Differences In The Types Of Cpap Masks

By Author: Chris Vasta
Total Articles: 5
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When a person is diagnosed with sleep apnea, his or her doctor will recommend therapy using CPAP equipment, which includes the machine that provides the presurized air and records the patient’s sleep data, a mask worn over the mouth and nose or just the nose, and sometimes a humidifier if one is not built into the machine. This therapy helps the person’s throat to stay open during sleep and prevent breathing cessations, also known as “apneic events.”

A nasal pillow CPAP mask has side straps and supplies air through nasal pillows that are positioned below the patient’s nose. The side straps are there to keep the mask in place during sleep.

Patients for whom a nasal pillow mask might be ideal are those prone to claustrophobia, because these kinds of CPAP masks don’t cover as much of the face. Also people who wear glasses can wear their glasses with this mask, which allows for a full field of vision.

Another model of nasal pillow mask has ball-cap-style straps and supplies air pressure either through nasal pillows or cushions. Patients can adjust the ...
... front mount that contains the nosepiece up and down. The straps keep the mask in place.

This kind of CPAP mask might be good, like with the above model, for people who tend to be claustrophobic. It’s less cumbersome than many other mask types, and since there are no side straps, patients can sleep on their sides and stomachs.

A nasal CPAP mask with foam cushions and side straps supplies air pressure through the nose directly from the mask. The perimeter of the mask contains foam, which helps to seal the mask. The mask is held in place by side straps.

This model allows for higher air pressure and would be good for patients whose doctors have prescribed this. The mask adheres to the face with a foam piece but normally doesn’t create the sensation of a lot of pressure. It’s also a good mask for people who move around a lot during sleep, because the foam piece and the configuration of the straps allow the headgear to flex.

Some nasal CPAP masks actually create an adhering suction to hold them in place better. Air pressure is contained within the mask, and the suction is present as long as the CPAP machine is running.

With the suction and the straps to hold the mask securely in place, this might be an ideal mask for restless sleepers. Also because of the strong seal, this model can handle high air pressure for those who need it.

There are other mask styles, and physicians and mask dealers are able to answer many of the questions that will allow patients to find the best mask for their unique needs.

Chris Vasta is a freelance writer interested in CPAP Therapy. Much of the information for this article came from The CPAP Shop website, which sells a full line of sleep apnea equipment including CPAP masks, CPAP machines and accessories. Interested in finding out more about The CPAP Shop? Visit our website today for more information.