There are some masks out there so bizarrely designed that they ended up looking like a couple of flamingos in a crowd of penguins. Here are 5 of the weirdest CPAP masks available (that are each still someone’s favorite):
Oracle 452 Oral Mask
The Oracle 452 by Fisher and Paykel is the only CPAP mask in the world that delivers therapy solely through the mouth. In addition, there is but a single strap that goes around the back of the neck to hold this thing on your face.
The Oracle isn’t for everyone. Most CPAP users want the option of either breathing through their mouth and nose or just their nose. If you’re looking for a mask that allows air to flow through your mouth only, or you can’t use nasal or nasal pillow masks for some reason, the mask many people use instead is the Airfit F10 Full Face Mask.
Breeze SleepGear Nasal Pillow Mask
Take a look at this mask and you may wonder: how in the world is it staying in place? There is one headgear strap that crosses your forehead, and the headgear is not even connected directly to the nasal pillows. The Breeze SleepGear by Covidien seems to work wonders for at least one person, however:
“I love this set up. It doesn’t get in my way at all. I don’t feel confined, and it’s easy to wear.” – Kathy
The Breeze SleepGear is designed to get your tubing out of the way when you sleep, but the DreamWear Nasal Mask is by far the more popular mask people use when they never want to fight with their tubing again. The DreamWear is also the more widely available mask, as the Breeze SleepGear has been discontinued by the manufacturer.
TAP PAP Nasal Pillow Mask
The TAP PAP Mask is almost a normal nasal pillow mask. Almost, because the mask has a mouth piece that you can bite down on to reduce mouth breathing when you sleep. How quaint!
The TAP PAP is so rarely purchased that we just don’t have any reviews available for it. If you are looking to promote better breathing through your nose, try using the ultra popular and highly acclaimed Airfit P10 Nasal Pillow Mask with a chinstrap instead.
SleepWeaver Advance Nasal Mask
When we’re talking about mask materials, cloth usually isn’t the star of conversation. But then we have the SleepWeaver Advance by Circadiance, which eliminated the industry standard silicone cushion and plastic frame entirely from its design. If that wasn’t strange enough, there is also a piece of the headgear that goes over the peak of your head. Although unusual, the SleepWeaver is a favorite for a few:
“I love this mask: I have been using this for at least 2-3 years. I have no problems with the life of the mask, in fact I usually keep it long.” – Becky
The SleepWeaver is either a big hit or a big flop with CPAP users. Normally, when people look for a mask made to be softer and less abrasive against the skin, they go for the classic Comfort Gel Blue Nasal Mask (also available is the Comfort Gel Blue Full Face Mask).
FitLife Total Face Mask
The FitLife by Philips Respironics is a full face mask, literally. This unique monster of a mask covers your nose, mouth and eyes in order to seal around the less sensitive areas of your face.
The FitLife is weird. Perhaps too weird? If you think so, consider the Amara View Full Face Mask. Both of these masks will provide unrestricted view.
