported by some CPAP machines. Here, the air pressure is increased over a longer period of time until it has reached the prescribed level.

Question: What are the advantages of a full face mask?

A full face mask covers both nostrils and mouth. This has been found to be very important in those patients who have difficulty breathing through their nose during sleep. The problem with mouth breathing is that you will very likely wake up with a dry mouth. Full face masks with a humidifier can help in such cases. It's also less likely to be accidentally removed, making it useful for patients who move around a lot while they sleep. This type of mask also prevents saliva leakage from the mouth, which is more common with nasal masks.

Question: Can I also use different cpap masks?

Answer: Yes. The most common reason for switching from one mask to another is a cold. In this case, breathing is made more difficult by nasal masks and wearing a full face mask is recommended instead. It is important to note that different types of masks have different requirements and characteristics. Therefore, you should read the manufacturer's instructions carefully before making a change.

Question: Since using a full face mask I wake up with red spots on my face. What's going on there?

Answer: This could be due to the mask straps being adjusted too tight. Try loosening the straps a bit. If that doesn't help, you can also use strap pads.

Question: How do I care for my cpap mask?

You should clean your mask daily with warm water and soap. However, do not use antibacterial soap as it tends to attack the silicone of the mask. It is best to clean the mask after waking up.

The mask should also be replaced after the recommended time has elapsed.

Question: When should I replace my cpap mask?

Most manufacturers recommend replacing the mask cushions or the entire mask every 3 or 6 months. Prolonged use can cause air leakage, which has a negative effect on the treatment. In addition, pressure points can occur when the upholstery cushions wear out.

Question: I regularly suffer from sinusitis. What are my options?

If you suffer from chronic sinusitis, the flu, or other cold-related illnesses, chances are you're breathing through your mouth during these times. A full face mask with a humidifier proves to be extremely effective in preventing dry mouth. A chin strap may prove helpful when wearing a nasal or nasal pillows mask.

Question: I have a relatively small face. Which cpap mask is the best for me?

In such a case, a nasal or nasal pillows mask could save you. For this purpose, only the size of the nostrils plays a role in the selection of the supply device.

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