CPAP machines work wonders for people suffering from sleep apnea. However, you’ve probably heard by now that some people can’t seem to get the treatment to work for their condition.
And most of the time, this isn’t because of the machine but because of the mask.
CPAP machines come with a CPAP mask that you wear on your face while sleeping. This is what pushes continuous positive airway pressure into your airways, keeping them open and allowing you to breathe easily. But if you have buy cpap mask online the wrong for your face and sleep position, there’s a high chance the treatment won’t work for you.
So, how do you know whether or not you have the right CPAP mask?
Well, there are many ways to figure that out; and today, we’ll talk about how to do that. And by the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what to do when shopping for a CPAP mask that perfectly fits your needs.
Now, let’s get to business.
Why Are CPAP Masks Important in CPAP Therapy?
CPAP masks are responsible for pushing the air from the CPAP machine into your airways. And if the CPAP mask doesn’t fit you properly, you won’t get enough positive airway pressure. This means that there’s a higher chance of your throat muscles collapsing, which blocks your airways and causes breathing pauses while you sleep.
On top of that, the wrong type of mask would likely feel very uncomfortable on your face. And if the mask isn’t comfortable, there’s a much bigger chance that you won’t be able to wear it the whole night through.
In fact, many people that have the wrong mask types often end up removing their CPAP mask in the middle of the night as the discomfort keeps them awake.
Remember, the ultimate goal of CPAP therapy is to help you sleep much better. So, if the mask is getting in the way of your comfort before you sleep, you might be using the wrong mask for your needs.
Types of CPAP Masks
Another way to understand the best CPAP mask for your needs is to look at the different mask types and styles. So, here are some of the most common types of CPAP masks on the market and how they fit on a person’s face.
Nasal Masks
Nasal masks are one of the most popular CPAP masks on the market. They don’t go over your full face and often consist of either two small prongs that go into your nose, or they cover the nose with a frame that rests on the bridge of the nose.
These masks are generally more comfortable than others because they don’t go over your face. And while they are very functional and comfortable, they aren’t the best option for people that regularly breathe through their mouth. So, if you’re a mouth-breather, you might want to avoid a nasal mask.
Nasal Pillow Masks
Many people find regular nasal CPAP masks uncomfortable. And if you’re looking for an alternative, nasal pillow masks could be exactly what you need. These masks use soft rubber cones to seal your nostrils and have a strap that wraps around your head.
These are just as effective as the typical nasal mask, but they can be an even more comfortable option if you aren’t a fan of how the nasal masks feel.
Oronasal Masks
Oronalas sleep apnea masks deliver pressure through the mouth and the nose. These CPAP masks reduce the chances of air leaks that often occur with a nasal pillow mask and regular nasal mask. That said, these aren’t the most popular face masks available, as many people report that they feel quite uncomfortable when worn for long periods of time.
Full-Face Masks
Full-face masks, as you might guess, cover the entire face. Many people prefer using full-face CPAP masks when sleeping as it ensures they always receive the pressure they need. That said, full-face masks can also be quite uncomfortable and take some getting used to. So, they may not be the best option for some people.
What Happens When You Wear the Wrong Type of CPAP Mask?
If you have obstructive sleep apnea, finding the right mask is just as important as choosing the right machine. Most CPAP users will tell you that buying the right CPAP masks is crucial to getting the best results from your CPAP treatment. So, when you head to the market to buy CPAP masks, whether you need a full-face CPAP mask or a simple nasal pillow mask, make sure that you choose the one that is best suited to your needs.
How to Find the Best CPAP Mask for Your Needs
Many factors go into choosing the best CPAP mask for your needs. However, here are some of the most important considerations that you need to keep in mind.
Consider Your Unique Facial Features
Fit is crucial when you buy CPAP masks, whether you want full face masks or simple nasal pillows. This is why you always need to consider your unique facial features, such as the height of your nose, the position of your lips, and other factors.
Additionally, you need to consider your facial hair, if you wear glasses and all the other factors that can affect the way a CPAP mask fits. That way, it will be easier to choose the best CPAP masks for your needs.
Look At Your Sleeping Position
Lastly, we highly recommend looking at your sleeping position when you buy a CPAP mask online. This is because different sleeping positions require different types of masks, and it’s important that you find a mask that will stay on and deliver constant pressure while you sleep.
If you’re having a hard time figuring out the best mask for your sleeping position, don’t hesitate to contact a sleep specialist to help you out.
Conclusion
If you feel like CPAP therapy hasn’t been as effective as you want, it could be because of your mask. The right CPAP masks are crucial when using a CPAP machine. So, make sure that you have the right CPAP masks for your needs, and you’ll have a much better time with your machine!