Which mask style fits your profile?

San Diego, CA, January 9, 2008

Choosing the right CPAP mask is an essential part of making your sleep apnea therapy comfortable and effective. If your mask is not comfortable, you are less likely to use it regularly, and you may not realize the maximum health benefits of CPAP therapy. Because facial characteristics, personal preferences and lifestyles vary from person to person, what may be the perfect mask for one person may not be ideal for another. So how do you know which mask is right for you? There are a wide range of masks available to fit your needs, and they are categorized into three general types: nasal masks, full face masks and nasal pillows. These tips and suggestions will help you determine which mask style best fits your profile.

Nasal Masks

The very first CPAP masks developed were nasal masks. Versatile in shape and design, they are the most common mask style among CPAP patients today. Nasal masks suit most patients and can be further divided into more specific categories with their distinctive features and sealing technologies.

For instance, ResMed's Ultra Mirage II is appropriate for most patients seeking a nasal mask. However, another nasal mask offering for those who move around frequently in their sleep or have restless leg syndrome is the Mirage Activa, designed especially for active sleepers. It features ActiveCell technology, which allows the mask to maintain its comfortable seal even during movement, requiring less headgear tension than other nasal masks to obtain a seal. The Mirage Vista is an unobtrusive nasal mask without a forehead support, which benefits patients who prefer a clear field of vision, have an asymmetrical face or are left with residual loss in muscle tone due to stroke or trauma. ResMed has also developed the Mirage Kidsta, the first and only FDA-cleared pediatric mask with use of the VPAP III ST-A designed specifically for children aged 7 years and older or weighing at least 40 pounds.

Full face masks

If you regularly breathe through your mouth, full face masks are your best option. These are also ideal for patients who experience mouth leak and for those who require higher pressure settings (such as bilevel device users).

The Mirage Quattro and Mirage Liberty, ResMed's newest full face masks, provide two options for optimal comfort and have unique design features to accommodate jaw drop. The Quattro features a MicroFit dial, which allows patients to precisely adjust the mask's forehead support and find the most comfortable position. The Liberty is a revolutionary advance in full face mask technology, combining an oral mask with nasal pillows and uniquely designed for patients who need a full face mask, but prefer having a free field of vision.

Nasal Pillows

Nasal pillows are the most recent development in mask styles. Because of their minimalist design, nasal pillow systems are generally the most appealing to patients. Designed to be as unobtrusive as possible, this type of mask usually weighs less than other masks and consists of pillows that fit at the entrance of your nostrils. Since nasal pillows provide a clear field of vision, they are a perfect solution for claustrophobic patients or simply for those who wear glasses and like to read or watch television before falling asleep.

The Mirage Swift II, the second generation in ResMed's line of nasal pillows, is quieter and lighter than ever before, making it easy for patients (and their bed partner) to adjust to therapy.

Choosing the mask for you

Choosing a mask to meet your personal needs and preferences is an important first step in ensuring comfortable and effective treatment, so take your time. It is a good idea to check with your healthcare provider to find out what your mask options are, and to try on different mask types before deciding which one is best for you. Consider how well it seals to your face and how comfortable it is, as well as how easy it is to use, clean, take on/off, and assemble/disassemble. Don't forget to regularly replace your mask and accessories to keep your equipment clean and working at its best. Also, it is not necessary to stick to one mask. In fact, some patients find it beneficial to rotate masks, as over time, preferences or seasonal conditions change, along with your specific needs.

No matter which mask style you choose, make sure your mask works for you (not against you) in treating your sleep apnea and ensuring you get a good night's sleep. Stay tuned as we deliver more tips and information on masks and making the most out of your CPAP therapy. In the meantime, check out MyResMed.com (www.myresmed.com), a 24-hour resource for CPAP patients who need information on products, therapy tips, resources and much more.

About ResMed

ResMed is a global leader in medical equipment for the screening, treatment and management of sleep-disordered breathing and other respiratory disorders. ResMed sells a comprehensive range of products through direct offices in the United States and more than 70 other countries. ResMed provides reliable products, quality systems and complete solutions for its customers and their patients.