Reasons to Choose a Nasal Pillow Mask for Your CPAP Machine

With how much our mental and physical health depends on our sleep, it’s not a surprise that scientists and laics alike have been trying for years to develop solutions for problems such as sleep apnoea, and other sleep disorder related issues. Quality sleep can, in fact, be considered as one of the main things needed for our overall well-being, along with air, food and hydration.

While we sleep during the night, our entire bodies aren’t only simply resting. On the contrary, they are working tirelessly to repair themselves, and regenerate, with our brain doing the most important work – processing all the information it’s gathered throughout the previous day. However, for people struggling with sleep apnea, getting a night of quality sleep can seem like mission impossible.

CPAP Therapy for Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnoea is considered to be a very dangerous sleeping disorder because leaving it untreated can have serious consequences, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, mental health issues such as depression and anxiety etc. Being tired all the time can also increase the risk of falling asleep or losing focus in inconvenient, or even dangerous situations, such as while driving.

Suffering from sleep apnea is one of the main reasons to use CPAP devices. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is a highly effective way to get a good night sleep, drastically improving not only your well-being but also the well-being of your loved ones (since you won’t be snoring or being restless). CPAP machines operate by delivering a constant flow of air to the person with apnoea, via nasal CPAP pillows, nasal masks, full-face masks, thus helping them breathe naturally, without never-ending disruptions.

Morning headaches, excessive constant sleepiness during the day, constant tiredness after sleeping, waking up abruptly choking or gasping, are just some of the signs that a person might be needing a CPAP machine and a mask. While most CPAP machines have the same principle of work, there are different masks to choose from. Many sufferers find that nasal CPAP pillows are the most convenient solution due to their design that focuses on ensuring a comfortable experience.

Who Would Benefit from a Nasal Pillow Mask?

There are different types of positive airway pressure masks, and they all have their advantages and drawbacks, meaning that not everyone will benefit from the same type of mask. Their purpose is to deliver the airflow through the tubes – from the machine into the person’s nose or mouth. Logically, CPAP nasal pillow masks work best for people that breathe through their nose while sleeping. However, even if you are a mouth-breather and you really want to use a nasal pillow instead of other masks, it may still work for you – if you are willing to wear it in combination with a CPAP chin strap.

Nasal pillow masks come in different sizes, making it easier for people with obstructive sleep apnoea to find a mask that will fit them perfectly and more comfortably. Their minimalist design also allows for more movement, which makes them a good choice for people who toss and turn in their sleep.

Nevertheless, the main advantage of masks that deliver the air to the patient through their nose, and especially nasal pillows – is comfort. This is especially true for people that find it harder to sleep with a lot of material touching their face, or who feel claustrophobic. In fact, amongst all types of masks, CPAP pillows are considered to be the most comfortable, due to the fact that they are the most lightweight option.

CPAP nasal pillows are designed to rest at the base of your nostrils, creating a seal around them. But unlike traditional nasal masks that cover your entire face, they leave an open field of vision, which apart from making them even more comfortable, makes them the perfect CPAP mask for people who like to read a book or watch television before sleeping. This design also allows people to wear their glasses, since there the bridge of the nose isn’t covered.

Furthermore, men with beards could face a problem when choosing their CPAP mask. Nasal masks work best for them since the facial hair could make it difficult or even impossible for other mask types to create a seal, and it can also cause leakage. In other words, other masks may not be able to perform properly.

Who Wouldn’t Benefit from a Nasal Pillow Mask?

Apart from people who normally breathe through their mouths during sleep, nasal pillow mask might not be ideal for people that need higher pressure, since the airflow is direct, which means that higher-pressure settings might cause discomfort. If this is the case, you might be better off selecting a full-face mask or a traditional nasal mask, instead. For some users, nasal pillows may lead to nose dryness, or even nose bleeds due to the direct airflow.

Neither a traditional nasal mask nor a nasal pillow is the best solution if you suffer from allergies or frequently experience congestion and are prone to sinus blockage.