CPAP Masks

During a sleep apnea episode, the upper airway is partially or completely blocked. The sleeper can struggle to breathe or even stop breathing completely. This can lead to sleep problems and also long-term health problems. The sleeper might not be aware they have apnea; a sleep partner might need to point out their snoring or choking. (Excessive drooling while sleeping is another sign. Specific bite patterns on one’s tongue are, too! My dentist knew instantly that I had sleep apnea.)

When I was diagnosed in 2014, I didn’t realize I had it. My husband said I snored on occasion, but that was it. Now my apnea has worsened to the point it’s very obvious: if I try to sleep without my CPAP machine, I wake up repeatedly because I’m fucking choking.

A CPAP, continuous positive airway pressure, machine is a common treatment for sleep apnea. Continuous airflow provided to the machine is directed to the sleeper via mask. It’s not a respirator, it doesn’t breathe for the sleeper, it just makes it easier for air to get into the respiratory system.

My machine changed my life for the better, even if I needed additional insomnia treatment later. It was difficult to get used to. Wearing the mask each night and learning how to arrange the tubing were difficult. Making sure I have distilled water for the reservoir can be really annoying. But it’s all worth it.

The machine itself is great, fine, whatever. The mask is the important part. The mask is on your face all night long. Adapting to masking during Covid was tough at first because I already wore a mask all night, now also during the day?! (I managed it. It was fine.)

My medical provider (and/or my insurance, who knows) chose my machine for me. There was no discussion, no pros or cons. But the mask, that was my choice. I spent a lot of time with the respiratory therapist, trying them out.

I’ve never tried a full coverage mask. I kind of want to. They look so bonkers.

First I tried a nose pillow. I hated the nose pillow. That style has two little prongs that go into your nostrils. They’re silicone, so they are flexible. But too uncomfortable. In 2025, when I started treatment for insomnia, the sleep doctor suggested I try the nose pillow again. That mask style gets the air directly into your body. I tried again (this time with a “for her” mask not offered to me in 2014). It was more bearable, but after a few weeks, every time I tried to use it I’d get congested and couldn’t breathe at all.

No, my ride or die mask remains the basic nasal mask. It goes over my nose. That’s all.

I usually wear a Small, which feels weird because I am a big fat lady. But doctors have also suggested trying a different size and go even smaller! I tried XS and cried because it hurt my face so much. I tried adding this cloth cover thing to it to make it more comfortable. Didn’t work.

It felt strange to have ribbed cloth against my skin after so many years of smooth silicone.

The sleep doctor also suggested a different style of headgear, of the straps that actually hold the thing on my face. I met with a respiratory therapist who suggested a style with more straps and more connections. I wasn’t excited about more straps, as they all leave marks on my skin. But having more options for adjusting the fit turned out to be really helpful. For example, it’s much easier to get a better fit if I go to sleep with wet hair versus dry.

I also tried the “For Her” configuration. Oh I scoffed. How big of an impact could there be? How different could my face be? I’m in my 40s, I’ve come around on pink, but still, why does it have to be pink (sorry, light purple)? And yet. It makes a difference. A small one, but small is big when it comes to straps on your face.

A few months ago, I woke up because my mask was literally blowing off my face. The air pressure was so high that the mask was levitating. Happened the following night. I was mad, would I have to replace my machine?

No, I had accidentally purchased the wrong size, too large this time. So much air was leaking out that the machine was trying to compensate by increasing the pressure.

Other than switching to the “For her” headgear, I’m using the same mask I did in 2014. My second machine was very different from my first, but the stuff on my face, not so much.