If you’ve been detected with sleep problems and informed that you need to use CPAP, you might wonder which mask to use and what nasal pillows are. This kind of CPAP mask might help you overcome CPAP-related issues, including claustrophobia and air leakage. Find out whether a CPAP nasal pillow mask is suitable for you and its benefits.
What Exactly Are CPAP Nasal Pillows?
The market’s most compact and low-profile masks are CPAP nasal pillows, also known as nasal cushions. What’s the best part? They hardly cover your whole nose. They fit perfectly beneath the nose and are incredibly comfortable.
To use one, just insert the nasal cushion at the outside corners of your nostrils. The mask will be positioned just above the top lip, closing the nostrils and putting pressure straight into the airway.
Aside from being the ideal option for side sleepers, a CPAP nasal pillow has other advantages that others do not. The only issue is that a CPAP nasal pillow isn’t suggested for sleep apnea sufferers who breathe at night, which more than 60% of us do.
When you give up on getting a good night’s sleep, try adding mouth tape to the mix to assist you in breathing through your nose while you sleep.
The Therapy
A CPAP nasal pillow mask is made up of plastic inserts shaped like earbuds for headphones and is designed to be inserted directly into the nostrils. This mask provides the necessary pressure to maintain an open airway so breathing may continue normally. These little cushions are placed at the tip of the nose and may assist with issues including claustrophobia and air leaks.
There are common CPAP nasal pillow models available. They are occasionally paired with a mouth covering (for example, hybrid masks that include a mouth guard).
Who Should Use Nasal Pillow Masks?
If you feel claustrophobia using bigger masks, toss and turn while resting, have a lot of facial hair, and breathe with your nose, a healthcare professional or sleep expert may prescribe a nasal cushion CPAP mask.
While sleeping, nasal pillows with dual-wall flaps provide comfort and ergonomic support. Flexible chambers in nasal pillow masks keep them in place while you move. The soft wrapping and silicone-based headgear are designed to keep the mask’s seal intact.
Using A Nasal Pillow Mask Benefits
A nasal pillow is a perfect choice for some individuals. Its advantages are the following:
- The typical CPAP mask used for treatment is often so large that it may completely cover your eyes. You may use nasal pillows to prevent this problem. They limit direct contact with the face region, particularly the eyes, making it easier to view objects clearly while receiving treatment.
- It would help if you sealed the area to prevent air leakage from the mask. There is a chance that the repeated use of mask liners, mask gels, and the mask itself may leave markings on your skin. In such instances, nasal pillows provide convenient airflow delivery. Because they are attached directly to the nose, the skin is not damaged.
- The most significant benefit of nasal pillows is connected to claustrophobia. When CPAP is delivered, a big CPAP mask is usually put on your face, which might exacerbate your anxiety. With a large mask on, it becomes harder for them to accept and feel better. Nasal cushions can be useful in such cases.
- Men with moustaches or beards have difficulty sealing standard CPAP masks. The conventional masks are tough to put over their faces. Masks and gel are only limited since a hairy surface is difficult to cover, and the mask may allow air to flow. In such cases, nasal pillows become more efficient since they direct air pressure into the airways.
- Conventional masks and nasal pillows are used interchangeably by those who do not wish to get used to specific equipment.
Consequences Of Using Nasal Pillows
However, nasal pillows are not for everyone. Some individuals are not at ease with them. The pillows, in particular, may irritate or tickle the nose. They might create sores inside the nose if they don’t fit properly.
Nasal pillows must be correctly sized. If they are too tiny, air may escape around them, reducing the efficacy of your therapy. The nasal pillows may strain the nostrils painfully if they are overly big.
People with prone skin may have allergic reactions to the plastic. Even if you don’t have allergies, wearing an ill-fitting mask might cause pressure sores in your nostrils.
Furthermore, these challenges are infrequent, and appropriate fitting will solve most problems. Many individuals find nose pillows convenient for administering CPAP to address their sleep apnea.
When selecting the best CPAP mask, fit, size, and comfort are crucial factors. If your mask isn’t comfy, doesn’t fit well, or doesn’t match your breathing needs, you’re less likely to stick with your CPAP treatment.
If you want to try a CPAP nasal pillow, consult your healthcare physician or equipment supplier and be fitted for the right size and type.