Chiropractic Healing Works

2 Things To Think About Before Choosing A CPAP Mask

17 February 2015 by Charlie Berry

If you have been recently diagnosed with sleep apnea, your doctor may have prescribed CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, to help you to get some much-needed sleep. These highly effective systems deliver a steady stream of air through a mask in order to keep your throat tissues from collapsing as you rest. Unfortunately, if you choose the wrong CPAP mask, you might not tolerate your treatment as well. In fact, one study showed that almost half of sleep apnea patients ditched their masks soon after their sleep study. Here are two things to think about before choosing a CPAP mask, so that you can treat your condition successfully:

1: Your Face Shape

Everyone is different, which is why that one-size-fits-all mask that you used at the sleep clinic might not work for your long-term treatment. Here are three different types of CPAP masks, and which face shape they work best for:

• Nasal Pillows: If you are petite, it might feel overwhelming to deal with a large mask covering most of your face. However, nasal pillow sleep apnea masks rest right under your nose. These masks are perfect for people with a narrow or small face who might struggle to fill larger masks.
• Full Face Mask: On the other hand, if you have a naturally wider face, small nasal pillow masks might not issue the pressure you need. Full-face masks cover your entire nose and mouth, so that you can relax without worrying about your mask moving around.  
• Nasal Mask: If you are looking for the best of both worlds, consider a nasal mask. Nasal masks cover only your nose, so they work well for many face shapes. These masks are minimally invasive, but highly effective.

After you find the right type of mask, don't be afraid to try different sizes. Some manufacturers at sites like http://www.cornermedical.com make masks that fit ranges of face heights and widths instead of the typical small, medium, and large sizes. The better your mask fits, the more likely you might be to comply with treatment.  

2: Your Sleep Habits

Even the best-fitting sleep mask might not help much if you have certain sleeping habits. Here are a few things that might throw off your therapy, and how the right mask can help:

• Talking: Do you talk in your sleep? If so, you might find yourself ripping off your mask to finish your mid-dream conversation with that villain. To avoid hurting your therapy, consider a nasal pillow mask, so that you can chat freely.
• Mouth Breathing: Do you breathe through your mouth instead of through your nose? If so, nasal masks or nasal pillow masks might not give you the treatment you need on their own. However, if you don't like full-face masks, you might be wondering what to do. Fortunately, specialized CPAP chin straps can keep your mouth closed, so that you can breathe a little easier. These chin straps are available in a huge range of designs and fabrics, so that you can stay comfortable during the night.  
• Moving: If you move around a lot during your sleep, it might be hard to keep your mask on. However, by using a full face mask and a solid CPAP chin strap, that mask will stay put—no matter what.

To choose the right mask, talk with your spouse or roommate about your real-life sleeping habits. As you try out different versions, try to simulate your quirks. You might feel silly rubbing your face or chatting loudly with a mask on in the store, but it might help you to find a product you will be happy with down the road.  

By choosing the right CPAP mask, you might be able to stay comfortable while getting the sleep that you need. 

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