The full face CPAP mask is useful if you breathe through your mouth or your breathing alternates regularly between your nose and mouth.
So, if you tend to breathe through your mouth while you sleep, a CPAP face mask should be your first option.
If you have nasal blockages, such as nasal congestion or a common cold, you might also need a CPAP full face mask.
Why is so important to wear a CPAP face mask when you breathe through your mouth?
Well, the answer is simple: when you sleep with a nasal mask, but you breathe with your mouth open, the pressure from your CPAP escapes. If this happens, the therapy with CPAP becomes ineffective as the pressure intended to hold your airway open flows out through your mouth.
A CPAP full face mask has a triangular shape. It seals around both the nose and mouth, and is held in place with headgear, or straps.
The function of CPAP face mask is to equalize the pressure between the nose and mouth, allowing you to receive the proper treatment pressure every time you wear it.
The most common advantages of CPAP full face masks are:
better for stomach and side sleepers.
good for patients who are restless in their sleep.
less stress for the nasal passage.
improving the sleeping comfort for mouth breathers.
If you are interested in buying a CPAP full face mask, I selected for you the most rated masks from Amazon. Here there are:
Resmed Quattro full face mask
There are a lot of people using this type of cpap full face mask. Some of the patients have some leaking problems so I found and interesting video with fitting tips for Resmed Quattro full face mask:
This buyer review from Amazon might be helpful for you:
"I've been using this for a couple months with very, very good results. Couldn't stand the other types. I tend to get stuffed up, so I mouth breathe a lot, making nasal types impractical.
In combination with the Respironics CPAP, I've come to look forward to settling down for the night. After months of struggling with apnea, this feels like stepping out onto a porch to take a summer nap with ocean breezes blowing in my face.
Silly? NO, NOT SILLY! The Respironics humidifier conditions the air and makes it feel like a sea breeze. Who'd have thought it?
The fit to my trimmed beard is very good (nothing will be perfect). Adjustment is a little odd, since you cinch the four straps and then adjust the top knob to control tension/pitch to the plane of your face. It works and is easy to adjust at night."
Ultra Mirage Full Face Mask - is a great solution if you have frequent nasal congestion or it can be useful to have on hand in case you catch a cold or have bothersome allergies.
The forehead support adjusts in up to 4 different positions increasing stability and providing optimum comfort.
Supple and bendable forehead pads adapt to the shape of your forehead to provide a comfortable fit and quality seal.
It provides a great seal relieving discomfort and preventing aching sores from pressure points.
The headgear is designed with quick clips allowing for fast and convenient removal of the mask without the need to re-adjust the headgear.
Excellent air flow and integrated exhalation vents provide effective CO2 washout to make sure the sleep therapy is productive, even at a lower air flow.
The band omits the need for a forehead support bracket, clearing the line of sight for the user.
The mask frame uses the chin support band to reduce pressure on the lower lip and nasal passage by cradling the chin. No support arm means the mask is much lighter and has fewer pressure points.
The band provides a stable support base and aids in establishing a consistent cushion seal above the nose and below the mouth.
Lack of Forehead Assembly - offers an unobstructed line of sight for viewing television or reading while in use.
Fewer contact points also help reduce red marks.
The chin support band ensures a secure fit and provides added stability without a forehead support arm.
Exhalation Ports - located on the front of the cushion, the ports are specifically designed to disperse airflow efficiently and quietly.
Anti Asphyxia Valve - as a safety feature, the entrainment valve opens if pressure drops to 3cm or lower to allow breathing fresh air.
SST Flaps - Sure Seal Technology (SST) is a dual texture design that assists in creating a secure seal.
Low-Profile Cushion - each cushion is replaceable and built with exhalation ports and support ribs onto the structure. The cushion "ribs" add extra stability and help prevent leaks into the eyes.
Remember, if you want to have an effective treatment with CPAP, choosing your CPAP mask is the most important thing.
The good candidates for CPAP full face mask are persons with prominent head and facial contours. However, you should also take into consideration the size of your nose, to prevent any irritation of the skin.
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