There are three main types of CPAP masks - full face masks, nasal masks, and nasal pillow masks. Each of the three mask options has the same basic components: mask frame, headgear, and cushion. Since the CPAP mask is the interface between you and your CPAP machine, it needs to provide a comfortable fit. Otherwise you’ll be less likely to keep it on all night and your obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment will be less effective. Don’t worry, the best CPAP mask for you is out there, read on to find out how to find it.
When you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the next step in your treatment will be to get set up with a PAP device (the gold standard for sleep apnea treatment). There are different types of PAP machines, each with slightly different functionalities. Let’s dive into the types of machines available and how they treat sleep apnea.
We’ve updated this year’s list of the best CPAP machines with feedback from our clinicians and real user reviews. You’ll find some brand new winners and some all-time favorites. Whether you’ve just been diagnosed with sleep apnea, or you’re looking to upgrade your old CPAP, these machines combine the effective therapy doctors recommend with the user-friendly features that patients love.
But how do you tell the must-haves from the mistakes? Below our recommendations we’ll explain how to choose the right CPAP machine– from the types of CPAP machines you’ll encounter to the features to look out for– so you can decide on the perfect machine for yourself!
Looking for the best CPAP Mask? Everyone's CPAP needs are different. So we've compiled our top picks for the best CPAP Mask in each category right here.
Ask around about people’s favorite CPAP machine and you’re bound to run into folks who swear by an APAP instead. They’ll tell you it’s life-changing. They’ll tell you they couldn’t stand regular CPAP. They may even claim an APAP device means you don’t need to see a doctor for sleep apnea. (Spoiler alert: Yes, you do.)
Yet the regular old CPAP still remains the most commonly prescribed treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). What gives? If APAPs are so popular, why do they still make CPAPs? Well, it turns out there are some very good reasons for both. Today, we’ll take a look at the difference between APAP vs CPAP, and which is better for you.
Even though tap water straight from the sink is more convenient for many CPAP users to access, CPAP manufacturers and clinicians recommend that patients only use distilled water in their humidifier chambers - and for good reason!
In September of 2022, Philips Respironics announced a product recall related to a safety issue that affects some of their CPAP masks. Find out more details below, including information on potential health risks, which masks are being recalled, and who who to contact with questions.
Sleep apnea patients often wonder if they really need a CPAP humidifier or if it’s just an extra feature they’ll never use. Some people are perfectly fine without one and find CPAP therapy comfortable and effective as is. But a humidifier can provide a lot of relief for those with congestion or who experience some of the most common discomforts associated with CPAP use.
If you’re having a little trouble getting used to your CPAP, don’t give up! CPAP therapy is effective only when it’s consistent, and the more comfortable you can make the experience, the more likely you are to stick with it. Your sleep health is well worth a little dedication. There are easy ways to hack your CPAP comfort with the help of some handy accessories.
The content in this blog was medically reviewed by Michelle Worley, R.N., a seasoned medical advisor who has worked as a clinician for over 20 years in the sleep-related medical field.
Some patients with high-pressure settings will quit CPAP therapy due to discomfort or the belief that their device isn’t working properly. The air might leak from their CPAP mask or irritate their skin with hurricane-like force. But quitting therapy isn’t the answer to protect your health. Instead, there are a few ways to reduce high CPAP pressure side effects.
