Most common CPAP therapy Masks & Types of CPAP masks

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure 

(CPAP) therapy is a popular treatment for people suffering from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can induce breathing problems and CPAP machines use mild air pressure to keep the airways open and make sure the airways don’t collapse. The CPAP mask is an essential part of your CPAP therapy which delivers air from the machine to your nose and mouth. Your CPAP mask should be as comfortable as possible while also providing a complete seal around your nose and/or mouth (without leaving marks on your face or irritating your skin)

Most CPAP therapy masks consist of 3 main components:

• CPAP Mask headgear – The headgear keeps the entire structure stable.
• CPAP Mask frame – The frame supports the cushions and attaches to the headgear.
• CPAP Mask cushion – The cushions prevent air leaks along with providing comfort.

3 common types of CPAP masks

There are different types of masks available in the market for people who are diagnosed with sleep apnea. There are mainly three types of CPAP masks that are prescribed by doctors when treating patients:

• Full Face Masks
• Nasal Masks
• Nasal Pillow Masks

1. Full Face Masks

Full Face CPAP masks cover both the nose and the mouth and the cushions in a full face mask are in a triangular shape. This is the best type of CPAP mask for mouth breathers, those who don’t want to use a nasal mask with a chinstrap. One of the drawbacks of a full-face mask is that it’s heavier and bulkier as it covers the entire face.

Eg. ResMed Airfit F30 Full Face Mask

2. Nasal Masks

A nasal CPAP mask rests on the bridge of your nose and covers the entire nose. The headgear that has four points holds this type of mask in place. Nasal CPAP masks are popular due to their minimalist structure and the comfort they provide to the patient. Accidental mouth breathing while using a nasal CPAP mask can result in dry mouth and a dry throat which might be a problem for some people.

Eg. ComfortGel Blue Nasal Mask

3. Nasal Pillow Masks

Nasal pillow CPAP masks create a seal below the nostrils where the cushions sit. This is the least intrusive style of CPAP mask and provides clear vision and maximum comfort. This type of CPAP mask is ideal for men with facial hair and readers. Occasional irritation may happen at the opening of the nostril.

Eg. Nuance Gel Pillow Mask

3. Most Common CPAP therapy Masks

   After going through the entire Medikart catalog we have come up with some of the most common CPAP masks for sleep apnea treatment that is popular among the customers. The highest rated  masks of 2023 are:

   • ComfortGel Blue Nasal Mask

   Philips Respironics ComfortGel Blue Nasal Mask is an upgrade over the earlier version in gel cushions and forehead pad design. ComfortGel Blue Nasal Mask comes with a new angled elbow and exhalation micro ports which reduce overall sound. ComfortGel Blue Nasal Mask cushion is now labeled with a System One Resistance Control rating.

   At just Rs3000 along with a ton of features, the ComfortGel Blue is one of the best and most popular nasal CPAP masks on the market.

• Dreamwear Full Face Mask

The Philips DreamWear Full Face Mask combines versatility with innovation to bring customers freedom and comfort like never before. DreamWear Full Face Mask’s under-the-nose design of the full face cushion reduces mask bulk, providing users with an open field of vision and reduced feelings of claustrophobia.

At an affordable price of Rs5000, The Dreamware Mask offers maximum comfort by minimizing facial contact and features like interchangeable cushions.

• ResMed Airfit F20 Full Face Mask

The ResMed AirFit F20 is created to be low-profile. The Airfit F20 is perfect for those with claustrophobia. The mask frame features integrated padding and fewer facial touch points, making it a breeze to read or watch television before bed. Thanks to the plush, padded headpiece and ultra-quiet operation at just 21 decibels, the ResMed F20 Full Face Mask prioritises comfort without losing utility.

Priced at around Rs5000, the stylish ResMed Airfit F20 is one of the best masks available, and is a perfect option for people using Full Face mask

• ResMed Airfit N20 Nasal Mask

The ResMed Airfit N20 Nasal Mask is a universal fit for all patients, regardless of their facial profile. The innovative InfinitySeal enhances your comfort and fits while reducing mask leaks. Regardless of your sleeping position, the Resmed Nasal mask, AirFit N20 moves with you throughout the night. The AirFit N20 is also compatible with travel CPAP, and AirMini.

Priced around Rs4600, the popular Airfit N20 is perfect for Nasal mask users.

Some other popular masks are the Philips Respironics Amara series, DeVilbiss D100, Philips Dreamwisp series etc.

These are some of the most commonly used CPAP therapy masks. I hope this article helped you in your CPAP journey!