Tips to Fit Your CPAP Mask Properly

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Sleeping is an important aspect that every person should ensure they get a quality sleep, those who have sleep apnea should ensure that they use a CPAP machine. However, one of the biggest determinants of suitable therapy is the selection of the right sort of CPAP mask. Just as the title suggests, when the mask perfectly fits on your face it enables you to have a tight seal to avoid leaks, to be comfortable all night and what you need to enjoy the right airflow. Below are some great tips to ensure you get the best of your CPAP therapy with proper fitting of your mask.

  1. Choose the Right Type of Mask

Selecting the right type of CPAP mask is the first step towards ensure that CPAP mask fits you properly. CPAP masks can be categorized into the following; nasal pillows, nasal masks, and full face masks. Both are convenient with their difference in the breathing preferences and comfort that an individual will favor.

  • Nasal pillows are perfect for people who breathe through the nose and who do not want to see much of the equipment during the operation.
  • Nasal masks are appropriate for users who breathe through their nose and mouth and cover more area than nasal pillows.
  • Nasal-only masks cause leaks for mouth breathers or people with a stuffy nose and are the least preferred by Asian patients.

It is therefore very important that one get the right mask type that will suit him/her so that during therapy, they will not have any problems with it. The kind of mask that will suit your needs most will be discussed with your doctor or the CPAP provider that you deal with if you are using this device in your sleep.

  1. Adjust the Straps for Comfort

When using the proper CPAP mask, the straps should be adjusted to ensure proper fitting which is comfortable and secure. When selecting straps, we shouldn’t make them too tight for this will cause disappointments like irritation and skin rashes but at the same time, it should not be too loose for this may cause delays like air leaks.

When wearing the mask begin by placing it around your face and tighten the head gear straps on either end. Tuck and adjust until the straps are tight but not too tight around the wearer’s head. None of the mask’s parts should rest on your face or chin, or press against your nose while wearing the mask. Remember that read and comfortable might be a little different depending on the model and shapes of the face, in our virtual store.

  1. Ensure a Proper Seal

Getting the right fit with your CPAP mask is, arguably, one of the surest ways of getting the most out of your device. A leakage discharges air continuously, which is not good for your therapy and might cause sleep interruptions.

To check the seal, lie down and place the pad in the position you use when you are sleeping. If you see gaps of air leaking at the sides of the mask, pull at the straps or tilt the mask slightly until it forms a proper fit. The majority of today’s CPAP masks have come with soft cushioning that fits the shape of the face to enhance the fit. If there are persistent leakage, analyze whether there is a tear in the mask, or if another size or type will be better.

  1. Think of Mask Cushions and Padding

The use of a CPAP mask requires comfort, and putting more cushion can make the mask more appropriate. Some models of a CPAP mask are equipped with soft popping or gel cushions to help them be gentle on the face and create a better fit. These cushions also act to distribute the pressure over a broader area thus minimizing on the likely hood of skin injury and discomfort.

Now that you need to wear a mask, but the current mask is harsh on the skin or does not fit tightly, learn about some of the mask models with thick padding or better still additional items like mask liners. Wearers can use the mask liners to ease discomfort and skin rash by coming in-between the skin and the mask.

  1. Cleaning Your CPAP Mask

It is imperative that the patient takes time to clean their CPAP mask so that it can fit right and perform its function as it was manufactured. Cleaning takes out grime and oil as well as other substances from the face that can impact seal and comfort of the mask. According to the experiences of many, it is advisable to clean the CPAP mask daily or at least thrice a week to make it to last long.

To ensure that you clean your mask, then you should use warm water mixed with mild soap. Do not use any bleach, any chemicals or even rough scrubbing since these may harm the mask fabric. It is important to remember that the mask needs to be absolutely dry before it is placed back on the CPAP apparatus.

  1. Make Adjustments as Needed

That is why after some time your face shape and sleep habits alter leading to the need for changing the CPAP mask size. One has to ensure that the mask fits properly and adjust it as necessary from time. If you have any discomfort issues, or you finding leaks or pressure points, then adjust your straps again or maybe look at using different mask model or size.

Furthermore, if your circumstances change for whatever reason, your ear protection may become uncomfortable in some ways, such as if your nose is congested, you are wearing the mask all day, then you may want to find a way to tilt the mask, or if your breathing is dry and uncomfortable, then you may discuss with your doctor to consider getting a humidifier to help to reduce the dryness and breathing difficulties.

Conclusion: A Proper Fit for Better Sleep

The success of sleep apnea therapy and the comfort you get when sleeping depends on how well you fit your CPAP mask. Selecting proper mask type, bringing straps more comfortable, checking the mask fit tight, and washing masks properly will definitely improve the usage of CPAP. If you ever experience a problem with either your fit or personal comfort, please do not hesitate to contact your CPAP supplier. A mask that fits you well is going to work better than for your therapy , but will also help to improve your sleep and general wellbeing.