Full face CPAP masks might not represent the best solution for everyone, but there are many instances when such a mask is preferred. Full face masks are designed to be larger, more comfortable and cover up a wider portion of the face. These types of masks offer the greatest stability and comfort when compared to […]

Full face CPAP masks might not represent the best solution for everyone, but there are many instances when such a mask is preferred. Full face masks are designed to be larger, more comfortable and cover up a wider portion of the face. These types of masks offer the greatest stability and comfort when compared to other types of masks (such as nasal masks).

  • The full face CPAP masks for mouth breathers cover the nose and the mouth, and they are fitted with the help of side straps. These straps help to keep the mask in place, so they represent the perfect choice for restless sleepers, mouth breathers, side sleepers, etc.
  • There are also Hybrid full face masks available- these cover the mouth, and they are equipped with nasal prongs. Hybrid masks are lighter, but they offer the same benefits of a full face CPAP mask covering mouth and nose

The main advantages of full face CPAP masks

Full Face CPAP Masks

–    Full face masks represent the ideal solution for mouth breathers.  Some CPAP equipment users simply cannot get used to the nasal masks

–    Patients struggling with nasal obstruction

–    Patients with allergic congestions or cold/flu symptoms

–    Full face masks are preferred by patients who have a sense of claustrophobia while having to wear the nasal pillows or masks that make contact with the bridge of the nose. They find these masks uncomfortable, while the full face mask covers the entire face and doesn’t make contact with any pressure points on the face.

–    Full face masks allow a more comfortable therapy at higher pressure settings

–    Full face masks represent a good option for those who sleep on their back. This type of mask offers the best seal, and the mask stays in place thanks to the straps (for restless sleepers especially recommended)

Best Full Face CPAP Machine Masks recommendations

AirFit F10 Full Face Mask by ResMedF10 Full Face Mask– this is a full face mask that is completely lightweight, offering maximum compliance and comfort during therapy. The headgear and frame help to offer the best stability and comfort, so even restless sleepers or mouth breathers can use it without problems.

–    Sleek and stylish design, providing excellent visibility. Using the mask, you can enjoy watching TV or reading without problems

–    Spring –Air cushion with a dual wall offering adequate seal for maximum performance

–    Incredibly easy to assemble/disassemble

–    SoftEdge technology- an extremely soft frame that feels very comfortable on the skin. The structure does not create pressure points and does not create wrinkles on the face

Amara View Full Face MaskAMARA View Full Face Mask– this is a minimal contact full face mask designed with a wide field of vision. This means the user can move around freely with the mask on, or perform tasks such as watching TV, reading, writing without any problems. The AMARA full face mask makes it easy to wear glasses while you have the mask, and thanks to the soft padding on the frame red marks or wrinkles are prevented.

–    Small & lightweight full face mask

–    No bulky cushion

–    Wide field of vision

–    No irritation or discomfort while wearing the mask

 

ComfortGel MaskComfortGel Blue full face mask – by Philips Respironics. This is a full face mask designed to provide maximum comfort, convenience, and quick compliance. The mask incorporates the Philips patented Blue Gel technology, which plays a key role in adapting perfectly to any facial structure. The mask will thus adjust very gently to the face, yet maintaining high adherence and seal.

Patients who cannot become compliant with any other full face mask will find the BlueGel mask extremely comfortable from first wear. Wearing a nasal mask if you are a mouth breather will not bring you any therapy benefits. In such cases, the pressurized air that should get into your lungs will “escape” through the mouth. This is why it is important to choose a highly comfortable full face mask that provides maximum seal and efficiency for the required therapy.

 

–    SureSeal technology- best possible seal

–    BlueGel patented comfort technology

–    Lightweight full face mask- suitable for mouth breathers or restless sleepers

–    StablitySelector feature- allows you to adjust the mask in a position that is most comfortable and properly fitting

–    90%+ of patients became compliant with therapy from first use of the full face mask

–    Quick release tabs so that patients can disconnect the mask from the hose extremely quickly

Simplus CPAP MaskSimplus Full Face Mask– one of the best CPAP masks for side sleepers brought to you by Fisher&Paykel. The manufacturer did everything possible to design a full face mask that speaks about comfort and compliance from day one of use. Simplus, as its very name suggests is a mask that is very simple to use, handle and clean yet it outperforms many top range masks when it comes to efficiency.

–    ErgoForm Headgear- a headgear that is ergonomically designed to offer maximum of comfort. The headgear is made from high-quality breathable materials and allows patients to move their head without any restrictions.

–    EasyFrame- the frame is non-obtrusive, which means patients get a clear field of vision while wearing the mask.

 

–    RollFit Seal technology – the seal of the mask, rolls back and forth on the nasal bridge area to perform an automatic adjustment. This technology helps to reduce the pressure points on the nasal bridge area.

When you choose a facial mask, it is crucial to keep several criteria in mind. For example, if you struggle with claustrophobia, you should choose a full face mask that feels comfortable and does not create pressure anywhere on your face. If you are an active sleeper, you also need a mask that provides a perfect fit. Nasal pillows might not be that comfortable, so again you should go for a full face mask. Read all the details and features of a mask carefully before purchasing one. Keep in mind that comfort, compliance, and therapy efficiency are the most important so choose accordingly.

Comments

Default user avatar
Michael
August 28, 2017 1:41 pm

I have an incredibly high setting on my BIPAP, per the doctor’s prescription. It’s set at 27 (yes, I have a special high pressure machine that goes to 30) and I’m currently using a Fisher & Paykel Simplus full face mask. I can’t use nasal masks. Problem is, no matter how tight I make it, it leaks, and the seal is destroyed by the pressure in 3-4 weeks. So, does anyone know a mask that will handle that kind of pressure?

Default user avatar
Brian
August 30, 2017 8:39 am

That’s pretty high. I’m at 4 but my machine goes up to 10-15 as I sleep. I would ask your doctor. I’m new to this but ask if you can go down on pressure. Do you have any facial hair? I did and had to shave for a good seal. I just received my CPAP not long ago and had some issues. I have a nose mask and can’t breathe thru my nose very well at night. I can’t sleep and keep waking up with my mask off. They told me to keep trying because they didn’t recommend a full mask. Finally, after begging them, I’m going to get fitted for a full mask today. I cannot wait because I haven’t benefited from my CPAP yet due to not sleeping good. Why wouldn’t they recommend full masks? Is it not any better having a full compared to just a nose? Just wondering why they wouldn’t give me one in the first place to try. I could ask my therapist what they recommend for your pressure but they don’t even want us wearing one for 10 but I’ll ask. Hope it works out for you.

Default user avatar
Bob
February 27, 2018 2:19 pm

I have used nasal Puffs and different nasal masks none of which were satisfactory. I went to a full face mask and it was much better I found the Quattro was excellent and the F10 was good but parts tended to break over time I would still recommend it though as it has been the most satisfactory. That comment is from someone using for 20 years

Default user avatar
Paul
October 24, 2017 11:35 am

Mine is not quite that high but I have tried 7 different masks in an effort to find one that doesn’t leak. For me, I found the Mirage Quattro from ResMed worked the best. It is a full face and the straps allow for a tight fit. However, the straps do loosen over time so they need to be re-tightened. This mask does leak as it ages but two things helped incredibly: a Pad-a-cheek mask liner and the Pad-a-cheek strap pad. The combination of both of these allowed me to adjust the strap very tight and still feel comfortable. They are cotton and/or fleece lined and don’t get too hot in the summer. I bought several and rotate them out for cleaning (washing machine safe).

Default user avatar
Dennis Belohlavy
August 27, 2017 10:21 am

I have BiPap pressure settings of 23 Ipap and 19 Epap. I need a full face mask and I have no issues with a full face mask. I have tried Quattro FX, Amara View and now am using AirFit F20. All leak to the point that the sound of the leak constantly wakes me up. Doctor okayed to go to alternate pressures of 22/18 and it did not help. Sounds like next step would be ventilator if I can’t get the leaks to stop. I started with Cpap lower pressures late March 2017.

Default user avatar
De
September 6, 2017 9:04 am

Anyone have any suggestions on a high pressure mask? It would have to be full face.

Default user avatar
Charles Goldberg
September 9, 2017 7:20 am

Dennis, You might try looking at the new ResMed AirFit F20 Full Face Mask. It has been rated for pressures up to 25 cm H2O.

Default user avatar
Rich
December 11, 2017 4:42 am

Try Quattro, not Quattro Air

Default user avatar
Ronald Nichols
March 26, 2018 7:28 pm

I’m useing the airfit f20 at 20cm/H2o and it leaks. I’m due for a new mask and I’m going to try the mirage quattro and if that doesn’t work I’m going to try the fitlife total face mask. I’ve heard people using it up to 40cm/H2o.

Default user avatar
Edwin Ramos
June 24, 2017 2:28 pm

My problem is condensation in hoses, please do you have any solution

Default user avatar
Charles Goldberg
June 28, 2017 12:19 pm

I have several solutions.

1. If you are using a machine that has heated hose capabilities yo should look into getting one as this will solve the issue immediately.
2. If no heated hose you can try a hose cover. This will help to stop the cooling down of the air as it passes from the humidifier through the hose. This cool down is what causes the water to build up in the hose.

Also please make sure that the CPAP Machine and hose is not on the floor.

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