Among the many options of CPAP masks available in the market, how do you determine which ones suit your CPAP therapy? Every patient using a CPAP mask must choose one with maximum comfort and unique preferences. As a professional sleep clinician, Air Liquide ensures you get the proper recommendations from professional consultancy.
We are also experts in educating patients on the latest technology for CPAP mask options. It will help if you avoid uncomfortable situations with the best buy CPAP mask online, such as leaking air. Moreover, CPAP is expensive, and you cannot afford to risk buying one that will not serve value for your money. You may also need a clinic to give you a professional recommendation.
Below are the essential factors to consider when picking the best CPAP masks for your health.
Basic Features of the CPAP Masks
As expected, you will have to check the specifications of the CPAP masks you choose and test their suitability. Below are some essential features of the face CPAP masks that suit your needs.
Hair concerns
Patients with a CPAP mask with rubber headgear can pull the hair on their hair. Therefore, you need to look for CPAP masks with slim straps, such as the P10 by ResMed. Kindly note that silky hairs may still struggle to stay in place, but they will be minimal with these CPAP masks.
Easy to take on and off
You don’t want the trouble of pulling your nasal pillow mask on or off whenever necessary. Just like using a baseball cap, you should be able to quickly wear the nasal mask with a pull stroke over the head. The best CPAP masks, in this case, are the ones with simple straps, not those that struggle with tying and keeping them in shape.
Placement of the hose
There are two common positions that the hose of the CPAP machine can have; either the front or the head. Placing the hose at the top of the head is good for you if you move around a lot at night before you finally sleep. As a result, you will likely not be entangled with the hose while changing your sleeping position. Otherwise, go for the CPAP machine with the hose at the front.
The Size and Face Shape
The best way to determine the best size of the CPAP mask is to measure it with a mask-fitting tool. A professional sleep clinician will have the correct information about using the device. Don’t assume you already know the head size of the CPAP size.
At the same time, the head size may not be precisely the size of the CPAP mask you should use. For instance, the full face mask covers only a part of the face, not the entire head. Therefore, the size and type of CPAP mask you choose to depend on the space between your facial features.
Line of Sight
The line of sight when you wear the CPAP mask, the line of sight is also essential for choosing the best CPAP machine. For instance, if you use a full face mask or a nasal CPAP mask, it covers the space between your eyes or may fit at the bridge of the nose. The resultant effect is that it does not allow patients who may want to use reading glasses or watch TV while trying to sleep. Moreover, using such nasal pillow masks can also hinder people who would like to read by bedtime.
Bed Partner
Conventional CPAP masks produce air discharge from the mask that could disturb your bed partner’s sleep. However, newer models of the CPAP masks, like the ESON2 by Fisher & Paykel, have an in-built diffuser. This feature ensures that the steady stream of air from the CPAP nasal mask does not disturb the person sleeping next to you.
Having claustrophobia or being new to CPAP therapy
If you are new to CPAP therapy, prepare to give yourself the required time to adjust to the treatment. Some people may also have anxiety when the CPAP mask covers the face. As a result, using nasal masks or small masks with minimal face contact can be the way out. These nasal pillow masks are an excellent way to overcome claustrophobia.
However, note that it takes practice with the CPAP masks to get used to using them to overcome sleep apnea. Also, wear a face mask before you go to sleep to transition easily to sleeping mode. You may also need to adjust your last few activities before returning to bed.
Sleeping Position
When choosing the best CPAP most suitable for you, you must consider your favorite sleeping position. For example, if you like to sleep on your side, using a CPAP mask may not be the best choice to overcome sleep apnea. Instead, you may add a unique CPAP pillow to help you overcome this challenge.
Having a nasal mask layered with soft silicon can also help manage this situation better. You may also choose a CPAP mask that allows airflow through the soft silicon frame, such as the Respironics DreamWisp mask. It is an adequate gear to overcome obstructive sleep apnea through better air pressure management.
Maintaining the CPAP Mask
Regular maintenance of your CPAP mask is an integral part of CPAP therapy, but you must do it tightly. For instance, you should learn to wash the mask with suitable materials regularly. The CPAP treatment helps to control the air pressure in the airway to breathe comfortably.
Also, you may want to sterilize it to keep every hidden germ away. Apart from the above, you should change the CPAP cushions once in 6 to 12 months. However, it is not efficient to clean the seal that is made of medical-grade silicon.
Conclusion
Finally, choosing the best CPAP mask requires a level of understanding of the diversity of face masks. For instance, what size works best for you? What are the types of strapping you would expect? Answering all these questions brings you closer to choosing the best CPAP masks for your sleep apnea.
Good Reads: