Q: Why might I need a full face CPAP mask?
A: If your mouth drops open during sleep, a full face mask may be selected to allow for the CPAP airflow to be delivered through both the nose and mouth. The most common reasons why you would need a full face mask are:
1.You have chronic sinus issues and it is not possible to breathe solely through your nose.
2.You would like a full face mask to use when you are congested due to seasonal allergies or a cold.
3.Your mouth drops open during sleep and using a chinstrap with a nasal, nasal pillow, or nasal prong mask did not meet your therapy needs.
Q: How long do CPAP masks last?
A: When it comes to replacement times for your CPAP mask, the recommended time frames are no longer than a year for full replacement while replacement of the headgear should come at the six-month mark and cushion replacement every three to five months.
Q: How do I best fit my full face mask?
A: With your mask attached to the long hose and the CPAP / BiPAP machine, begin by putting your mask on with the straps as loose as possible. Lie down on the bed and turn on the airflow. Starting with one of the forehead support connections, tighten each strap a small amount, moving around your face from one attachment to the next. Tighten the straps only as much as needed to hold the mask securely in place.
This allows the cushion to maintain a seal during movement. There can be a tendency to over tighten a full face mask which causes one side or the other to lift off the face.