When using CPAP to treat your sleep apnea, you will often find one type of CPAP mask more comfortable than another and then stick with this mask. Quite often we will see people start with Full Face Masks because they are a “mouth breather” and then never try a nasal CPAP mask or a nasal pillow mask as an option.
All good CPAP providers will provide you with a CPAP trial and an opportunity to trial different types of mask. In our clinic, we actively encourage people to try a nasal mask, even if they think there is no chance of it working. Often it is found that a bit of pressure in the nasal airway, helps open things up allowing people to breathe through their nose again. The big advantage of this, is that the nasal masks are less cumbersome which means less on your face and less margin for error in terms of bumping the mask off during the night.
Air Fit N20 AirFit N30i
In saying all of this, if you are comfortable with your Full Face mask, by all means wear it. With each new mask being released there are more and more comfortable features. Look at the ResMed AirTouch F20 for example, with memory foam cushions and nothing in front of the eyes.
If you are looking to move from a full face mask to a nasal mask (if you are thinking of it, I recommend giving it a go!!), then allow yourself a little bit of time to become accustomed to it. If your mouth opens and air comes gushing out during the night, it may give you a fright but it is not dangerous.
If your mask does leak from time to time, this is ok. The important points to consider with your CPAP mask are:
- Is it treating your sleep apnea?
- Is it comfortable in terms of feel and noise?
If you have a comfortable CPAP mask, you are well on the way to a successful journey with CPAP.
For any enquiries about CPAP masks or sleep apnea in general, contact Sleep Right Australia info@sleepright.com.au or call us on 1800 799 950.
When I found out I have sleep apnea, I started on a full mask, I found it dried my mouth and I panicked, I then tried the nasal mask and have found it perfect no problems at all.
Nice work Kaz.
If switching to nasal mask on dreamstation do I need to change any settings
No. There are different mask settings on all of the machines, but the overall effect on therapy is minimal.
I have a full face mask and I really am no longer a mouth breather and I hate having the air delivered to my mouth I would look like to try a nasal mask and have ordered a Cheap nasal mask to try and will use a chinstrap with it but I will need recommendations if this works for a really good nasal mask with a good fit
Clyde, good luck. Just note that as the masks get better, they become quieter and can form better seals so maybe it’s not best to make a final judgement using an inferior product. I like P10 in the nostril and N20 for over the nose.
Whe is there a choice on my machine for nose mask and face mask. Is there a difference on how the machine tuna’s ? I have a resvent Thanks
Hi Randy, it doesn’t make a huge difference either way. I am not 100% sure of its function.
## Comment SPAM Protection: Shield Security marked this comment as “Pending Moderation”. Reason: Human SPAM filter found “diffrent” in “comment_content” ##
i just bought a nasal mask coming from a full face mask. used it last night (a bit diffrent) my ahi was high with the full mask like 20-30 ahi. Using the nasal mask last night it was 1.6. Does it take
long to adjust?
If your ahi was 20-30 with the full mask was it even helping? My understanding is that the ahi goal is 5 or lower which should mean minimal apnea events. Sounds like the nasal mask is a fantastic switch for you.
Since I started using a Nasal mask at the beginning of May 2024 I have been waking up really dizzy and it does not get any better during the day. I have been using a full face mask since 2010. What can I do?
Perhaps you are better off with the Full Face mask if you feel better with it?
I find it difficult to exhale with nasal mask. Should I lower the pressure setting