Canadians who are using CPAP for sleep apnea can attest that choosing the correct mask for the therapy is very important. Features include masks, which are accessories of CPAP therapy with an aim of maintaining the patent airway at night. There are different kinds of CPAP masks in Canada, designed and intended for different preference and requirement. There are exactly three sorts of masks in the totality: full face, nasal, and nasal pillow. Let us look at the differences between the two so that consumers can be in a position of making the right decision as they get better sleep.
Full Face CPAP Masks
There are those masks that accommodate both the nose and mouth known as the full face CPAP masks. Their benefits make them suitable for use by those who breathe through their mouth or those who have a congested nose. These are also called total face masks and they cover the whole face and offer a better fit coupled with high operating pressure they recommend them especially for those with severe sleep apnea.
Full face masks, for instance, are readily available in Canada and are married with diverse forms and sizes so that everyone can get a perfect fit. They are commonly fastened by a strap that goes around the head and adjusts to fit the contours of the head to eliminate any pockets of air. It is also recommended for those who change positions during the night, because this mask does not shift during sleep.
Pros:
- Best for them who breathes through mouth or have blocked nose or flu.
- Creates a stable seal which is ideally suitable for high-pressure applications.
- Both the mouth and nose fully covered; it can continue with therapy even if you change from the mouth to the nose and vice versa during sleep.
Cons:
- Is more opulent and can even be perceived as weightier in comparison with other categories.
- It may not be very suitable for people who have claustrophobia that is a fear of being in closed places.
- One might suspect that full face masks have a higher tendency of causing skin irritation because of the larger contact areas.
When selecting a full face CPAP mask in Canada, users should consider asking for a headgear made from silicone or gel to help reduce pressure for the skin sensitive while wearing it at night.
Nasal CPAP Masks
Full face masks cover both the face, while nasal only masks contain only the nostrils linked to the machine hence they are lighter. They are serve the individual who solves their breathing through the nose and desires not a tight mask. Nasal masks are used to deliver airflow directly into the nostrils and is ventilated felt to be more comfortable to use for some.
This type of a mask is good for individuals who move around a lot during their sleep, as they will find it does not shift around as much. Furthermore, there are different types of nasal CPAP masks in Canada such as nasal masks with integrated ventilation outlets for silent use.
Pros:
- Slightly more invasive and consequently, eliciting less discomfort than full face masks.
- Enables the user to regulate the angle of the shaded surface, so it can be more useful for those who prefer to read [or watch TV] before bedtime.
- Is more natural compared to mouth breathing because directs air through the nasal passage.
Cons:
- The nasal pillows are not suitable for mouth breathers unless a chin strap is employed to avoid mouth breathing.
- Can lead to stuffiness or pain if the client suffers from regular nasal problems.
- Some people may experience sore throat or dryness of the nasal passage after using the product.
While choosing CPAP nasal mask in Canada, consider mask with soft headgear and number of contact points as low as possible to avoid skin rashes.
Nasal Pillow CPAP Masks
Nasal pillow CPAP masks are the least intrusive; CPAP accessories have small pillows that rest directly on the nostrils. These masks are light, easily neglected and offer a direct seal that meets the nose. In its turn, nasal pillow masks is suitable for people who feel uncomfortable while using other types of masks.
Due to the seemingly lighter weight and coverage, nasal pillow masks enable the wearer to move about more as they don’t cover much of the face. They’re also great for people with a beard as they create a good seal without much contact with the face.
Pros:
- Cosy, light and portable.
- Perfect for those who feel suffocated with big masks.
- A smaller amount of contact with the face and therefore decreasing the likelihood of skin inflammation.
Cons:
- The only application it can be used in is at low to moderate pressure settings.
- Only comes with a head strap and if you are a mouth breather then one may need to purchase a chin strap separately.
- When air hits and directly enters the nostrils sometimes this might cause dryness or discomfort.
In Canada, nasal pillow masks are available in adjustable type with cushion that is in different sizes providing patients with comfort and optimal therapy. Some models also have variable cushion dimensions that allow the user to replace them with other cushion sizes that determine comfort.
Choosing the Best CPAP Mask for You
Determination of the right CPAP mask in Canada depends on the breathing style, position while sleeping and comfort level. Also if you are a mouth breather or even suffer from nasal congestion then a full face mask can be recommended for use. If you wish to avoid placing pressure over your mouth and ears and if you use your nose most of the time for breathing, then a nasal or nasal pillow mask will suit you best.
While shopping for a CPAP mask in Canada, it is important to know comfort, fit and features required for a particular user. Some of the Canadian retailers have trial period or satisfaction guarantee so that you can try out a number of masks before you purchase one. It is also important to speak with a sleep specialist or a respiratory therapist to provide better information relating to the choice.
Therefore, it is clear that there are many types of CPAP masks and every individual should not expect to get a one size fit all mask. It is necessary to consider some features of full face, nasal and nasal pillows masks with regard to their applicability and individual needs to determine the convenient approach for CPAP therapy.
