The Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP therapy is among the best treatments to opt for sleep apnea and selecting appropriate CPAP mask is very important to get each of the therapy comfy and fruitful. Different types of CPAP masks include the nasal pillows mask which is preferable for most users because it has less coverage than other types of masks. That is why, although one gains a number of benefits when using nasal pillows masks, it is also a question of how to minimize air leaks and remain comfortable. This article will address ways in which usage of the nasal pillows mask for CPAP therapy can be made very comfortable, and leakage reduced.
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What is a Nasal Pillows Mask?
A nasal pillows mask is made up of small, silicone mouthpieces (the actual ‘pillows”), cushioning that sits at the opening of the nostrils to deliver air directly to the nasal passages. This design is normally encouraged in patients with claustrophobia or those uncomfortable with full face or nasal masks, which cover a larger part of the face. Our best travel mask is a nasal pillows mask, which is light, unnoticeable, and provides a clear line of vision perfect for the active sleeper or anyone who wears glasses to bed.
Although nasal pillows masks are one of the most comfortable masks that exert minimal pressure on the facial structure, meaning you may find it even more complicated to have a correct fit and seal while wearing it than when using other kinds of masks. Below is a checklist to make sure you get the most out of this special nasal pillow mask.
1. Achieve a Proper Fit
The first way of reducing Leakages is returning your nasal pillows mask properly fitted on your face. A tight-fitting mask does not allow air in thus, a loose mask offers an easy escape for the air to escape but, a tight mask will not only be uncomfortable on the skin but will also cause break outs.
The first thing is to regulate worn headgear to facilitate the adherent of the mask upon the face in a perfectly firm and relaxed manner. The headgear should fit is just tight enough to hold the nasal pillows securely and steady but should not be tight to cause any kind of pressure or marks on you skin. Most nasal pillows masks have straps that can be tightened or loosened further to achieve the best and safest place to wear the mask.
When you wear the mask, the nasal pillows should be located at the opening of the nostrils and should not be painful on your nose. A tingling or a slight burning sensation may be regular during the initial phase although they should never become painful. If the mask feels tight or the seal isn’t right then gently twist and turn until it feels perfect.
2. Preventing Cushion Sizes from Worsening by Finding the Right One
Most nasal pillows masks are adjustable and have various size cushions depending with the size of the user’s nose. Selecting the right size is critical if one is to have a good seal that cannot leak at the seams. If the nasal pillows are too small, they will not create a tight seal in the nostrils, and as a result, there is leakage of air. If they are too large it then poses pressure or discomfort.
For the appropriate cushion size, seek help from CPAP manufacturer or your selected CPAP supplier or even your healthcare provider. If you often have leakages, perhaps you could try changing their size, or changing the brand or model of cushion that best fits your nose.
3. Make Sure That the Mask Is Now on Right
However, no matter the correct size of the cushion, improper positioning of the mask results in leakage and irritation. They need to be placed where the nasal pillows conform to your nostrils pending the headgear’s function of maintaining the position of the mask.
The mask should sit well against your face and the nasal pillows should be snug and touching face without any spaces between them. Might it be helpful to try repositioning the mask slightly in order to get the better seal? The mask should not make pressure on your face but at the same time should not be too large, so it will not envelop your face completely.
4. Change the Pressure of the CPAP
At other times, the pressure settings on the CPAP device are high and this may lead to leakages or irritation when using the nasal pillows CPAP mask. If your mask is leaking or feels uncomfortable then it may be an idea to ask your doctor about the pressure settings. They may recommend increasing this pressure to enhance your therapy even if there are leaks.
In some situations, there is a special type of CPAP machines called Auto adjusting machines abbreviated as APAPs which adjust the pressure at the time of the night based upon your respiration cycles. This can be somewhat more comfortable, and may decrease leakage resulting from high pressure.
5. Clean and Maintain Nasal pillows mask
Maintenance is another way through which you should ensure that you clean it frequently so that it may be effective. With time the cushions will accumulate some dirt, oil, and facial oils that can compromise the seal by causing it to rupture making it leak. To avoid this, wash the mask with a mild soap and warm water, rinse it with clean water and allow it to dry before you use it.
Also, examine mask for needed replacement for wear, tear, or any cracks and damage to cushion as well. The cushions of the masks may wear out, which can affect the seal and cause leakage issues with the mask, the same applies to the headgear too. If it is damaged, any of the part should be replaced immediately to guarantee that the mask still has a tight fit.
6. Experiment with Sleeping Positions
Some sleeping postures like side sleeping or stomach sleeping will make nasal pillows masks change or move a little bit resulting in air leaks. If you sleep in a way that causes discomfort or leak, it’s advisable to change your sleeping positions to find what suitable for you.
Others discover that wearing a CPAP pillow or assuming a particular sleep posture can prevent the mask from moving at night. They are specifically meant to enhance support of the head and neck; they do not let the mask turn around and thus, do not leak.