Full face masks are more versatile than you think. Here are a few reasons to switch to full face or get a full face mask as a back up.
1. You Sleep with Your Mouth Open
Do you catch flies while you sleep? Then you need a full face mask. If you use a nasal or nasal pillow mask and sleep with your mouth open, the pressurized air will escape through your mouth and make your CPAP therapy less effective. The old full face masks were heavy and bulky, but new models are lighter than ever so don’t be afraid to make the switch.
2. You Wake Up with a Dry Mouth
If you wake up and your mouth is as dry as desert sand you are going to need a full face mask. Dryness indicates that you are sleeping at least part of the night with your mouth open. This is similar to the first point but if you don’t think you are a mouth breather and you experience dryness a full face mask can solve your problem. Humidifiers help with dryness as well but if air is going into your nose and blowing out of your mouth the humidity won’t be as effective.
3. You Have a Stuffy Nose
It can be hard to breathe through your nose when you have a cold so a mask that covers your nose and mouth will help you get the rest you need to recover. Be prepared and keep a full face mask on hand for flu or allergy season.
4. Your CPAP is Set to a High Pressure
Nasal pillow and some lightweight nasal masks can have trouble getting and keeping a seal with pressure above 15 cm H20. The more robust full face masks are made to be secure at even the highest pressure settings.
Don’t be intimidated by full face masks. Many patients use and love them. Even if you don’t want to use them all the time they make and excellent back up mask for when your sick or just stuffed up. Allow me to introduce some of our most popular models.
AirFit F10 – This is the latest and greatest in full face masks. It offers a clear field of vision so you can watch TV or read before you go to bed. At $149 the F10 is one of the best value masks out there.
Quattro Air – The Quattro Air mask is light and quiet with a quick release elbow. You can’t beat it for comfort and ease of use.
Mirage Quattro – Here we have an old favorite. The Mirage Quattro is an older model but it gets the job done. If you have major leak problems this mask is for you. It is a little bulkier than other models but its number one in stability.
