CPAP Nasal Mask

A CPAP nasal mask is worn over the nose during sleep to treat sleep apnea and other disorders. CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, machines connect via a tube to the mask and force high-pressure air into the wearer’s airway. The machine blows air at a pressure prescribed by a sleep physician or other doctor. CPAP is only available by prescription.

CPAP Nasal Mask

Doctors typically prescribe CPAP for patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Using a CPAP machine and mask reduces apnea and hypopnea episodes by enabling unobstructed breathing. After just one night of use, many patients notice the quality of their sleep and life improves.

CPAP masks help eliminate the often loud snoring that accompanies sleep apnea, improving sleep for both the patient and his or her partner. Doctors may also prescribe CPAP for patients with heart failure or coronary artery disease.

Nasal masks are not ideal for anyone who breathes through their mouth, as these masks cover and direct pressurized air only through the nasal passages. If the mouth is open during sleep, some or all of the pressurized air may flow out instead of reaching the airway. If this is a problem, your doctor will prescribe a chinstrap to hold your mouth closed during sleep.

Nasal masks are more effective at delivering air pressure to the upper airways than oronasal masks, and there is less risk of aspiration due to vomiting when wearing a CPAP nasal mask. Many apnea patients prefer nasal masks to full-face masks because they are less confining and more comfortable, but these masks may worsen nasal side effects of CPAP.

To prevent two common side effects of CPAP, nasal dryness and nasal congestion, most CPAP machines now warm and moisten the air before delivering it through the nasal mask. Sometimes, steroid nasal sprays are necessary to treat nasal congestion.

Selecting a mask with proper fit is essential both for comfort and for effectiveness. The mask should fit snugly without causing discomfort. Depending on your sleep position, the type of straps used to hold the mask in place is also a consideration. Whenever possible, try on many masks before selecting one, and change masks if you experience discomfort, leaking air, or skin irritation.

Have your mask fitted by a CPAP expert to ensure proper sizing and tightness. You may need to begin treatment by wearing your mask for a few hours each night until you adjust to the feeling of the mask and the sensation of the airway pressure. Gradually, you can increase the length of time you wear the mask during sleep.

You must clean your CPAP mask regularly to prevent mold growth and to remove accumulated skin cells and particulate matter. Use only skin moisturizers approved for use with the nasal mask. Some petroleum-based products can eat away at the mask, causing damage that may result in an improper fit. You can find care instructions specific to your mask in the manual or product insert included with your packaging. Ask your doctor for care instructions, if necessary.

Most side effects of using a CPAP device are temporary, and they typically disappear after the body adjusts. However, some problems may persist, require a change in pressure, or mask type. Serious complications are rare.

Side Effects:

• Dry nose and sore throat
• Nosebleeds, especially for the first few weeks
• Nasal congestion or runny nose
• Skin irritation
• Headaches
• Abdominal bloating
• Leaks from improper mask fit

Serious Complications:

• Bacterial infections of the spine and brain, meningitis
• Severe and frequent nosebleeds
• Skin infections and tissue damage

Speak with your doctor about any side effects or other problems you experience while using CPAP. Often, wearing a different style mask is sufficient to minimize or eliminate these problems and provide you with a good night of sleep.

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