medical equipment for surgical recovery

When you're evaluating a variety of CPAP supplies at your local medical equipment supplier, you'll find that the design of masks can differ. It's always a good idea to educate yourself about what mask designs are on the market. Even if you like what you're wearing now, there's a chance that you might find a product that suits you better later. One type of CPAP mask that you'll likely notice is what is known as an under-the-nose mask. This mask covers your nostrils but doesn't extend over your entire nose like many other masks. Here are some benefits of wearing this style of CPAP mask.

Better Visibility

A big advantage of choosing an under-the-nose mask is that you'll have better visibility when you wear this type of mask compared to a conventional type that covers your entire nose. Visibility may not matter when you're sleeping, but it's something to think about during the evening. For example, if you want to wear your mask while you're reading in bed, you might find that the bulky shape of a standard mask makes it somewhat difficult to see your book when you hold it below you. An under-the-nose mask's minimalist design will allow you to enjoy better visibility when you're looking down.

Less Claustrophobia

If you sometimes feel claustrophobic in certain situations, a full-sized CPAP mask could be daunting to wear. You might sometimes feel hesitant to wear the mask because you are worried about feeling claustrophobic when it covers your entire nose. In this situation, an under-the-nose mask can be a good choice. This type of mask covers your face considerably less than other designs, which means that it's unlikely to lead to any claustrophobic feelings. This is important because you should always feel comfortable wearing your mask.

Fewer Marks On Your Face

Full-sized CPAP masks that cover your entire nose can sometimes leave marks on your face after use. For example, there might be a line across the bridge of your nose and on each side of your nose. While these marks may not be a big deal when you're at home, you might be self-conscious about them when you travel. For example, if you sleep with your mask on an airplane while on a business trip and colleagues pick you up at the airport, the marks on your face could be visible. With an under-the-nose mask, there will be fewer of these marks because the mask touches less of your face.

Keep this in mind when looking for CPAP supplies near you.