CPAP Masks

Well-fitting CPAP masks are critical for property delivery of the air from a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), BiLevel or VPAP (Variable Positive Airway Pressure) or an APAP (Automatic Positive Airway Pressure) machine.

Respironics ComfortGel Nasal CPAP Mask

The original CPAP masks were developed in the early 1980s by Dr. Colin Sullivan, the Australian researcher who led the team that developed the first CPAP machine. The first masks were basically respiratory masks that covered the nose and the mouth, such as those used to deliver emergency oxygen. They were very large, cumbersome and uncomfortable to wear while sleeping.

Over the years the CPAP mask has evolved into a more streamlined shape using the latest in plastic and rubber-like materials. These new materials allow for more comfortable mask designs that can work with all shapes and sizes of faces and noses.

In addition to changes to the mask materials, the actual mask shape has evolved. The first mask was basically a full-face mask, covering both the nose and the mouth. This triangular mask is great for delivering the pressurized air because:

• Mouth breathers don't lose pressure when they open their mouth
• Sleepers with stuffy noses can breathe through their mouth

The downside to the full-face mask is that it can be difficult to sleep in, particularly for side-sleepers. Some sleepers feel that the mask is claustrophobic, causing them to have difficulty wearing the mask every time they sleep.

The big, full-face mask was soon supplemented with a design that only covered the nose. This nasal mask is now the most popular style of mask and is frequently prescribed by a sleep doctor. The mask is triangular in shape and extends from the bridge of the nose ending right above the upper lip. Most nasal mask suppliers provide several sizes of each mask style, allowing for different face sizes and shapes.

Breeze SleepGear Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask System

Some sleepers are not comfortable with the feel of a mask over their nose or face while they are sleeping. If they are side sleepers, they may also experience a slippage of the mask to the side when the face touches the pillow.

Nasal pillow masks concentrate the air pressure right under the nose, using small pliable cones in the nose to deliver the prescribed air pressure. The cones form a seal against the outside of the nostril.

The air hose is attached to the mask under the nose. Some nasal pillow masks, such as the mask in the Breeze GleepGeal Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask System are designed with straps to hold the air hose up and over the forehead, instead of letting the hose hang down. This upward direction of the hose makes this type of mask very comfortable for sleeping.

Like the other "maskless" CPAP mask – the nasal pillow mask - the nasal prong mask is designed to put the pressurized air right into the nose. Nasal prongs are inserted into each nostril, sealing against the inside edge of each nostril.

Most sleep apnea patients start out with a basic mask that is recommended by their doctor or respiratory therapist. When selecting your mask be sure to take the opportunity to sleep several nights with the mask to check for comfort and to determine if there are any air leaks.

A CPAP mask has no mechanical parts and has a very basic construction. Most of the parts in a CPAP mask are replaceable. In some cases there are a variety of replacement parts which can customize the mask for better fit. For example:

• Headgear - The headgear straps can be replaced if they become worn. They can also be replaced by a new style of straps – such as exchanging a hook and loop-type closure strap with a clip-type strap.
• Mask cushion – The gel mask cushion can be replaced when the silicon softens, causing air leaks at the top of the mask. Mask cushions with alternative depths can be purchased to replace the cushion on the original mask to enable the mask to sit closer or farther away from your forehead.

Most CPAP mask problems center around air leakage and skin irritation. If you are having trouble with your mask, check the chart below to troubleshoot mask problems and to determine what changes you can make to improve the fit and efficiency of your mask.

• Best CPAP Mask
• CPAP Mask Selection
• Slideshow:Selecting a CPAP Mask
• CPAP.com

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• Why Is Sleep Important

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• Portsmouth Sleep Apnea
• Health Benefits of CPAP Use
• CPAP Problems
• CPAP Equipment
• CPAP Mask Selection