If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, determining which CPAP mask is best for you can be a challenge, especially with the overwhelming amount of mask options that are available. To find a mask that’s most comfortable for you, your doctor may ask questions about your sleep preferences; such as your preferred sleeping position. But that’s not all; there is another piece that’s taken into consideration when it comes to choosing a CPAP mask that’s best for you.
As your sleep specialist continues to narrow down mask options that are a good fit for you, your physical features will also be assessed; factors like whether or not you have facial hair, or if you have a deviated septum, will also play a significant role in your mask selection process.
Since a deviated septum can impact your journey to finding the right mask fit, we thought we’d shed some light on which CPAP mask is the best for this condition and why. But first, what even is a deviated septum and how might it impact your sleep apnea treatment? Keep reading for the answers!
IN THIS ARTICLE:
What Is A Deviated Septum, And How Is It Related To Sleep Apnea?
Will A CPAP Machine Work With A Deviated Septum?
What Is The Best Type Of CPAP Mask To Use If I Have A Deviated Septum?
Aeroflow Sleep Recommends This CPAP Mask For A Deviated Septum
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What Is A Deviated Septum, An How Is It Related To Sleep Apnea?
According to the Mayo Clinic, “a deviated septum is when the wall between your two nasal passages is displaced, and it causes one nasal passage to be smaller than the other.” A deviated septum can cause a range of side effects; like dry mouth, regular sinus infections, nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and snoring. And, in severe cases, it can lead to airway blockages and cause difficulty breathing.
While a deviated septum might not always result in sleep disorders like sleep apnea, there is a strong correlation between the two. In fact, a 2021 study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that “individuals with deviated septums are 4.39 times more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea (or OSA) than those without deviations.” This makes sense, because OSA is the result of a physical blockage in your airflow.
Will A CPAP Machine Work With A Deviated Septum?
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, a continuous positive airway pressure machine (or CPAP) will work with a deviated septum. Furthermore, CPAP therapy remains the most popular option for OSA treatment. However, while a CPAP machine will work with a deviated septum, it is still important to tell your healthcare provider that you have this condition as it will likely impact your search for the right CPAP mask and the right pressure settings. For example…
In terms of pressure settings, if your deviated septum is causing a severe obstruction, you may require a higher pressure and even a change in CPAP to bilevel therapy (BiPAP.) This will aid in keeping your upper airways open. If you have mild OSA, a high pressure may not be absolutely necessary. Your doctor will be able to determine which air pressure setting (and machine) is best for you.
What Is The Best Type Of CPAP Mask To Use If I Have A Deviated Septum?
If you have a deviated septum, it may be more difficult to breathe through your nose. Therefore, a full-face CPAP mask will likely be the best mask style for you to use. A full-face mask covers both the nose and mouth, so it is a great fit for mouth breathers or anyone with regular nasal congestion.
Nasal CPAP masks tend to be a popular initial option for most sleep apnea patients, but patients with deviated septums may want to steer clear. Nasal masks work best for individuals who are nose breathers, which is not the case for most patients with deviated septums dealing with that regular nasal congestion. Of course, nasal masks will still be prescribed to the patient if they are more comfortable in them.
Unfortunately, nasal pillow CPAP masks are even less likely to work, because they are designed to be inserted into the nasal cavity. Not only that but nasal pillow CPAPs are proven to work better at higher pressures, which may cause discomfort for deviated septums. So, while there are several different mask options available to you, a full face mask is likely the best if you have a deviated septum.
Aeroflow Sleep Recommends This CPAP Mask For A Deviated Septum
Aeroflow Sleep’s best CPAP mask in stock for a deviated septum could be any one of the full-face CPAP masks in ResMed’s AirFit series. We recommend the AirFit mask series specifically, because it includes plush headgear, flexible framing, and “InfinitySeal” silicone cushions that prevent mask leaks while offering a comfortable fit. Note that this series is different from ResMed’s AirTouch, which uses memory foam cushions, so AirTouch can be used instead and is compatible with AirFit headgear and vice versa.
Above others, the AirFit line is one of the best, because it offers several different models to accommodate your needs. For example, the AirFit F30 works well for individuals who may feel claustrophobic while wearing a full-face mask, because the cushions in this model rest under the nose; not on the bridge of the nose like other full-face masks. And, if you weren’t already sold, the AirFit F20 “provides a comfortable fit for 97% of CPAP users who try it.”
Your comfort is the most important part of your sleep therapy. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and have a deviated septum, Aeroflow Sleep can help! With Aeroflow Sleep, you can get any ResMed AirFit full-face mask covered through insurance up to 100%. If you’re not completely satisfied, we’ll help you exchange your CPAP mask for a new one within your first 30 days. Find out if you qualify today, and be on your way to better health; deviated septum and all!
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About the Author
Emily Callahan is a former educator turned marketing professional who is passionate about helping others. She is a skilled content writer, and she enjoys making complex information easier to understand. She is interested in using tools like writing and social media to not only educate, but to also help others feel and live better too. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, being outside, and reading.
Information provided in blogs should not be used as a substitute for medical care or consultation.
References
“Deviated Septum.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deviated-septum/symptoms-causes/syc-20351710. Accessed 28 Dec. 2023.
Yeom, Sang Woo, et al. “Association between Septal Deviation and Osa Diagnoses: A nationwide 9-year follow-up cohort study.” Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, vol. 17, no. 10, 1 Oct. 2021, pp. 2099–2106, https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.9352.
Genta, Pedro R et al. “The Importance of Mask Selection on Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Outcomes for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. An Official American Thoracic Society Workshop Report.” Annals of the American Thoracic Society vol. 17,10 (2020): 1177-1185. doi:10.1513/AnnalsATS.202007-864ST.
Zhu, Xueling et al. “Assessment of the performance of nasal pillows at high CPAP pressures.” Journal of clinical sleep medicine : JCSM : official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine vol. 9,9 (2013): 873-7. doi:10.5664/jcsm.2984
“Airfit F20.” ResMed, ResMed, 20 Nov. 2023, www.resmed.com/en-us/sleep-apnea/cpap-parts-support/sleep-apnea-full-products-list/cpap-masks/airfit-f20/.
