Nasal

There are three main types of CPAP masks: Full face masks, which cover the nose and mouth. Nose masks, which cover the nose only and nasal pillow masks, which insert in to the nose.

All the masks need to provide a firm seal in order to deliver the air pressure through the mask to the back of the throat to keep your airway open in sleep. There any many nuances to mask fitting. It is important to have an experienced CPAP Therapist guide you with mask choice and to have a broad range of masks and brands to choose from.

Nose masks are a good and popular choice for many patients. They have the advantage of a smaller profile on the face as they seal only around the nose. With less mask touching the face, there is less surface area for mask leak. However, at times the mouth can open overnight leading to mouth leak. This can create airway dryness and nasal congestion. Chin straps may be used to manage mouth leak. Nasal masks may be hard to use if you have nasal obstruction which your doctor can advise you on.