How To Choose A Cpap Mask? [3 styles+4 Factors Analyzed]

Introduction

Life isn’t a bed of roses. In our busy schedule, a good 8-hour uninterrupted sleep sounds like a luxury. Especially if you suffer from Sleep Apnea!

But here’s the kicker. Finding a good CPAP mask amidst all those products out there isn’t easy.

With so many models and types to choose from, finding ‘the one’ might be overwhelming. 

To make your life easier, we’re going to show you based on your sleeping habits and other factors to keep in mind when you make this purchase.

So, let’s breathe right into the details:

What’s The Best CPAP Mask?

That’s the first mistake. There’s no best CPAP mask out there. It all depends on your preference. Someone might absolutely love a mask and someone else might absolutely hate it. 

So, finding the best mask is like a journey for anyone. It’s more like a trial and error process. But we can say that the best CPAP mask is the most comfortable one. In other words, the best mask will bother you the least. 

So, let’s get down to the road of your redemption-

Road to the Best Mask for You

When it comes to comparing masks, there’s no rulebook stating the best. It all comes to your personal preferences and sleeping style. So read on to find your perfect match.

Step 1 of 5: Choosing your type

People have different sleeping habits and different preferences. So there is no hard and fast rule when it comes to the most comfortable CPAP mask. There are three main variants. Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of them all.

Full face CPAP Mask

A full face mask usually covers the nose, mouth and occasionally, eyes. This is especially made for people who breathe through their mouth. So, let’s look at the pros and cons of this type to have a better understanding-

Pros	Cons
This mask prevents a dry mouth Oxygen flows from both your nose and mouth. Muffles your snoring No risk of falling off if you move	This mask obstructs your view. You can’t drink that glass of water at midnight easily.

Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask

The nasal pillow CPAP mask almost looks like earbuds. This handy device needs to be plugged in your nose. The best part? 

You can read that book without feeling like Dart Vader. Now let’s look at it’s pros and cons. 

Pros	Cons
Sleeping feels more natural without a big mask Does not obstruct bedtime activities like reading, or watching netflix. No annoying straps so does not leave marks on your face Most suited for people with Claustrophobia.	May fall off your nose if you move too much Not appropriate for people who breathe through their mouth You may end up with a dry mouth Not comfortable to some.

Nasal CPAP Mask

A nasal mask covers only the nose. This is like a hybrid between a full face and a Nasal mask. 

Talk about being the best of both worlds! No wonder they’re the most popular type. Coming to 

Pros	Cons
They are the most comfortable due to heavy silicone padding Practical  design enabling you to drink water. No risk of falling off like the Nasal Pillow mask	Straps may leave marks Still causes some obstruction to watch tv or read May not be best for a side sleeper.

It’s best that you consult a doctor or a sleep therapist with whom you can share your concerns and get the mask best suited for your sleeping style. Now here’s the thing, there’s more to the story than we think. 

Step 2 of 5: Selecting the CPAP Mask Fitting

Even the most expensive mask won’t be comfortable if it isn’t the right size. So before investing, ask yourself; Does the shoe fit ?

Most mask brands come with an array of different sizes.  So make sure when you purchase your CPAP Machine, to try on different mask sizes.

You may also ask for a catalogue and read up on the different varieties available. When buying a mask, make sure it’s not too small so that it’s uncomfortable. 

But keep in mind, oversized masks risk air leakage or masks not staying put throughout the night.

Step 3 of 5: Selecting the Right CPAP Mask Accessories

 Adding accessories to your CPAP mask may make the experience more bearable.

This may include headgears to make the mask stay put without leaving marks. 

Or you could have a CPAP machine with a ramp function to slowly increase the airflow as you fall asleep to make your life better. 

The world is your pickle!

Step 4 of 5: Cleaning CPAP Mask

After your CPAP mask collects grime and dust, it may not be the most comfortable to use. So make sure that you clean it regularly with a mild soap and filtered water. 

Also maintaining your CPAP mask may include changing the gel pads after every 6 months. Make sure you ask your retailer about all of this information before bringing home your CPAP Machine. 

Step 5 of 5: Troubleshooting Problems Early On

If you feel any discomfort with your CPAP mask, don’t wait for the problem to become unbearable before calling your trusted physician.

Your sleep is important! 

Instead, solve the problem as soon as it arises.

FAQs

Question: Do CPAP Masks cause wrinkles?

Answer: Yes. The wrong fitted CPAP mask which is too small for you will push your skin towards your eyes, causing premature signs of aging. 

Question: How should a CPAP mask fit ?

Answer: The right fitted mask should prive a seal around your face so that air pressure doesn’t escape without feeling discomfort. But make sure that you don’t feel physical discomfort.

Question: Does using a CPAP weaken lungs ?

Answer: No. CPAP machines have no connection to how lungs run their business. The CPAP does not do the breathing for you. It merely provided a constant airflow to your windpipe.

Bottom Line

Making a big investment requires a lot of thought. There are many factors to worry about when buying a CPAP machine. However, we hope how to choose a CPAP mask won’t be one of them.

Did you find this piece useful ? Which CPAP mask are you going to buy? 

Tell us all about it in the comments below.

And remember what Karl Kraus says, “He who sleeps half a day has won half a life.”