Sleep apnea, a common breathing disorder, affects millions of people. Many of these patients use a continuous positive pressure (CPAP), device to treat their condition. Because CPAP treatment requires the use of a mask, a common myth is that CPAP users have to sleep on their backs because the mask is too heavy to allow them to rest comfortably on their stomach or side. There are many best CPAP Mask designs. Some are bulkier than others. Some CPAP users must use a specific mask. Others can choose a mask based on their sleeping position.
Your sleep specialist should be consulted before you purchase a CPAP machine. Before switching between masks, talk to your sleep specialist to determine if the preferred one will work. Every mask is unique and may not be suitable for CPAP users.
Full-face, nasal, and nasal masks are the most popular CPAP masks. Nasal masks only cover the nose and mouth, while full-face masks cover both the nose and mouth. Nasal pillow masks without a hard shell are the least noticeable.
CPAP masks must be sealed tightly to prevent air leakage. Sleeping in a position that presses against the mask can cause discomfort and compromise treatment effectiveness. A CPAP mask’s headgear can cause sleep disruptions, especially if it is made of rigid plastic straps or buckles. Consider the footprint of your CPAP mask (length, width, and depth) as well as where it rests on your head. You need comfortable and effective sleep masks.
CPAP Masks For Side Sleepers
Because gravity can’t obstruct your airway, it is best to sleep on your side. Side sleepers may have difficulty finding the right CPAP mask.
Side sleepers who are comfortable with nasal pillow masks can choose low-profile ones. Side sleepers may press their faces into the pillow to seal, but nasal pillow covers will keep them from slipping. You can use nasal masks for side sleepers to cover the entire nose or a portion of it. The best models feature soft headgear and excellent seals. These features protect against air leaks. Side sleepers might need a CPAP-compatible pillow to fit a nasal masque.
CPAP Masks For Sleeping On The Back
Full-face masks can be used by CPAP users who sleep on their backs. Although this position is the most comfortable for CPAP mask users (and it’s also the most convenient), gravity can lead to airway collapse. Your doctor should know that you are sleeping on your back, but they shouldn’t advise you to switch. You can still use any mask that suits your needs. It is difficult to remove your mask from this position, but some back sleepers might have difficulty with single-strap headgear.
Masks For Stomach Sleepers With CPAP
Stomach sleeping is one of the most common positions for sleep. Those who choose a CPAP mask must be careful. Most face masks have air leaks and discomfort. Your mask’s size may force your head into an uncomfortable position, which can cause stiffness or pain.
These factors mean that most people cannot sleep on their stomachs without a nasal mask. Low-profile nasal pillows will not cause discomfort or dislodge no matter how you sleep. Use a nasal pillow mask to ensure that your pillow fits. Some masks can have temple tubes which may restrict airflow depending on your position and the pillow density.