Explore Best CPAP Masks for Claustrophobia

What Types of CPAP Masks Are Best For Claustrophobia?

If you get feelings of claustrophobia during CPAP therapy, it may be a good idea to reconsider the mask you’re using and whether it is triggering you unnecessarily. You’ll typically want to avoid traditional full-face CPAP masks that rest over your nose and around your mouth, as well as masks with bulky frames that limit your line of sight. Masks that cover a large area of your face can also be triggering, and it’s equally as important to ensure that your mask cushion is the right size for you.

The best CPAP masks for claustrophobia generally have thin frames and make very little contact with your face to limit sensory overload. They will also typically have an unobstructed line of sight and may even have a top-of-head hose connection instead of one directly in front of your face. These masks will typically be nasal or nasal pillow masks as they have smaller footprints, but hybrid full face masks like the AirFit F30i and DreamWear Full Face Mask provide therapy air to both your nose and mouth without taking up more space than necessary.

Tips for Eliminating CPAP Claustrophobia

When choosing a new CPAP mask, we suggest ordering a Fit Pack instead of the standard mask, even if you’re confident about your cushion size. While sizing guides are typically a good indicator when used correctly, you might actually find that you get better sleep with a cushion size that is smaller or larger than the one indicated by your mask’s sizing guide. By ordering a Fit Pack, which includes every available cushion size, you can try each size cushion and see which one provides the best results to ensure you’re getting the best therapy experience possible.

Regardless of your mask choice, it’s a good idea when first starting CPAP therapy to wear your mask during the day and use your CPAP machine during naps, if you take them, in order to get used to wearing a CPAP mask. By wearing your mask while doing chores around the house, reading, or watching TV, you’re priming your brain to become more familiar with the equipment, which should ease feelings of claustrophobia when it’s actually time for bed.

Using your machine’s ramp feature can also help to minimize feelings of claustrophobia that are caused directly by the pressure itself. Ramp allows you to start therapy at a lower and more tolerable pressure while you fall asleep, which should reduce or eliminate pressure-related claustrophobia.

Keep in mind that CPAP therapy is a long-term commitment and your mindset will also play a role in what you’re willing to tolerate in order to break through to better sleep health. If you see your equipment as something to be frustrated and inconvenienced by, you’ll set yourself up to use it less and less over time. By viewing your therapy equipment as a solution for daytime tiredness, for reclaiming your mood regulation and energy levels, and reducing your risk for complications like heart disease and stroke, you’ll likely have a more positive therapy outlook and will be more determined to push through the discomfort rather than succumbing to it. 

More Reasons to Shop at CPAP.com

Once you’ve picked out your ideal mask, keeping it refreshed with new cushions and cleaning supplies has never been easier! With our Subscribe & Save option, you’ll be able to schedule replacement parts and supplies before you need them, removing the guesswork from your therapy while also saving 10% and enjoying free shipping on Subscription orders. If you do need something in a pinch, we offer expedited shipping options for every level of urgency, and orders placed before 4 p.m. Central Standard Time (CST) ship the same day!

Whether you have a question about your therapy or a concern about something you ordered, our customer service experts are here to help. Call us at 1-800-356-5221, text us at 832-308-2219, or use the Live Chat feature on our website between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. CST Monday through Friday or 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST on Saturdays, and we’ll do everything we can to get you back to the restful and energizing sleep you deserve.