Making The Proper Cpap Mask Choice

By Author: Chris Vasta
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Having a CPAP machine that is correctly programmed and meets one’s needs is vitally important. Yet, aside from the bells and whistles, all CPAP machines function essentially identically; they provide a positive air pressure into the windpipe in order to maintain its integrity so a person does not slip into an apnea event (the closure of the windpipe). What we have discovered from a large percentage of CPAP users is that the CPAP machine is secondary in importance to the mask. Without a comfortable, properly fitted CPAP mask, the person generally has a negative view of CPAP and compliance suffers dramatically.


Consequently, one of the primary keys for successfully transitioning to CPAP therapy and maintaining compliance is choosing the proper mask for one’s particular facial structure and features. Thus, having the knowledge to choose a CPAP mask is vitally important.


Which Size and Why?


It’s important to understand a bit about your face before diving into the CPAP mask choices. Although you most likely look at yourself in the mirror daily, most ...
... do not view ourselves the way a CPAP mask manufacturer views our face. Having a small or large nose bridge, high cheekbones, slim or wide face or protruding forehead relative to a specific manufacturer’s baseline is useful knowledge when beginning the quest for the proper fitting mask.

Sizing up different parts of the face is also necessary. Unfortunately, there is no industry standard to sizing. Each manufacturer uses their own sizing techniques and gauges for their own products. However, there are certain facial features which are used universally when determining face size. For example, the length from the nose bridge to the base just above the lip is a critical measurement for a nasal mask. Understand that this is not a measurement of the nose length but a straight line measurement. The width of the nose is also important as some nasal masks have wider sizes available.

For a full face CPAP mask which covers both the nose and the mouth, it is necessary to use the same measuring technique as mentioned above but measure the distance from the nose bridge to the middle of the chin or chin crease. Some full face mask rest under the chin for added stability but the majority will sit at the chin crease. It is also necessary to think about cheek and forehead size as these also help to narrow down CPAP mask choice.

Nasal pillow CPAP masks have become increasingly popular due to minimal contact with the face. These masks decrease the vagaries around sizing as the interface rests between the nose and upper lip. The distance between the nose and upper lip must be considered when evaluating the nasal pillow masks as each mask has differently sized interfaces. Because most nasal pillow masks come with all nasal pillow sizes, the nostril opening size is less important.

Learn more about CPAP masks and CPAP mask fit—a CPAP equipment provider can help you make the best choice for your CPAP treatment.

Chris Vasta operates The CPAP Shop, a leading retailer of CPAP equipment and CPAP masks located in New Jersey. He understands the importance of education about CPAP machine or CPAP equipment so sleep apnea sufferers will remain CPAP compliant and increase their quality of life.