CPAP Equipment: CPAP Masks: Nasal Pillow

CPAP Equipment: CPAP Masks: Nasal Pillow

Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask Overview More Videos Nasal Pillow FAQs Why might I prefer a nasal pillow mask?

Nasal pillow delivery systems offer less contact with the face than either full face or traditional nasal masks. This system works well for those who tend to feel closed in or claustrophobic. Many nasal pillow systems have nothing that cross in front of the bridge of the nose allowing for a clear line of sight for reading or watching TV.

It can be easier to achieve a seal with this system, because there is less for you to adjust and less surface area to create and hold a seal.

Nasal pillow systems may work well for someone with a mustache or beard as the seal occurs only at the nares or nasal opening.

Someone who has a facial mole or scar near or around the nose, may find getting a seal with a traditional nasal mask difficult. Nasal pillows are an option in this circumstance.

Most nasal pillow masks also come with all sizes included to make finding the right size easier.

I sleep on my side or stomach, what are my options? Sleeping on your side or stomach is preferable to sleeping on your back because sleeping on your back worsens all forms of sleep-disordered breathing. However, sleeping on your side or stomach can present problems with CPAP therapy. Both positions can put pressure on one side of your mask increasing your leak rate. Your options are to (1) try a mask that other side sleepers like (2) try bed pillows made for CPAP users.

• Masks: We have found some masks allow for movement in sleeping position better than others. See our recommended masks for Active or Side/Stomach Sleepers.

Special CPAP Pillows: Regular bed pillows can put pressure against the mask and cause leaks. CPAP pillows are made with CPAP users in mind. These special pillows are designed to minimize the contact of the CPAP mask with the pillow, even when you are sleeping on your side.

What type of mask works for people with full beards?

Full face masks work well for CPAP users with full beards. One tip is to smooth the beard with lanolin to soften the beard where the seal makes contact.

Nasal Pillow Masks are also liked by full bearded CPAP users. If you are a person who breathes through your mouth remember to use a chinstrap.

Total face masks encompass the entire face and can be an option for people with facial hair.

Masks with a gel or foam cushion can also be better with facial hair as they are able to mold better to the face to create a seal.

See our recommended masks for people with Facial Hair.

What masks are recommended for people with small faces?

Nasal pillow and nasal prong masks seal only at the nostrils or nares. Therefore, only the size of the nostrils has to be considered when selecting a delivery system. Also, most nasal pillows masks come with all sizes included to offer options for the user. Some nasal and full face masks are offered in smaller sizes.

We have created a selection filter so you can easily see the masks that we would recommend for people with small faces. View masks for small faces .

Are mask cushions interchangeable with other mask frames or can I use a different size cushion on the same frame?

The answer to this question depends on the mask. In most cases, the mask frame will only accept cushions or pillows made for that specific mask. There are a few exceptions to this. For instance, there are two masks by ResMed the Mirage SoftGel Nasal CPAP Mask and the Mirage Activa LT Nasal CPAP Mask. in this case the cushions are interchangeable between the two masks. You can buy one of these masks and use the same sized cushion in the other model of mask on the same mask frame. The EasyFit line of masks by DeVilbiss offeres different cushion types which are interchangeable between the mask frames.

As to whether or not you can use different sized cushions for a specific mask on the same mask frame, this also depends on the mask. Some mask frames are compatible with multiple cushion or pillow sizes and other mask frames will fit only the cushion of the same size. This information is provided on the product pages. Please review the page of the specific product you are interested in to learn if you will need a different size mask frame for each size of cushion or pillow. For assistance, contact us at 1-800-356-5221.

Which CPAP masks work on which machines?

All CPAP masks work with all machines.

How do I choose the mask that is right for me? We provide our customers with many tools to make informed decisions about their mask purchases. Options include:

• Calling a CPAP Expert Toll Free. 1-800-356-5221.

Comparison Charts. These charts compare available masks, feature by feature. If you're unsure of the meaning of a feature, click on or hover over the question mark for a pop out definition. Click on the image or name of the product for more detailed product information, pictures and resources.

Help Me Choose Guide. We created a guide to help you select the right mask or machine according to your preferences. The guide asks you a series of questions regarding your preferences and your facial features. Based on your answers we provide you with a comparison chart of the masks that meet your criteria. Get started here:

Browse Our Mask Product Categories. These categories show each mask our company offers, ranked by popularity. Popularity is determined by a mix of sales data and our in-house opinion of the quality of the mask based on our experience and customer feedback. The best products float to the top of our categories.

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