Tag: CPAP

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment

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Sleep Apnea, Solutions

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment

If you’ve been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or think you might have the condition, you may have questions about how to treat it.

There are several treatment options; the most effective way to treat your sleep apnea depends on the severity of your condition.

Generally, mild to moderate cases can be effectively managed with the same techniques used to treat primary snoring (i.e. non-apnea). Severe cases where your AHI is over 30 are best managed with CPAP.

In extreme cases where CPAP is not tolerated and there is a clear physical obstruction, surgery can also be an option.

This article explores the various methods that can be used to manage obstructive sleep apnea.

Each category has links to other useful SnoreLab articles on the subject.

Side note: what determines sleep apnea severity?

The severity of sleep apnea is split into mild, moderate and severe. These designations are based on how many times you experience apnea or hypopnea episodes per hour – your AHI score. This is where your breathing completely stops or partially stops for 10 seconds or more.

Make sure to read our article about sleep apnea diagnosis to understand sleep studies, the AHI score and classifying the severity of obstructive sleep apnea.

Making suitable lifestyle changes

If your sleep apnea is at the milder end of the spectrum, you can treat it by making some targeted lifestyle changes.

What is most effective depends greatly on what is responsible for your sleep apnea in the first place. Generally speaking, the following lifestyle changes have the most positive impact:

1. Lose weight

Your weight has a significant influence on your likelihood of developing obstructive sleep apnea. Simply put, the heavier you are, the more likely you are to suffer from OSA.

Side note: the statistics of weight loss and sleep apnea

Some epidemiological studies indicate that 70% of patients experiencing sleep apnea are obese, and 40% of obese people are suffering from sleep apnea [1].

Promisingly, research has demonstrated that losing 10-15% of your body weight can half the severity of your sleep apnea [2], and that losing 60% of body fat can eradicate sleep apnea for around 86% of obese people [3].

There’s no shortage of advice or special diets when it comes to losing weight. It can all be a bit confusing and overwhelming. No single technique works wonders for everyone, and drastic solutions are rarely stuck at for very long.

Instead, be sure to check out SnoreLab’s SMART strategy for effective, sustainable weight loss and also have a read of our full article of the impact of weight on snoring and sleep apnea.

2. Stop smoking and reduce alcohol consumption

Smokers, and even passive smokers are more at risk of snoring and experiencing sleep disordered breathing [4][5].

Some studies have found that smokers are 2.5 times more likely to suffer from obstructive sleep apnea [6].

Quitting smoking has shown to reduce your likelihood of experiencing sleep disordered breathing [7]. This is because smoking contributes to greater inflammation and irritation in the upper airway which predisposes it to vibration and collapse [8].

Further, a nightcap is also not ideal for healthy sleep. Alcohol causes your muscles to relax – even more than they do normally when you fall asleep. It therefore increases the collapsibility of your airway and heightens the risk of experiencing apneas.

SnoreLab users amongst many others have found that reducing their alcohol consumption yields drastic reductions in their snoring and sleep apnea.

3. Alter your sleeping position

More than half of all obstructive sleep apnea cases are referred to as “position-induced” sleep apnea [9], where the severity of the condition is made worse by back-sleeping.

By sleeping on your back, your mouth has a tendency to fall open. This changes the shape of your upper airway and makes obstruction more likely.

Sleep apnea can therefore be massively reduced by switching to side-sleeping. There are many techniques you can use to make this change – be sure to check out our guide to sleeping position and snoring.

Anti-snoring mouthpieces

Whilst not recommended for severe cases of OSA, a mandibular advancement device (MAD) can be a good option for those with mild to moderate OSA, or those who do not tolerate CPAP.

MADs brings your lower jaw (mandible) forward (or advance it) to tighten the tissues in your airway that are prone to slackening and causing obstruction.

There are many different types of MAD available so finding the right one can be a bit confusing. To get the best quality we recommend getting a mouthpiece custom fitted by a dentist, though this can be quite expensive.

You can still find great quality mouthpieces without paying loads for a custom-made one. Have a read of our guide to anti-snoring mouthpieces so you know what to look out for when buying generic devices online.

If your tongue causes obstruction in your airway, a different type of mouthpiece called a “tongue retainer” can also be effective for mild to moderate OSA.

CPAP

CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure and is a treatment suitable for moderate to severe sleep apnea sufferers. It is the primary method for managing OSA and has a wealth of evidence to support its efficacy.

In most countries, it is only available with a prescription after confirmed diagnosis of sleep apnea.

A CPAP device uses a mask to force air into your nose and throat to keep your airways open.
CPAP does not give you more oxygen. Instead, it introduces a current of normal air that creates positive pressure; this props open your airway to stop it from collapsing.

Many people are fearful of CPAP. Users can also struggle with their devices, experiencing discomfort, claustrophobia and air leakage.

Despite its scary reputation, it’s important to know that CPAP can be a life-saving tool. There are measures you can take to get the most out of it and cope with any difficulties you may have.

 

SnoreLab’s guide to dealing with CPAP issues

Check out

Performing mouth exercises

Research has shown that exercising the muscles in your airway can have a positive impact on mild to moderate sleep apnea.

These techniques are adapted from speech and language therapy and consist of repeated movements in the tongue, cheeks, jaw and soft palate in order to increase muscular tone.

Several studies demonstrate that patients with sleep apnea can reduce their AHI scores and sleepiness by performing these exercises regularly [10] [11] [12] [13].

You can read about all of the evidence and also learn the 5 exercises we recommend.

Surgery

Surgery is usually a last resort only when other techniques to manage your sleep apnea have failed.

Whilst there is some research to show that surgery can produce positive outcomes for OSA, there isn’t enough evidence for surgery to be routinely recommended ahead of alternatives like CPAP.

Usually, to be considered for surgery, there are several requirements that will be assessed by an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist first:

  • A diagnosis of severe obstructive sleep apnea, confirmed by a sleep study
  • A clear physical obstruction that can be rectified by surgery
  • Failed treatment with alternative methods such as CPAP and mouthpieces
  • Evidence that the condition is severely affecting your quality of life

There are many types of surgery for snoring and not all are recommended for OSA sufferers.

To get an overview of the surgical interventions available and the important considerations when exploring surgical options, be sure to read our article on surgery for snoring and sleep apnea.

Conclusion

Obstructive sleep apnea can be managed via a number of different means. What is most effective depends on the causes of your condition and its severity.

Regardless of which treatment route you take, many countries have support groups for people with OSA.

These organisations aim to educate and provide support with all facets of OSA.

They give helpful information on living with the condition, provide practical support with CPAP and other treatments, fund and publish the latest research into sleep apnea as well as organising support meetings in person.

Study for Sleep Apnea – Susan’s Story

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Sleep Apnea, User Stories, Using SnoreLab

Sleep Study Story – Susan


We like to hear from our users to find out how they use the app and what they have done to combat their snoring. With these user stories, we hope you can pick up some great tips and gain some motivation to address your snoring too.

This story comes from Susan who responded to a post about sleep apnea on our Facebook page. After using SnoreLab and identifying some concerning audio on her recordings, Susan requested a sleep study and found out she had very severe obstructive sleep apnea. This story details her route from being blissfully unaware, through investigation, diagnosis and treatment of her sleep apnea …

For a while I suspected that I only snored intermittently throughout the night. My snoring has generally occurred under the usual “snoring circumstances” such as laying on my back, after drinking alcohol and being extremely tired.

My snoring seemed to get worse after coming to an early menopause which also coincided with some weight gain.

I found with my VivoFit band that I was waking frequently, but it didn’t provide comprehensive information so I started looking at other sleep monitoring methods. That’s when I can across the SnoreLab app.

After thinking I was only an occasional snorer, I was shocked to see that I snored consistently all night with a large chunk of it being the “Epic” level.

I’ve had problems breathing through my nose for some time, so saw an ENT specialist thinking this was the likely cause of my snoring. I mentioned my SnoreLab results and that I thought my snoring was a bigger problem than I initially had thought and that I wanted it investigated. He didn’t really ask about sleep apnea or snoring and instead I had nose surgery which wasn’t particularly successful.

Once I had used SnoreLab for a bit, I didn’t really suspect I had sleep apnea, I just thought I was a chronic snorer. It was while researching chronic snoring that I came to think that I might have sleep apnea, or that it was at least worth doing a sleep study.

I analyzed my SnoreLab results and I started to notice some tell-tale signs. I did full night recordings and there were some silent areas in my sessions with some gasping noises. This made me think that sleep apnea was a possibility, but thought that it was probably mild as mostly the results were showing snoring sounds all night long.

More alarm bells started ringing when I realized that I was feeling extremely tired all the time, yawning at my desk after only a few hours at work. Once I had joined the dots – the excessive sleepiness and the snoring – I then seriously considered sleep apnea as a possibility.

I noticed my Snore Score was getting higher so I looked closer at the audio and found more silent areas and gasping.

My doctor was very obliging in referring me to a sleep specialist after I explained my SnoreLab results and my constant tiredness. The sleep specialist was interested in the app, and after some questions I was offered a sleep study straight away without any further investigations.

I had the choice of a home study or one in a sleep clinic. The home study seemed to tick the boxes in terms of cost, so I asked if this was as reliable as one performed in a specialist clinic. He explained that due to the severity of my symptoms, a home study will likely give a reliable diagnosis. If he wasn’t sure from the home study results, he would insist on a clinic study.

Four weeks after my initial consultation I had my home sleep study.

On the day of the study, I went to a late afternoon appointment at the sleep clinic so a technician could help me fit all of the parts. There were many attachments: finger clamp sensors, heart rate monitors, a microphone, various electrodes that attached to my head and chest as well as some other parts to look for leg movement. She attached everything in an orderly fashion and explained it all as she went along.

I then went home (with a jacket on to cover up my attachments so I didn’t attract unwanted attention) and got on with my evening. Despite having these pieces attached to me, I was still able to move around easily and do the things I’d normally do before bed. 

Of all the connections, there were a few that I had to fit myself before going to sleep. The leads from the various attachments were bundled into one plug to be connected at the front of a belt around my middle. Then I had to put in the nasal prongs and a small clamp on my finger which were also connected to the belt. 

When I went to sleep, it was an unusual feeling, but certainly not uncomfortable. I didn’t feel like I slept very well for fear of the leads disconnecting. In a Catch-22 scenario, I then started to worry that because I thought I wasn’t sleeping well the test wouldn’t give an accurate representation of my normal sleep (this later proved to be an unfounded fear, as there was plenty of data when my results came back, and the diagnosis was clear as day).

Before, the technician had explained what needed to be disconnected in the morning. Everything came off very easily like she said it would. By undoing the two connections on the front belt, the entire system slipped off like a cardigan.

She had also explained that there was no need to tidy up the leads or disconnect anything else, I simply had to put everything into a bag and return it to the clinic.

The results were sent away to be analyzed and I got them back in four weeks.

I was very surprised. After thinking that if I did have sleep apnea, it would be very mild or not detected, my results came back as “Very Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea”. My AHI score was 100! This means that my sleep was disrupted 100 times per hour. Sometimes, oxygen was interrupted completely for 30 seconds at a time.

Following the initial shock, I was then excited to think that there are known treatments for sleep apnea and that I would one day hopefully not feel so tired.

The sleep specialist wrote a script for a CPAP machine and gave me a list of suppliers. Helpfully, the script also had instructions to the supplier as to what settings the machine should have.

Interestingly, the chemist I rented the CPAP machine from had a sleep apnea trained assistant. I discussed the app with her and she was intrigued. She mentioned that a lot of people assume they can rent a CPAP machine without a script (they can’t here in Australia). She then said that SnoreLab would be a great way to give evidence to doctors and convince them that a sleep study is necessary.

I had to use the machine for a month so they could determine its effectiveness and whether the airflow settings were correct. The machine I was given had a feature that meant it could also detect apnea events. After a month of use, my AHI score reduced from 100 to 3!

I’m so glad I did the sleep study and started CPAP treatment, especially since I did some research about the detrimental effects of sleep apnea. Having such a high score meant I was a prime candidate for stroke and many other health problems.

I am still using a CPAP machine, and whilst I’m still a bit tired in the day, I’m optimistic that this will improve. Even though my sleep still isn’t quite where I want it to be, I feel comforted that my breathing obstructions are not so life threatening!

I sing the praises of SnoreLab all over the place and honestly don’t think I would have pushed for a sleep study had I not used the app beforehand.

Many people snore loudly and feel tired throughout the day, but don’t make a link between the two. Susan was able to identify some tell-tale signs of sleep apnea on SnoreLab and pushed for a sleep study which has given her a reliable diagnosis. You can read about what a sleep study entails here.

She has since made massive strides to improve not only her sleep health, but her risk of many associated conditions.

You can read more about what sleep apnea is and investigating sleep apnea with SnoreLab’s insights.

All of our user stories are genuine accounts from SnoreLab users. If you’d care to share your experience about using SnoreLab, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact us on support@snorelab.com or get in touch via Facebook or Twitter.

In the interest of privacy for our users, names and pictures may be changed. We use the wording quoted to us by our users but may make small stylistic changes.

CPAP Problems and How to Fix Them

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Sleep Apnea, Solutions

CPAP Problems and How to Fix Them

CPAP is a very effective way to treat sleep apnea and snoring. When used correctly and fitted well, CPAP can dramatically reduce apneic events as well as greatly decreasing snoring volume and frequency.

Unfortunately, many users don’t get this far because the discomfort they feel makes them give up before CPAP can have a positive effect.

CPAP can be uncomfortable and does take some getting used to. It is also perceived as the most extreme type of snoring remedy, and many people don’t like the idea of this large, quite invasive device.

Here, we address the most common problems people have with CPAP, giving you advice on the best way to fix these issues. We also have some SnoreLab top tips on how to get the most from CPAP to snore less and sleep better.
Jump to fixing your CPAP issues with:

Side note: what is CPAP?

A CPAP device uses a mask to force air into your nose and throat to keep your airways open.

CPAP does not give you more oxygen. Instead, it introduces a current of normal air that creates positive pressure; this props open your airway to stop it from collapsing.

The CPAP machine links to the mask via a hose, and continuously gives positive pressure into your airway; hence the name “continuous positive airway pressure”.

Frequent CPAP problems and how to rectify them

Claustrophobia

CPAP masks, in particular full-face masks, can feel stifling and claustrophobic. This is particularly poignant when you are new to CPAP and could wake up forgetting you are wearing it, causing brief panic.

The best way to get beyond this is to get used to wearing your CPAP mask as much as possible before wearing it for a full night. An hour or so before bed, put on your mask and carry on with your evening; read a book, watch television; do what you would normally do.

You needn’t turn it on to start with, just get used to the feeling of having the device on your face. Shortly before you go to sleep, turn the device on to a low setting to accustom yourself to the sensation of the forced air.

If you really don’t like the sensation of having something over your face, consider the less invasive CPAP mask options like nasal cushions.

Leaking air

This is often due to a poor fit or an inappropriate mask type. A leaking CPAP is inefficient. This air should be stopping your sleep apnea and instead it is being lost to your surroundings. It can also dry out your eyes.

When initially being fitted for your CPAP device, make sure you get the fit right. Highlight any comfort concerns with the professional fitting it for you. Masks come in different sizes, so be sure to try a few. Also ensure you get the right type of mask for your circumstances. See SnoreLab’s guide to the different types of CPAP mask.

At home, to stop the mask leaking, adjust the various pads and straps to get it fitting comfortably and snugly (but not too tightly). Also make sure that the mask doesn’t come too high up on the bridge of your nose.

If you’re overweight and using CPAP, hopefully, your improved sleep will help you lose weight. If you do lose a lot, particularly around your neck and face, you may need to consult your healthcare provider to get a different mask.

Pressure sores

Pressure sores are painful skin blemishes caused by your mask rubbing. Preventing pressure sores comes down to getting the right fit. Ill-fitting masks can rub uncomfortably when they move around. They may have to be tightened too much to force a suitable fit. Remember to check that the mask fits correctly in your initial consultation. When wearing at home, try not to pull the straps too tight.

CPAP masks can also create uneven pressures on your face due to misalignment caused by your regular pillow. There are specifically designed CPAP pillows available that have ergonomically designed cutaways to comfortably accommodate CPAP masks.

If you continue to get pressure sores, consult your healthcare provider.

Dry mouth and nose

A dry mouth is often a result of breathing through your mouth too much. If you can comfortably breathe through your nose you should try to encourage it whilst you sleep. This is because your nose warms, humidifies and filters air before it gets to the rest of your airway and is the healthier way to breathe.

There are devices available to close your mouth and encourage nose breathing, including chin straps and SomniFix mouth strips. Read SnoreLab’s review of SomniFix.

If you struggle to breathe through your nose there are numerous remedies that can help. There are many reasons why you may not be able to breathe through your nose, so check out our guide to nasal blockage induced snoring and the appropriate remedies for each cause.

With a blocked nose, nasal CPAP fails to work. A full-face mask is a good option for people who struggle to breathe through their nose, but sometimes this air can dry out and irritate your airway. Humidifiers can help moisten your airways, helping you to breathe and sleep better. Some CPAP flow generators even come with an in-built humidifier.

Forced air is very uncomfortable

Some CPAP users can’t tolerate the level of air coming through the mask. This can be helped in several ways:

  • Get the air pressure setting right – setting your CPAP at high pressures is typically more uncomfortable than running the device at lower pressures.
  • Ease yourself in – like getting used to the mask itself, try getting used to the sensation of forced air. Turn the device on before you go to sleep to get used to the feeling. There are some more sophisticated CPAP devices available that have a ramp feature, where the machine slowly and automatically increases the pressure.
  • Choose the right type of mask – direct contact masks like nasal pillows can feel especially uncomfortable at higher pressures as there is nowhere else for the air to go. If you need to run your CPAP at high pressures, consider a full-face mask.

Removed mask by accident

To stop your CPAP mask coming off during the night, make sure it fits correctly and that the straps are sitting in the correct orientation.

Dislodging your mask could also be down to the mask type and its design. Full face masks are less likely to come off. If you are a side sleeper your pillow could be pushing the mask out of place. Consider looking for a specifically designed CPAP pillow with cutaways that accommodate CPAP masks.

You may also involuntarily pull the mask off whilst you sleep if it is causing you breathing difficulty. Make sure that you can breathe clearly through your nose if you are using any devices that keep your mouth closed.

Can’t sleep

Alongside practicing good sleep hygiene, you should also practice using the mask whilst awake so you are comfortable with it once you try to sleep.

Good sleep hygiene dictates that in the run up to bedtime, you should not be eating and instead do some gentle, non-stimulating activity like reading. This is a great time to wear your CPAP device and get yourself used to the mask.

Noise

Sound from the machine might also prevent restful sleep. Most CPAP machines are nearly silent. If you find that yours is making excessive noise, it might be because the flow generator’s air filter is dirty. Make sure you read your unit’s instructions and keep on top of the required maintenance.

Try to keep the flow generator unit as far away from your head as the hose’s length will permit.

If the noise persists despite cleaning, the unit could be faulty. Return it to the provider to get it checked over.

Facial hair

Beards and moustaches can inhibit the seal that is formed around the edges of the CPAP mask. If you are as attached to your facial hair as it is to you, and shaving simply isn’t an option, make sure you pick the right type of mask.

Nasal cushions are the most appropriate type for people with facial hair. This is because the seal is formed on the nostrils as opposed to other areas of your face.

Top tips for getting the most out of CPAP

Given these frequent problems that CPAP users come up against, here are our tips for making sure that your CPAP device is having the desired effect:

  • Get the right mask for you – nasal masks, nasal cushions and face masks all have their good and bad points, and are suitable for different people. Read SnoreLab’s guide to the different types of mask to decide which one is best for you.
  • Fit your mask properly – during your initial fitting, make sure you let your healthcare provider know if it feels unduly uncomfortable or doesn’t fit correctly. Find out the best way to adjust the straps and make sure to seek a change if your face shape changes significantly due to weight loss.
  • Practice – everything gets easier with practice and CPAP is no different. Whilst it might seem weird at first, remember it will get better. Getting used to wearing the mask and feeling the air current whilst you are awake is a great way to ease yourself into using CPAP.
  • Treat your blocked nose – it is particularly important to clear your nose if you are using a nasal mask or nasal cushion. Your device will not work effectively if your mouth falls open whilst using these types of CPAP. Check out SnoreLab’s guide to nasal snoring remedies.
  • Keep on top of maintenance – as well as regularly cleaning the flow generator’s filter to prevent noise, also check for mold that can form (particularly if using a humidifying flow generator) and wash the straps to keep them clean and fitting well.
  • See the big picture – remember, CPAP isn’t designed to make you feel uncomfortable, it is there to help you. Use SnoreLab to help remind yourself of this fact, as you should start seeing your Snore Scores drop, meaning you are well on your way to healthier, more peaceful sleep.

CPAP: A Guide to the Different Types of Mask

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Sleep Apnea, Solutions

CPAP: A Guide to the Different Types of Mask

If you’ve been recommended CPAP to treat your snoring and sleep apnea, you might have a few questions:

What is CPAP?

CPAP stands for “continuous positive airway pressure”. A CPAP device uses a mask to force air into your nose or mouth to keep your airway open. It is very effective in treating sleep apnea, a condition where the airway repeatedly closes during sleep.

Contrary to popular belief, CPAP does not give you more oxygen, it simply establishes a current of normal air that props open your upper airway to prevent it from collapsing.

Normal breathing works via negative pressure, where expansion of the chest creates low pressure that then acts like a vacuum to suck in air. Conversely, by using CPAP, the constant flow of air creates high, positive pressure that forces outwards and pushes the airways open.

What makes a CPAP device?

There are three main components to any CPAP machine:

  • Flow generator
  • Hose
  • Mask

The generator pushes air through the hose, to the mask and into your airways.

Whilst the generator and tube are much the same (with some subtle variations and features unique to each product such as humidifiers), the mask is the part that varies the most. When being fitted for a CPAP device, it is important to consider the type of mask that is best for you.

The importance of a correct fit

Compliance is a big problem when it comes to CPAP treatment, with many users giving up after only a few nights. So whilst CPAP can be very effective in treating snoring and sleep apnea, it is only useful when it is actually being worn.

There are many reasons that make people stop their CPAP treatment, but most complain of discomfort. One study found that over a period of three years, 91% of users had abandoned their CPAP treatment [1].

Therefore, getting the right mask for you is vital to ensure you get the most out of CPAP.

 

SnoreLab’s guide to troubleshooting problems with your CPAP device.

Read

Nasal masks

This mask is dome shaped and forms a seal around the nose. Shapes vary so there are many options to suit different face shapes. Because air is not being introduced directly into the nose, the airflow feels a bit more natural. This also allows for higher pressures to be used, ideal for people with severe sleep apnea.

However, as the name suggests, nasal masks only work through the nose. Nasal masks are not effective if you breathe through your mouth whilst you sleep. Many devices address this by coming with a chin strap to prevent your mouth falling open. This option is therefore not suitable for people who suffer from allergies or have chronic sinusitis.

Air leakage is a potential problem with nasal masks; the seal formed by the padding can be compromised if you have facial hair. Some users also complain of discomfort from the straps on the head or pressure on the bridge of the nose. You can often mitigate this with proper fit and adjustment.

Nasal mask pros

  • Many different shapes for optimal fit
  • Higher pressures possible, therefore suitable for severe sleep apnea
  • Less claustrophobic than full face masks

Nasal mask cons

  • Potential air leakage with facial hair
  • Difficult to wear before bed or with glasses on
  • Not suitable for mouth breathers and people with nasal congestion

Nasal cushions

Also known as a nasal pillow, this type of mask rests on your top lip and uses two cushioned prongs that fit directly into your nostrils. This is the smallest and most simple of all CPAP masks so is popular with people who find other masks claustrophobic and uncomfortable.

Nasal cushions are less cumbersome than alternatives and cover less of your face. This is ideal if you want to wear the mask for some time before bed. With its slimmer design, you needn’t alter your nightly routine where other masks would be in your field of vision and prevent you from wearing glasses.

Nasal cushions are also beneficial for those who have more facial hair, as the seal is only formed on the nostrils.

Because the air is forced directly into your nose, high pressures can be uncomfortable. This means nasal cushion masks are less appropriate for people with severe sleep apnea. The direct airflow can cause nasal dryness and discomfort.

Again, the device only works for nasal breathers. If you have a tendency to breathe through your mouth when asleep but can still breathe properly through your nose, nasal pillows can still be effective when used with a device that holds your mouth closed.

Nasal cushion pros

  • Less claustrophobic
  • Can be worn comfortably whilst awake
  • Less prone to air leakage
  • Suitable for people with facial hair

Nasal cushion cons

  • High pressures can be uncomfortable, therefore is less suitable for severe sleep apnea
  • Can cause nasal dryness
  • Not suitable for mouth breathers

Full-face masks

These masks are larger, covering the nose and mouth, so are ideal for mouth breathers. If you have experienced discomfort with a chinstrap, or frequently have a blocked nose, full-face masks could be the answer.

Higher pressures are more tolerable with full-face masks as the air isn’t being sent directly into your airway. Being able to use high pressures makes this mask ideal for those with severe sleep apnea.

The added weight of a full-face mask means it has a tendency to loosen during the night, particularly if you are a restless sleeper. However, there are several straps that can be adjusted to get an optimum fit. This mask is ideal for people who sleep on their back.

Due to the increased area in contact with your face, there are more potential areas for air leakage, especially for those with facial hair. Leakage that occurs out of the top of the mask can sometimes dry out and irritate your eyes.

The bulk of a full-face mask makes it difficult to wear before you sleep as it interrupts your field of vision and makes it difficult to wear glasses.

Full-face mask pros

  • Ideal for mouth breathers
  • Suitable for people who sleep on their back
  • High pressures are tolerable, therefore is suitable for severe sleep apnea

Full-face mask cons

  • Potential air leakage
  • Bulky, so can move during the night
  • Difficult to wear whilst awake

How do I know which CPAP mask is right for me?

How a CPAP mask feels is different for every individual. General comfort and feelings of claustrophobia are subjective and dependent on the materials, design and fit of the mask.

When in consultation about using CPAP, it is important tell your doctor about all aspects of your sleep and nightly routine to decide on the best mask for you. Remember to try different types and make sure you get an optimum fit with the adjustments available.

Use this table to decide which CPAP mask is best for you:

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