Best Full Face CPAP Masks

How to Shop for a Full Face CPAP Mask

Are you in the market for a full face CPAP mask that works for you? Let’s break down some points to consider when choosing a new mask!

• Do You Want the Mask to Cover Your Nose?
• Do You Need a Forehead Support?
• Should You Go with Plastic or Magnetic Headgear Clips?
• Do You Need an Extra Small or Extra Large Size?

Let’s dive in and answer these questions!

Should the CPAP Cushion Cover Your Nose?

In the past, traditional full face CPAP masks covered from the chin to the bridge of the nose. This design can make wearing glasses difficult and may block your full field of view. Recently, manufacturers like ResMed and Philips Respironics have begun producing full face cushions that cover just the mouth and nostrils. These new designs seal underneath the nose while also continuing to provide mouth coverage. These products make it possible to read, wear glasses, or watch T.V. while still enjoying the benefits of CPAP therapy.

Do You Want CPAP Head Straps With Forehead Support?

Forehead supports provide extra stability for the cushion and make it possible for the cushion to bend and flex while you move without breaking the seal. The tradeoff for this extra stability is that you will likely need to adjust to having some of your vision blocked. For this reason, more and more people are leaving forehead supports behind in favor of low-profile designs that don’t cover the bridge of the nose. However, if you’re struggling to get a quality seal, you may need to try a mask with forehead support.

Should You Choose Plastic or Magnetic Headgear Clips?

Magnetic headgear clips are gaining popularity, and more manufacturers are making them a standard feature on newer masks. Magnets are easy to use and make removal a breeze. However, if you have an implanted medical device such as a pacemaker or a defibrillator, then magnets should be avoided as they can damage or destroy these devices.

Do You Need an Extra Large or Extra Small Cushion?

Most full face masks come in sizes small, medium, and large. However, many people do not fit into these standard sizes. If you need an extra small mask, look for products labeled “For Her,” as these masks often have additional petite sizes.

Anatomy of a Full Face Mask

To better understand what you’re looking for in a full face mask, let’s explore the important features.

• Mask / Frame: Oftentimes, you’ll see the frame referred to as a “mask.” The frame/mask includes the plastic or silicone parts that form the structure of the mask and can sometimes include the elbow or hose connection.
• Elbow: The elbow is the part of the mask where the hose connects to the mask. Some elbows are flexible and designed to rotate 360 degrees, but this varies from model to model. Sometimes, the elbow will connect to a “short tube” instead of your hose.
• Hollow Frame: Masks like the DreamWear Full Face and the ResMed AirFit F30i use a hollow frame design that acts as a tube to allow air to pass through on the way to the cushion. The hollow frame is set up so that the hose connection elbow is mounted above your head, allowing for more movement while you sleep.
• Short Tube: A short tube looks like an elephant’s trunk and is an extended tube that comes out of the front of the mask. It’s bendable, flexible, and designed to facilitate extra movement.
• Cushion: A full face mask cushion covers your mouth and can seal at the base of your nostrils or cover up to the bridge of your nose.
• Forehead Support: A forehead pad or forehead support typically provides additional support to the cushion. This feature provides stability as you move around at night and keeps the cushion in place. Forehead support may block your field of view.
• Headgear: Headgear usually refers to the elastic fabric or silicone that holds the frame in place while the mask rests on your head.