The Back Sleeper
If you sleep on your back then you should be able to use any type of mask available on the market. Although it is not the recommended sleeping position for people with sleep apnea, it does work well for people that have been prescribed a higher airway pressure level. A full face mask such as the DreamWear Full Face, AirFit F20, or Quattro should help prevent leaks and irritation from the higher pressures. Other masks which work well with back sleepers are nasal masks such as the DreamWisp, AirFit N20, and Mirage FX. All of the other nasal masks work well as well with lower prescribed airway pressures.
The Side Sleeper
If you are a side sleeper then it is possible that you may change many positions throughout the night and can be hard for a mask to be comfortable while maintaining a good seal. Nasal pillows should be considered in this case as they will help minimize the frequency that the mask will shift out of position and cause a leak. Our top choices for nasal pillows are the DreamWear Gel Pillow Mask, AirFit P10, AirFit P30i, and Swift FX.
Another honourable mention is the DreamWear Nasal Mask. This is an unique mask that utilizes the best of both a nasal and a nasal pillow masks and would work well with either sleeping on your back or your side.
Know that all masks can and do leak because of the way we sleep and move around at night. Do not feel frustrated by this and give up on your therapy. Shop wisely and try a variety of masks until you find the best possible mask for your face.
No matter how you sleep, CPAP therapy should be comfortable and give you relief, not anxiety. Here at MyCPAP we are vowed to giving you the most out of your treatment and the best night sleep possible. If you have any questions about your set up or need help finding solutions to your CPAP problems, please do not hesitate and contact us by phone or WhatsApp at +852 6219 4957 or email us at cs@mycpap.com.hk