- The CPAP face mask ensures that pressurized pumped from the CPAP machine goes directly into the patient's airway. The air pressure holds the soft tissue in the back of the throat open sufficiently so that breathing is not interrupted during sleep.
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Total Face MaskA total face mask covers the entire face. It's usually made of clear plastic and must be fitted to the patient by a professional technician so that the seal around the outer edges of the mask is strong and air-tight. Straps around the back of the head hold the mask in place. A flexible hose attaches to an outlet hole at one end of this mask. The other end of the hose connects to the CPAP machine. The machine pumps air through the hose and into the face mask. As the patient inhales, pressurized air enters the airways and keeps them open. A small hole or series of holes in the mask allows some exhaled air to escape. -
Full Face Mask and Head GearA full face CPAP mask fits tightly over the patient's nose and mouth. This type of mask is reminiscent of a gas mask used by anesthesiologists. The full face mask is held in place by head gear---a system of Velcro (TM) bands that form a mask-holding harness around the head. Like the total face mask, the full face mask has an outlet hole attached via a flexible hose to the CPAP machine, and a small hole or holes allowing exhaled air to escape. - Nasal pillows are small, soft plastic pieces that fit into the nostrils. They come in several sizes to accommodate nostrils of various sizes. The opposite ends of the nasal pillows attach to a tube running horizontally under the nose. Each end of this tube attaches to flexible hoses that lead to the CPAP machine. Head gear holds the horizontal tube and nasal pillows tightly against the nostrils, allowing pressurized air to flow through the nose and into the throat. Exhaled air passes out through the mouth.
- Most total and full face masks are made of hard, clear plastic, but the rim that forms the seal around the face is made of flexible silicon that forms a good seal against the skin. Nasal pillows are made of soft silicon, making them both comfortable and efficient.
- The constant flow of air into the airways can make the patient's mouth and throat very dry. Some CPAP machines come with a reservoir that's filled with distilled water. Air passes over the water before entering the flexible tube that leads to the CPAP mask. This hydrated air offsets the dry mouths and sore throats some patients experience with CPAP machines.
