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.