Nasal Vs. Full Face CPAP Masks: Which Should You Choose

With the proper CPAP mask, you can better control your symptoms and improve your quality of life by obtaining a full night’s sleep. 

However, with so many different masks available today, it’s hard to know which one will best suit your needs. 

That’s why looking at the differences between nasal and Full Face CPAP Masks helps determine the most beneficial for you and your unique situation.

Part 1 – Nasal CPAP Mask

The nasal CPAP mask is the most common type of CPAP mask on the market, and its benefits to it are significant. It attaches to your nostrils and covers only your nose while having a hole that aligns with your mouth so you can still breathe properly. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and provides adequate pressure when used correctly. Nasal masks also have a minimal chance of causing skin irritation or any damage to your nose if you wear them every night for years because they are unpressurized, unlike full face masks. 

Part 2 – Full Face CPAP Mask

One of the most common types of sleep apnea therapy is using a full face mask, which may sound foreign to some individuals because these masks are typically associated with patients afflicted with anesthesia-induced respiratory failure. In any case, this type of mask is intended for those individuals who need a bit more oxygenation during their nighttime slumber. 

It also provides added protection for snoring sufferers. It helps patients who experience chronic mouth breathing throughout the night by lifting the jaw and softening any tissue surrounding their airway. The best part about these masks is that they eliminate the noise of snoring, so no more worries about keeping your loved ones up all night due to those annoying sounds coming from your mouth.

What Are The Advantages and A Downside Of Each Mask Type

Nasal masks cover only the nose, with two straps around the head. They offer a good seal without leakage because they fit tightly against the nostrils. Nasal masks are also less expensive than other masks, which may be desirable if cost is an issue for you. The downside to this type of mask is that it may not provide as much air pressure as other types of masks; if you experience claustrophobia or have long hair, this may not be your best option. 

Full face masks cover both the mouth and nose, but they are better suited for people who have trouble breathing through their noses at night or snoring heavily. With three straps instead of two, these masks may give you more stability and comfort due to their wider design. These masks also tend to come in more varieties than nasal masks (often one size fits all), meaning they can fit different facial shapes better. A downside to this type of mask is that some people find them more uncomfortable due to how tight they must be worn on the head to get a tight seal around the mouth and nose.

Which Is More Comfortable?

The fact that a nasal CPAP mask is more comfortable than a full face mask is not exactly true, but it does have some benefits, such as cost and simplicity of use. However, if you’re looking for comfort with the least amount of disruption to your sleep cycle, then nasal masks might not be the right option for you. 

Going for a full face CPAP mask can make all the difference in ensuring that you get the best night’s sleep possible, so don’t let any myths about being uncomfortable dissuade you from trying one out. If you go for a full face mask, consider investing in an anti-snoring mouthpiece simultaneously; this will help prevent breathing difficulties which can also cause interruptions to your sleep.

Conclusion

Both masks have pros and cons, but for most people, it’s really about personal preference. Try each one out to see which is most comfortable for you before buying a full face mask just because your doctor told you to wear one to reduce snoring or apnea symptoms. Nasal masks can help people with claustrophobia but might not be great for mouth breathers since they can make sleeping at an angle uncomfortable and having a dry mouth or nose the next day.