If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, like it or not, you will have to get used to the CPAP mask. This mask is the most integral part of the CPAP machine and serves as an interface between the machine and you. It is through these masks that the machine delivers pressurized air to your respiratory system.
CPAP masks are available in three variants –full-face masks, nasal masks, and nasal pillow masks. They are each distinguished from the other on the basis of their silhouette over your face.
Full-face CPAP masks are usually triangular in shape and cover your nose and mouth. They also have additional side straps at the forehead and mouth level.
Advantages of Full-Face CPAP Masks
- Full face masks are ideal if you tend to breathe through your mouth while sleeping. The other masks lose pressure if the patient opens their mouth while sleeping, rendering the treatment ineffective. Since full-face CPAP masks cover the entire mouth area, you do not have to worry about the pressure, intended to hold your airway open, flowing out through your mouth.
- The additional side-straps at the forehead and mouth level provide you with a highly secure attachment to the head area. Full face masks are less likely to keep falling off your face.
- Full-face CPAP masks direct air towards your mouth without pushing it head-on into your nose. Thus, unlike nasal masks, they do not cause detrimental effects of constant airflow pressure heading directly towards your nasal passage. Consequentially, you are less likely to suffer from nose bleeding and dry and itchy noses.
Drawbacks of Full-Face CPAP Masks
- Since they cover almost your entire face, they can be very claustrophobia-inducing.
- They are the bulkiest and usually the highest priced among all the masks.
Remember that while full-face masks may seem odd and uncomfortable, with a little time and patience, you will soon get used to it. There are also a host of accessories available in Toronto to help reduce your discomfort with full face masks. Once you stick through the initial few weeks, you will start feeling the difference and agree that it was worthwhile.
For more information on full-face CPAP mask in Toronto or CPAP mask retail in Toronto, please visit www.cpapclinic.ca or call 1-877-430-CPAP.
