Sleep apnea, a breathing condition affecting millions of people worldwide, can be treated using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, a highly effective treatment. CPAP machines deliver air under pressure through a mask to keep the airway open.
Choosing the correct type of mask is crucial to ensure treatment is effective. CPAP masks come in different styles, including nasal pillows and other options that deliver air through the nose. There are also full-face masks that supply air through both the nose and mouth. If your doctor has prescribed or advised you to get a full-face CPAP mask, here’s everything you need to know.
What Is a Full Face Mask?
The most oversized CPAP mask available is the full-face mask, created to cover both the nose and mouth. The purpose of this mask is to keep the pressurised air within it so that you can breathe in through the nose or mouth. The side straps are similar to those on a nasal mask and help secure it in place. When going to sleep, the user should adjust the straps to ensure their cover fits snugly but is still comfortable.
Are Full Face Masks Better for CPAP?
Consulting with a sleep specialist is recommended if you have sleep apnea and want to determine the ideal CPAP mask. A full-face option, such as the reliable and efficient Resmed Mirage Quattro, may be best for you if you are among the people with the following specific needs:Â
- Mouth breathers. People who respire through their mouth while sleeping should choose full-face covers because other options only cover the nose, making it impossible to treat sleep apnea effectively. Additionally, those with allergies or medical issues that cause congestion may be more likely to breathe through their mouth at night, making full-face masks a better choice.
- People that need higher air pressure settings on their CPAP device. The larger mask size allows the pressurised air to be delivered less directly to the breathing passages, making it more comfortable than using a nasal mask or pillows.
- Back sleepers. Full-face masks provide a secure seal. While not the only option for back sleepers, they are frequently preferred.
Best Full Face Masks
Resmed Mirage Quattro
The saying “good things come in pairs” applies to the Resmed Mirage Quattro Full Face CPAP Mask, considered doubly good because it provides two-way coverage by covering both the nose and mouth.
Benefits of the Mirage Quattro
The Mirage Quattro is an affordable option designed by ResMed, a leading medical equipment company, with several features making it a popular choice for those newly diagnosed with sleep apnea and those who have been treating it for some time. The mask provides excellent coverage for the mouth and nose, making it an advantageous option during allergy season when nasal congestion is a concern.
Key Features
The Mirage Quattro Full Face Mask stays in place while providing advanced adjustability. It features a MicroFit Dial with 24 incremental settings to help you find the best fit and soft silicone padding. It comes in four sizes to accommodate almost any face size or shape.
The Mirage Quattro, designed to stay in place throughout the night, even with some movement, has contouring forehead support and dual-wall cushion that provides an enhanced seal. The forehead support adds stability and helps keep the mask in place, even as pillows and CPAP hoses push and pull around it. And the double-walled cushion allows for a looser and more comfortable fit while accommodating jaw movement. Additionally, taking the mask on and off is easy, as the durable plastic headgear straps allow you to unclip it for a bathroom break without affecting the fit.
The dual-wall cushion and MicroFit Dial are popular features for those who wear the Mirage Quattro, as the 24 incremental settings help you find the best fit and reduce the need for adjustments. The mask and cushion, made of soft silicone, are elastic, durable, and easy to clean.
Overall, the Resmed Quattro Air is a top pick for many due to its innovative features, user-friendly materials, and availability in four sizes.
ResMed AirTouch N20 Nasal CPAP Mask
The ResMed AirTouch N20 Nasal CPAP Mask is a suitable alternative for people who find full-face CPAP masks with silicone cushions uncomfortable. It has soft memory foam cushions that conform to the shape of your face without leaving marks, making it a fantastic option for those with sensitive skin or silicone allergies. The mask is lightweight and travel-friendly, with a quick-release feature that lets you easily disconnect the mask and hose.
You can choose from four sizes, including a “for her” version with smaller headgear and lavender colouring. The open-face design doesn’t feature a forehead strap, which is a bonus for people who wear glasses. The foam cushions should only be spot cleaned and replaced monthly.
ResMed Airfit F20 Full Face CPAP Mask
This mask includes seven contour points and wings that conform to your facial features without causing excessive pinching or rubbing. The design is centred on comfort, featuring a soft nose bridge, frosted silicone cushion, and headgear that contours around the chin for extra support. The QuietAir venting technology reduces noise by utilising multidirectional openings to disperse exhaled air from multiple locations.
The ResMed AirFit F20 Full Face CPAP Mask is ideal for sleepers who desire a quieter mask. Many people find full face masks uncomfortable for sleeping on their side; however, the AirFit F20 has an adaptive design that moulds to your face, providing a comfortable experience throughout the night. The reduced noise feature can be especially beneficial for light sleepers or couples. Customers can purchase small, medium, or large headgear, with the cushion available in small or medium sizes.
Why ResMed?
ResMed is a healthcare company that uses cloud-connected medical devices to improve care for people with sleep apnea. Their software platforms aid professionals and caregivers in providing better care at home and in hospitals.
ResMed creates comfortable, easy-to-use products that are more connected than ever to help people sleep, breathe, and live better. The company has received numerous awards and recognition, including being named one of America’s most responsible companies and ranking #105 on the “Management Top 250” list by the Wall Street Journal.
