How To Choose A CPAP Mask Depending On Your Sleep Position?

Sleep apnea affects millions of people. Several of them are treated with continuous negative airway pressure (CPAP). Because CPAP therapy involves the use of a mask many people assume that CPAP sufferers must sleep on their backs because the mask is too thick. CPAP masks can come in a variety of sizes, with some thicker than others. Some CPAP users need to wear a specific mask type. Others are free to choose a mask based on their preferred sleeping position.

Make sure you follow the recommendations of your sleep specialist when selecting a CPAP Mask. Before you modify mask types, make sure to consult your sleep specialist. Each mask serves a purpose.

Choosing CPAP Mask Depending On Your Sleep Position

The three most commonly used CPAP nomask styles are the full-face, nasal and nasal pillow. Full-face masks have the largest volume as they cover both your nose and mouth. Naked masks only cover the nasal area. The most obvious nasal pillow masks don’t cover the nostrils.

Because CPAP masks require a tight seal to prevent air leaking, sleeping with your head in a position that presses on the mask can not only make it uncomfortable but also compromise the effectiveness and efficiency of therapy. Even if your CPAP helmet has rigid anchor straps or buckles, it can disrupt your sleep. When you are looking for a CPAP mask, be sure to consider its footprint, including length, breadth, thickness, and location on your face. You should find a mask that is both practical and comfortable to use as a pillow.

CPAP Masks For Side Sleepers

As gravity does not impact your airway as severely as when you sleep on your stomach and back, side sleeping is the best option for sleep disorder treatment. Unfortunately, side sleepers sometimes have trouble finding the right CPAP machine.

Its low profile rests higher than the pillow so nasal pillow covers are ideal for side sleepers. Side sleepers sometimes press their foreheads on the pillow. However, nasal pillow masks usually maintain their seal. Nasal masks are another option that side sleepers like. These cover most or all of the nose. Better versions feature better seals, as well as adjustable and comfortable headgear. These characteristics help to prevent air leakage. Side sleepers may need a CPAP-friendly pillow to support the heaviness of even a nasal mask.

CPAP Mask For Back Sleeper

CPAP customers who sleep on one side can fit full-face masks. Although sleeping on your side is the ideal position for CPAP masks, this position could cause gravity to push you back. If your doctor knows that you sleep on the back, and does not recommend that you do so, you should be able to use any mask that is effective and meets all your requirements. You may find it difficult to take off your mask due to the way you sleep. Single-strap headgear is possible for some back sleepers.

CPAP Mask For Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleeping can be the most uncomfortable sleeping position. CPAP masks that are designed for stomach sleeping will not work well for these people. As a result, most masks push towards the face. This causes pain and often leaks. Depending on the size and shape of your mask, it could pull your head forward which could cause neck strain.

Many people cannot sleep on one side or the other due to these factors. Naked pillows are great because they don’t cause any pain and are easy to use regardless of how you sleep. Even those who use nasal pillows masks need to make sure the cushion can support the mask. Some masks may have tube placement around your temples. This could cause air restriction depending on your posture or cushion hardness.