CPAP - Types of Masks for Sleep Apnea

Featuring Onkar Rai, B.Sc. Registered Respiratory Therapy (RRT)

Duration: 1 minute, 23 seconds

If you have diabetes and have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, you may want to learn more about your CPAP options. There’s primarily three types of masks to treat sleep apnea; your homecare provider will give you the different options.

The first option is a nasal mask, a mask that fits directly over your nose, probably the most commonly used mask. The pressure is delivered gently through your nose, and it’s delivered tp the back of the throat.

Another type of mask that’s available is a nasal pillow system. The cushion, or the mask, just cushions right up against the nostrils, and again the pressure is delivered to the back of the throat.

It’s less cumbersome and more comfortable, but the pressure is delivered directly to your nasal passage, so you find the pressure is a little stronger. But, again, it’s a mask that’s been out for a few years, but it’s becoming more popular.

Third is a full-face mask, that covers your nose and your mouth, and it’s primarily used for people that can’t get used to keeping their mouth closed when they’re sleeping. So, usually, if you’re having issues with dry mouth with the nasal mask, nasal pillows, your homecare provider will try a full-face mask.

If you have sleep apnea and you think one of these masks is suitable for you, contact your homecare provider.

Presenter: Mr. Onkar Rai, Sleep Specialist, Vancouver, BC

Local Practitioners: Sleep Specialist