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Best Full Face CPAP Mask
If you suffer from sleep apnea, you’ve probably already heard all about CPAP masks. What you might not know is that they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles.
The right mask for you depends on your comfort level, your preferred features, and your CPAP machine.
In fact, the best full face CPAP masks are actually compatible with several different kinds of CPAPs and other types of respiratory devices.
Why Use a Full Face CPAP Mask
These masks are designed to provide the widest level of coverage of all the options available, and can be used by those who have facial hair, suffer from mouth breathing, or have drool issues.
These masks are not recommended for those who have claustrophobia, since they have a larger frame than other options.
Tips When Buying the Best Full Face CPAP Mask
How to Choose the Right Size
Just like your shoes, having the right size CPAP mask is important to ensure you are getting the right pressure of airflow and your CPAP machine can perform as expected. By now, you should have had a sleep study conducted and the staff should have some recommendations for you that work for a majority of patients.
Full face masks come a variety of sizes and some come with wide widths as well. The key here is to ensure that you get the right fit. Please avoid oversizing as this would cause excessive shifting while you are sleeping.
Manufacturers also provide printable templates or plastic templates to measure your face.
To make sure that the full face mask is fitting correctly, you will want to lay on your bed as you normally do and check all of your straps that they are snug but not overly tight. Gently pull the straps so you feel a good seal on your face. If you are experiencing red marks on your face you might want to adjust the straps or get face mask liners to help create a softer barrier for your face.
Common problems with Full Face CPAP Masks
1. Potential Leaks
One of the most common complaints is that the mask can leak, because it is designed to fit snugly around your nose and mouth. The main way to address this issue is to ensure your mask fits properly.
If you are getting leaks or find that the mask is ill-fitting, immediately let the staff know so that it can be addressed.
The main goal here is to improve your sleep. It does take a few days to get adjusted but if after a week you are still getting major leaks, it is time to try a different size or mask.
2. Full Face masks Can Make You Feel Claustrophobic
Because full face CPAP masks cover your nose and mouth, you might feel a little uncomfortable. However, it should never feel as if you are choking, even if you are a mouth breather.
If you notice that you experience difficulty breathing while wearing your CPAP mask, there are several reasons why this could be.
First, the pressure should be double checked to ensure you are getting the prescribed amount of airflow.
You also might be swallowing air, causing you to feel bloated. Again, you might want to lower the pressure so you are not breathing against too much pressure.
If you still feel claustrophobic, try some relaxation tips like watching TV or breathing to your favorite music to help you adjust to the new breathing technique.
3. Full Face Masks Cause Dry Mouth
Users of full face masks may experience dry mouth. This is caused by a leak of non-heated air when you are sleeping.
Humidification and heath air helps alleviate this but you have a leak then you are not able to benefit from the moist air. Again, check for leaks to avoid dry mouth
Here are Napping.com’s Top Pick for the Best Full Face CPAP Mask:
Dreamwear Full Face
DreamWear Full Face Mask from Philips is one of the smallest and most comfortable masks we’ve tried.
In addition to being light and easy to wear, the DreamWear uses a unique air chamber design to help prevent mask leaks.
The mask is also designed to be worn alongside glasses, which can be a big hassle with other CPAP masks.
ResMed Air FitFull Face Mask F Line
ResMed AirFit F20 is one of Resmed’s most popular masks. As it works for 97% of its users. The ResMed Airfit F line is so comfortable that you might even forget you are wearing it.
It has a soft silicone cushion that is contoured to the shape of your face, so that there are no uncomfortable pressure points.
This comfortable, effective mask is compatible with all CPAP and APAP machines, and the unique design and material make it extremely easy to get a secure fit.
The Resmed AirFit Full Face F30 is the hybrid version and is great for those with glasses.
We hope you enjoyed our review of the best Full Face CPAP Masks and how to choose the right one for you.
Both RedMed and Philips Respironics are the brands we recommend.
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