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The Different CPAP Mask Types Explained

The Different CPAP Mask Types Explained

May 21, 2023 / / 0 Comments

CPAP therapy is one of the best treatment options for sleep apnea available right now. With so many people worldwide having trouble sleeping properly because of their sleep apnea condition, we’ve seen a steep rise in the demand for a CPAP machines.

That said, if you’re looking to use CPAP machines at home, you have to make sure you have the right CPAP mask for your face and sleeping position. There are many types of CPAP masks, each with its own set of benefits. You can’t call any of these CPAP masks the best, as everyone has different needs.

So, it’s important that you choose the right CPAP mask prescribed by Air Liquide Healthcare for your needs.

And to make the search easier for you, here’s a quick guide to the different styles of CPAP masks you might find on the market today.

Read on to learn more.

Nasal Masks

Nasal CPAP masks are probably the most common type of mask used in CPAP therapy. These masks are designed to form a tight seal around the nose and are held in place with straps. Since they cover the entire nose, they are very efficient in delivering positive air pressure into your airways. That way, your airways stay open the whole night through, keeping sleep apnea episodes at bay.

If you breathe through your nose at night, this might be the best mask for your CPAP treatment. That said, constant pressure on your nasal bridge and forehead from these CPAP masks may cause some irritation. So, make sure to consider these cons before getting a nasal CPAP mask for yourself.

The Different CPAP Mask Types Explained

Full Face Masks

If you have severe obstructive sleep apnea, full face masks could be the best choice for you. These CPAP masks, as you might be able to tell, cover the entire face, forming a tight seal over your nose and mouth. The biggest benefit of this is that you can prevent air leakage and set your CPAP machine to higher pressure settings. On top of that, this can also keep your sinuses safe from allergens which can make it even harder to breathe.

This is also a great option for those who breathe through both the nose and mouth when asleep. That said, while full-face CPAP masks are great for treating sleep apnea, they can also be very uncomfortable. And if you don’t have severe sleep apnea, you may not need this type of mask.

Nasal Pillow Masks

If you have moderate or mild sleep apnea, a nasal pillow mask could be the best pick for your needs. This type of CPAP mask is very small and consists of two small pillows that you hold in place with straps. This is great for people who wear glasses, have facial hair, or find the full face sleep apnea mask uncomfortable.

That said, since these CPAP masks only cover the nose, they aren’t great if you’re a mouth breather. On top of that, if you need higher pressure settings, a nasal pillow mask may not be able to provide you with the pressure you need.

Oral Masks

These are the best CPAP masks for mouth breathers. As you might guess, these sleep apnea masks are designed to deliver air pressure through your mouth. That way, you constantly keep your airways open, allowing air to enter your lungs.

This is great for those who want to breathe comfortably through their mouth while treating sleep apnea. If you’re looking for a new mask that doesn’t cover your nose, an oral mask could be for you.

The Different CPAP Mask Types Explained

Hybrid Masks

The world of CPAP masks is constantly evolving, which is why you find new mask designs very often. One of the newer types of CPAP masks for sale right now is hybrid masks.

This design is similar to a full face mask, and it delivers air to the nose and mouth. However, unlike a full face mask, it doesn’t form a tight seal over the nose. This makes it more comfortable for some people and could be great for active sleepers looking for minimal contact with their face and CPAP mask.

Why the Type of CPAP Mask Matters

If you want to reap all the benefits of CPAP therapy, you need the right CPAP mask for the job. CPAP only works when the person is wearing the best sleep apnea masks for their breathing style, sleeping position, and other factors.

Remember, the entire goal of a CPAP machine is to provide positive air pressure into your lungs. This keeps the airways open and allows you to breathe easily and have a good night’s sleep. So, you need to make sure you have the best CPAP mask for your sleeping style that also suits your preferences.

You can use a nasal mask, full face mask, or even alternate between different masks according to your needs. The most important thing is that you try out different options until you find the perfect face mask that serves your needs.

If you have a hard time choosing between nasal masks, nasal pillows, or full face masks, you may want to see a specialist. That way, they can assess your condition and recommend the best option for your needs.

How to Choose the Best CPAP Mask for Your Needs

There are many things to consider when buying a CPAP mask. To start, you need to consider your sleeping and breathing style. This is what determines whether you need a nasal mask, nasal pillows, or full face mask.

As much as possible, we recommend trying the mask on before buying it. That way, you can test how comfortable it feels on you, making it easier to decide which one would be easiest to wear the entire night.

And if you find that the mask isn’t helping with your sleep apnea symptoms, that could be a sign that it’s time to switch it up.

Conclusion: CPAP Masks Explained

There are various types of CPAP masks available right now. And if you want to reduce the effects that sleep apnea has on your life, you need to find the right CPAP mask for your needs. So, now that you understand all the different masks on the market, it’s time to figure out the one that fits your preferences the best!

Related: A Guide to Cleaning & Maintaining Your CPAP Machines

How to Stop Mouth Breathing with CPAP mask

How to Stop Mouth Breathing with CPAP mask

August 21, 2022 /

A mouth breather is an insult. Mouth breathing can induce foul breath, mental fog, and exhaustion. If you have sleep apnea, mouth breathing can reduce the efficacy of your CPAP therapy.

CPAP users can benefit from finding the correct CPAP mask. We’ve produced a two-part guide: First, we’ll look at our top picks for mouth-breathers. Then we’ll discuss mouth breathing causes and remedies.

What are the best CPAP masks for mouth breathers?

Full-face cpap masks are suggested for mouth-breathers because they prevent mouth leakage. A mouth leak happens when CPAP air escapes via your open mouth, reducing airflow. Full-face masks seal over your mouth and nose, enabling you to breathe as your body allows.

A full-face mask is preferable to an oral CPAP mask unless you have a persistent blockage, such as a deviated septum. Although, full-face isn’t your only choice.

Can mouth breathers use nasal CPAP masks?

You may prefer a nasal CPAP mask if you have facial hair, feel claustrophobia, or side sleep. CPAP users who read or watch TV before bed enjoy a smaller mask’s wider field of view.

Mouth breathers might lose air pressure while exhaling using nasal or nasal pillow masks. If you just mouth breathe habitually, you can use these CPAP masks with a chin strap. Soft, elastic CPAP chin straps keep your lips closed while you sleep.

If you breathe via your mouth due to persistent nasal congestion or blocked nasal passages, a chin strap might prevent you from receiving adequate air.

How to Stop Mouth Breathing with CPAP mask

Mouth-breathing CPAP masks

ResMed F30i 

  • The F30i has no front tube. The revolutionary top-of-the-head connection connects to the head. It’s a good choice for tossing-and-turning sleepers since it keeps the hose out of their faces.
  • The hollow structure allows ventilation even for side sleepers. The smooth, flexible silicone hollow mask frame prevents red stains and skin discomfort.
  • Magnetic clips allow you to remove your mask without losing its fit. No nasal bridge coverage for optimal comfort. It’s great for high-pressure environments.

AirTouch F20

  • The AirTouch F20 has a memory foam cushion for a pleasant, secure fit. If you like, you may also use the ResMed AirFit F20’s silicone InfinitySeal cushion. ResMed’s lightest mask is made of memory foam and wipes clean.
  • The over-the-nose design maintains a robust seal even at higher pressure settings, while the small profile offers a broader field of view than conventional full-face masks.
  • The whisper-quiet AirTouch F20 has ResMed’s QuietAir vents, making it one of the quietest masks available.
  • The quick-release elbow allows you to get out of bed without removing the mask.
  • Adjustable headgear removes the need for forehead support and magnetic headgear attachments.

Full-face CPAP mask from Philips Respironics

  • The Dreamwear Full Face mask closes beneath the nose like the F30i: similar top-of-head connection, hollow silicone frame, and magnetic headgear clips. Like the F30i, it’s great for side, active, and back sleepers.
  • What’s different from F30i? The F30i has separate holes that send air directly to the nostrils, whereas the Dreamwear has a single hole that delivers air indirectly. This is a question of preference and doesn’t affect CPAP’s efficacy. Different size choices result in a fit that suits different faces. If one doesn’t work, try the other.
  • The Dreamwear mask frame fits both the nasal and nasal pillow CPAP masks. Swap the cushion and headpiece for a fresh mask. Don’t forget your chin strap to avoid mouth breathing.
  • Adjustable headgear with velcro and magnetic clips makes it easy to achieve a comfortable fit. The compact design gives a broad field of view and minimal touch. The top-of-the-head connector keeps the tube out of your face.
How to Stop Mouth Breathing with CPAP mask

What causes sleep mouth breathing?

Physical obstructions or habits might induce mouth breathing during sleep.

Causes of nasal blockage include:

  • Enlargement of the tonsils and adenoids
  • A deviated septum
  • Allergies/sinusitis

Or the form of your airways. Narrow nasal passageways, soft palates, or big turbinates may cause mouth breathing. This may also cause sleep apnea.

People with OSA typically learn mouth breathing. Your body may open your mouth to acquire extra air if your airways collapse and breathing stop. This can become routine.

Is mouth-breathing dangerous?

During sleep, saliva protects your mouth from microorganisms. Nighttime mouth breathing might dry up saliva and promote bacterial growth. Periodontal disease, gingivitis, and cavities might result.

Mouth breathing reduces blood oxygen saturation, causing heart disease and high blood pressure. Those with sleep apnea are at a higher risk for heart failure.

Mouth-breathing symptoms

Mouth breathing is typically difficult to detect since it happens while sleeping. Like sleep apnea, it’s commonly identified by waking symptoms.

Signs you may be mouth-breathing at night:

Cracked lips, snoring, dry mouth, tiredness, sore throat, bad breath.

How to Stop Mouth breathing

Mouth breathing solutions depend on the cause. Depending on the cause, your doctor may propose surgery or steroid nasal sprays. Your doctor may suggest saline nasal sprays for patients with persistent allergies or sinus infections.

There are a few techniques to stop the habit of mouth breathing during sleep. Regular performance of the following:

Sleeping on your back may enhance nasal breathing but aggravate sleep apnea. See how a different sleeping position impacts your symptoms.

  • Do you breathe when speaking? Do you nose-breathe? Or are you mouth-breathing?
  • Do you chew with your mouth open? When your mouth is closed, you must breathe through your nose. Learn how to nose-breathe and slow down.
  • When exercising, breathe through your nose. Calm down if you’re moving too fast to breathe via your nose.

A mask may help if you have obstructive sleep apnea and mouth breathing. Check store.airliquidehealthcare.com.au today; we can help you locate a comfortable CPAP mask that will be ideal for your case. There are myriads of masks in the store, you are sure to get whatever fits your style, and all the products come with a warranty.

How to Use a CPAP Mask to Stop Snoring

How to Use a CPAP Mask to Stop Snoring

August 21, 2022 /

Do you still snoring despite using CPAP mask? Isn’t a CPAP mask intended to eliminate snoring? Although your CPAP machine is designed to minimise snoring and other breathing issues associated with sleep apnea, snoring might suggest that something is wrong. Let’s investigate snoring in depth to identify the reasons you snore and the treatments that can cure it.

Is Snoring Caused by Sleep Apnea?

While snoring is a typical indication of sleep apnea, people with the condition don’t always snore, and snoring might suggest to use cpap mask. In fact, snoring is a common indication of sleep apnea in males but not in women.

Snoring, on the other hand, indicates a disruption in your sleep, albeit it may not be as severe as interruptions produced by sleep apnea. These disturbances can result in high blood pressure, stroke, and partner sleep deprivation.

Snoring should not be dismissed as a natural feature of ageing. What distinguishes sleep apnea from snoring is how you feel during the day. Chronic exhaustion and excessive drowsiness during the day are symptoms of sleep apnea. According to one study, individuals who snored, had sleep apnea, or those that didn’t snore but had sleep apnea all had greater rates of arterial stiffness.

However, regardless of how tired you are, it is critical to consult your doctor if you begin snoring to identify if it is caused by sleep apnea and other dangerous problems.

How to Use a CPAP Mask to Stop Snoring

Shouldn’t Your CPAP mask keep You from snoring?

Yes, in most circumstances. Snoring when using CPAP mask is not typical. If you’re still snoring after several days of using your CPAP mask, consult with a sleep specialist. Discuss your CPAP machine and CPAP mask brand with them to see if any modifications are necessary. Make no changes to your CPAP settings on your own.

CPAP masks reduces snoring by supplying constant positive airway pressure to your airways throughout the night, keeping them open. They are able to do this by preventing the soft tissues from clogging your throat and rubbing together, resulting in loud snoring. As a consequence, your sleep is not interrupted, allowing you to get a good night’s rest.

4 Reasons You’re Still Snoring Despite Wearing a CPAP Mask

  • The CPAP pressure may be insufficient.
  • You could be breathing through your mouth. In this case, a full-face mask is recommended.
  • There are air gaps around the mouth or nose with the CPAP mask. 
  • Your sleeping posture may impact the machine’s operation.

3 CPAP Snoring Prevention Methods

  • Examine your CPAP air pressure – If you believe your air pressure is too low, consult a sleep specialist. Another titration trial may be required.
  • Alter your sleeping posture – Snoring may be caused by your sleeping position. Sleeping on your back may prevent the machine’s air pressure from opening your airways. Sleeping on your side might be an easy option.
  • You might be a mouth breather – For people who wear a nasal CPAP mask, breathing through the mouth is a serious worry. If you sleep with your mouth open, air will escape through the mouth rather than the airway. You might want to try a full-face CPAP mask.

Tips for Using CPAP Masks 

  • Make sure your CPAP mask is clean. 
  • Your mask should have a snug fit, but not be excessively tight or cause pain. Adjust your helmet straps for a snug fit. 
  • There should be no air gaps between your mask and your face. 
  • If you’re still experiencing difficulties, try a different size CPAP mask. Some masks, such as ResMed AirFit F20 and ResMed AirFit N20 sold on Air Liquid Healthcare online store, they are particularly made to accommodate with different face frame.
How to Use a CPAP Mask to Stop Snoring

How to Quit Snoring

If your snoring is not caused by sleep apnea, you might try the following snoring remedies:

  • Reduce your weight: obesity is said to be a risk factor to snoring. Apart from trying to use a CPAP mask for snoring, you can also try to engage some weight losing activities, to keep your body in shape and reduce excess fats in the body.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol near sleep since it might cause your throat to relax and collapse. The muscles behind the throat, just at the back of the throat constrict faster in an intoxicated person more than in sober people, which seems to explain why some people may only snore, or snore worse, when they drink. The more you drink, the more relaxed your tissues and muscles become, and the louder you snore.
  • Sleep on your left side: When you sleep on your back, the base of your tongue and soft palate compress against the rear wall of your throat, generating a vibrating sound. Sleeping on your side may assist to keep this from happening.
  • Quit smoking: according to a European study report published on WebMd dot com, habitual snoring, which is explained as disturbing and loud snoring, at a frequency of at least three nights per week, affected 20% of ex-smokers, 24% of smokers, and almost 14% of those who had never smoked. Smoking is found to increase the frequency with which people snore. If non-smokers were exposed to second-hand smoke in their houses, they were more likely to snore. Obesity and upper airway anomalies are also risk factors for snoring, in addition to smoking and gender.
  • Get adequate rest to avoid floppier muscles caused by fatigue.
  • Stay hydrated to avoid sticky secretions obstructing your airways.
  • Stay away from sleeping medicines and allergy meds that may loosen your throat.
  • Raise your head four inches using cushions to keep your airways open.
  • Relieve nasal congestion.

Do You Snore?

TBefore using a snoring remedy, consult with your doctor to ensure that your ailment isn’t caused by a larger problem than sleep apnea. Snoring is often an indication of sleep apnea, and the best method to get correct airflow is to use a CPAP mask to guarantee your body gets enough oxygen for healthy slumber. Get in touch with Air Liquid Healthcare to get the best CPAP mask and CPAP machine best suited for you.

More to read: What exactly is sleep apnea

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