Best CPAP Mask

To select the best CPAP mask you need to start with an understanding of the various types of masks available and the special features of each mask. You can view popular CPAP mask designs in a slide show here at LoveToKnow Sleep. Once you have selected the best mask for your needs, be sure you clean and inspect the mask regularly so that it continues to provide you with the best performance.

View popular CPAP masks on the CPAP Mask Selection slideshow

Most Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) or Bilevel CPAP (BiPAP) users start out with a basic mask design that is recommended by their doctor or respiratory therapist. As the user gets used to sleeping with the CPAP machine or BiPAP machine, they may find they are unable to adjust the mask enough to minimize air leakage, maintain the prescribed air pressure and maximize comfort, even with a special bed pillow. This is the point where a different mask design should be considered.

CPAP masks come in a variety of designs. The most popular include:

• Nasal mask - A triangularly-shaped mask that fits over the nose ending just above the upper lip. The mask is held in place by straps. The tubing attaches to the front of the mask and connects to the CPAP machine.
• Nasal pillow masks – These "non-mask" masks deliver the continuous air flow from the CPAP machine through small nasal pillows that seal around the edges of each nostril. The pillows are seated in a small mask-like piece that fits under the tip of the nose. The nasal pillow system is held in place with one head strap, eliminating the need for a strap across the cheeks. The hose is attached at the front and continues over the top of the head, making this style of mask a good choice for people who sleep on their side or stomach or for those with facial hair. Nasal pillows eliminate much of the leakage experience with nasal or full face masks.
• Full face mask – A full face mask covers the nose and mouth, alleviating any air pressure loss through the mouth. Cpap.com, a leading Internet website for CPAP information and equipment, reports that about 40 percent of all CPAP users experience pressure loss with nasal masks or nasal pillows.

The key to success with a CPAP mask is to get a mask fit that alleviates air leakage. The size and contours of a person's nose and face will dictate the size of mask needed.

Most masks are designed in two sizes which the manufacturer may call small and medium or medium and large. The particular design of some masks makes it important to provide a large range of sizes, with some manufacturers providing mask designs in petite, small, medium, large and extra large sizes.

The mask size should be reviewed with a respiratory therapist. If a medical facility is not able to provide sizing help, there is an online mask sizing guide provided by cpap.com.

Weight gain or loss can affect the way a mask fits up against the face. Tightening the head gear might be enough to tighten the mask up against the face to stop the air leakage. In some cases, a new mask design may be required.

According to cpap.com, most first-time CPAP and BiPAP users start with the nasal mask because it is easier to get used to than a nasal pillow mask and the nasal mask is less claustrophobic than the full face mask.

CPAP users often switch to a nasal pillow mask if they are experiencing air leakage with their nasal mask or if they are looking for a mask with less facial coverage. The full face mask is a good alternative for mouth breathers or for those who tend to sleep with their mouth open.

Some of the most popular styles include:

• Respironics ComfortGel Nasal CPAP Mask - This mask has a broad silicone forehead pad that stretches across the forehead, minimizing the problem of a forehead dent which is often caused by the small square gel cushion pads that are included on other masks. The forehead pad can be boiled and custom fit.
• Respironics ComfortClassic Nasal CPAP Mask – This mask has special features that make sleep more comfortable. A quiet air vent flows the exhaled air downward. The 360-degree swivel on the tubing connection gives additional freedom of movement.
• Respironics Profile Lite Nasal CPAP Mask – It is very easy to customize this mask to fit facial shapes by boiling the mask and molding it to every facial contour. The mask can be refit if necessary due to weight loss or gain.
• Resmed Ultra Mirage II Nasal Mask – This mask has a double wall cushion which provides a better seal without additional pressure on the bridge of the nose. Quick release clips on the headgear make it easy to remove and replace the mask during the night. The forehead pads conform to the contours of the forehead which helps the pads stay in place during the night.
• Mirage Activa Mask - This mask is specifically-designed for the person who moves frequently during sleep. The frame of the mask is designed to move separately from the cushion which keeps this mask in position with less air leakage. Forehead pads adapt to provide a good fit and seal. Quick-release clips on the headgear and a removable air tube connection make it easy to remove the mask during the night.

Some of the most popular models include:

Breeze SleepGear Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask System

• Resmed Mirage Swift Nasal Pillow System – The air vent is on the frame and disperses the air flow making this a very quiet mask. The frame of the mask is minimal which keeps it from interfering with eyeglasses. It is very lightweight and it folds for travel. The headgear and the angle of the pillow adjusts easily to fit narrow through wide faces.
• Breeze SleepGear CPAP Mask System – This is one of the first designs of nasal pillow masks. The one-piece mask with pillows makes the mask flexible and comfortable, particularly for side and stomach sleepers.
• Resmed Mirage Swift LT Nasal Pillow System – This system is very quiet due to the design of the air vent on the frame. It is very small in size and covers only about half of the area covered with the Mirage Swift II design. The rotating barrel on the headgear adjusts to the pillow angle.

Some of the popular models include:

• Resmed Ultra Mirage Full Face Mask – The bendable forehead pads provide a tight seal and a comfortable fit. The headgear design includes quick clips which make it easy to remove and reattach the mask during the night.
• Respironics Comfortfull 2 Full Face Mask – The dual-wall cushion design of this mask is more comfortable for broader noses and helps against mask movement during sleep. Various design features allow for personalized fit.

Selecting the best CPAP mask design for your needs is the first step towards effective sleep with your CPAP machine. The next step is mask maintenance to keep the mask working at full efficiency. Key maintenance steps include:

• Keep the mask clean – Wash the mask in warm, soapy water daily with a mild shampoo. Let the mask air dry.
• Watch for deterioration - Replace pillows and forehead gel cushions at the first sign of deterioration.
• Replace forehead cushion - Replace the mask cushion whenever the silicon starts to soften, usually after three to six months. The softening will cause air leaks and you will lose the ability to closely contour the mask to your face.

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