Frequently Asked Mask Questions

• Why and how often should I replace my mask cushion?
• Does headgear need to be replaced?
• What is the best way to adjust the headgear for a proper fit?
• If the mask is strapped on so tight (to get a seal) that it is painful, does this indicate the wrong size mask?
• Can mask straps and port caps be purchased separately?
• When is a full face mask preferable to a nasal mask?
• I have been having problems keeping my mask on at night—I often wake up to find out that I've removed it in my sleep. Any suggestions? It's usually more prevalent when my allergies and sinuses are acting up.
• My doctor says that my nose is totally blocked on one side from a deviated septum. Does that mean I can use a full face mask, but can't use a nasal mask?
• Who benefits from wearing a full face mask?
• Is there any other benefit to using a full face mask other than for mouth breathers?
• Does bilevel therapy work with a full face mask?
• Does a heated humidifier work as well with a full face mask?
• How does the price compare between full face and nasal masks generally?
• Is a full face mask more or less comfortable than a nasal mask?
• What does a leaking mask indicate?
• How do I choose the best mask

Why and how often should I replace my mask cushion?
You should replace your mask cushion periodically because as it becomes worn, it becomes less effective. The life of a mask cushion depends on use, the oils from your skin, and cleaning. It is always a good idea to inspect your mask routinely; poor care may adversely affect the fit of the cushion and thus performance. To get the longest life from your mask, be sure to wash your face each night before putting on your mask, and wash your mask after each use. Use only pure soap, nothing with perfumes, moisturizers, antibacterial agents, bleaches, etc, and always dry your mask and cushion out of direct sunlight. Poor performance is often the first clue that your cushion may need replacement. Check for small tears or pinholes, anything that might cause a leak. Cats have been known to damage cushions by playing with them and so have children, so you may want to keep your mask out of reach. Also, be sure you don't leave your mask somewhere that receives direct sunlight during the day.

Contact your insurance carrier to learn how often they will replace your mask system.

Does headgear need to be replaced?
Yes, you will need to replace your headgear occasionally. Like mask cushions, the life of headgear depends on use, the oils from your skin, and care (cleaning etc). Taking good care of your mask is the key to maintaining the best performance and mask fit. Wash your headgear at least once per week and dry it out of direct sunlight. If you have oily skin, you may need to wash it more often. Headgear should last longer than a cushion, but it will depend on use and environment. Speak to your home healthcare dealer about how often your insurance will pay for new headgear.

What is the best way to adjust the headgear for a proper fit?
Facial muscles change when we lie down and further relax once we are asleep, so it is always best to fit the mask while you are in your sleeping position. If you sleep in a bed with no pillows, fit your mask like that. If you sleep in a recliner, fit your mask that way.

If the mask is strapped on so tight (to get a seal) that it is painful, does this indicate the wrong size mask? It probably means you have an incorrectly fit mask. It is important not to over-tighten the mask system. If you can only get a good seal by tightening the headgear, you probably have the wrong size cushion or an incorrectly adjusted forehead support.

Can mask straps and port caps be purchased separately?
Most mask parts can be purchased separately.

When is a full face mask preferable to a nasal mask? If you mouth breathe or have mouth leaks, then a full face mask will provide a number of benefits over a nasal mask. A full face mask will stop air loss that can compromise treatment, and it can resolve dry throat and nose problems. If you mouth breathe or have leaks, you will not be receiving your full treatment pressure and thus may not be getting the full benefits of your treatment.

I have been having problems keeping my mask on at night—I often wake up to find out that I've removed it in my sleep. Any suggestions? It's usually more prevalent when my allergies and sinuses are acting up.
This type of problem is likely occurring due to nasal congestion. With a history of sinus and allergy problems, you may be better treated with a full face mask and/or humidification. You should discuss this with your primary care physician.

My doctor says that my nose is totally blocked on one side from a deviated septum. Does that mean I can use a full face mask, but can't use a nasal mask?
With a deviated septum, you are likely breathing through your mouth due to your nasal passage being blocked. A full face mask will certainly work for you and would allow you the option of breathing through you nose and/or mouth. If your mouth is dry in the morning, you are probably breathing through your mouth.

Who benefits from wearing a full face mask?
Some people just prefer a full face mask, but those who get a therapeutic advantage are those who mouth breathe or experience mouth leaks. Mouth breathing and mouth leak can lead to less effective therapy.

Is there any other benefit to using a full face mask other than for mouth breathers?
Even if you don't mouth breathe, you may still experience mouth leaks. Mouth leaks can contribute to decreased treatment effectiveness and consequent symptoms of poor therapy.

Does bilevel therapy work with a full face mask?
Absolutely. Based on one recent study, one could argue that people using bilevel therapy are more likely to benefit from a full face mask because they are more prone to mouth leak and mouth breathing. In the study, data showed that nearly ALL patients on noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) experienced some degree of mouth leak and/or mouth breathing. Mouth leak reduces the quality of your sleep and causes sleep fragmentation.

Does a heated humidifier work as well with a full face mask?
Yes, and switching to a full face mask may eliminate or reduce your need for humidification.

How does the price compare between full face and nasal masks generally?
Full face masks tend to cost more than nasal masks, but they have their own reimbursement code, which means that your insurance company may be willing to pay for one if you can demonstrate a clinical need. Clinical need might include chronic sinus and nasal congestion and persistent mouth breathing. You can contact your insurance company and DME for more details.

Is a full face mask more or less comfortable than a nasal mask?
Everyone is different. Some people find that they prefer a full face mask while others prefer a nasal mask. It is really personal preference. However, both our nasal and full face masks utilize the same cushion technology that inflates to form a floating seal, maximizing patient comfort.

What does a leaking mask indicate?
This may indicate one of several things:

1. 1. incorrect adjustment
2. 2. incorrect assembly
3. 3. incorrect size

How do I choose the best mask?
It is important to pick a mask that is comfortable and does not place pressure on the sensitive areas of the face, the nasal bridge, and upper lip. We suggest you try on as many as you can, talk to other users, and consult with our therapists.

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