Nasal masks: advice, indication and adverse effects

Important points	Summary
What is a Nasal Mask and what is it used for?	A Nasal Mask is a small medical device inserted into the nostrils and connected to a machine generating a flow of air under continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). It helps keep the airway open during sleep to treat sleep apnea, snoring and other nocturnal breathing disorders.
What are the types of Nasal Masks?	There are disposable or reusable Nasal Masks, with or without ventilation, with or without a harness, and in different sizes to adapt to each individual's morphology.
How to choose the right Nasal Mask?	The choice of Nasal Mask depends on size for a perfect fit, materials for comfort, level of ventilation required, preferred connection style and sleep habits.
Using and maintaining a Nasal Mask	Use instructions include connection to air hose, positioning in nostrils, harness adjustment and pressure setting. Maintenance requires daily cleaning and regular replacement of worn parts.
Advantages and disadvantages of Nasal Masks	The advantages are discretion, freedom of movement, comfort and ease of use. Disadvantages include nasal irritation, air leakage, congestion limits and potential noise.
The Back2Sleep solution, the intranasal brace	In contrast to Nasal Masks, the Back2Sleep orthosis keeps the airway open from the inside without a mask or hose, offering greater freedom, discretion and comfort according to user testimonials.
FAQ on Nasal Masks	You can sleep on your side with a Nasal Mask. In France, they are reimbursed by the Assurance Maladie. Possible minor side effects include nasal dryness, air leaks, marks and congestion.

What is a Nasal Mask and what is it used for?

Nasal Mask definition

A Nasal Mask is a small medical device inserted into the nostrils to treat sleep apnea.

How the Nasal Mask works

It is connected by a hose to a machine that generates a continuous positive airflow (CPAP).

This positive pressure keeps the upper airways open during sleep, preventing the obstructions responsible for apnea and snoring.

Main indications

The Nasal Mask is mainly indicated for treating

• moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea,
• heavy snoring,
• other nocturnal respiratory disorders such as hypoventilation.

Advantages over other treatments

Compared with the full face mask, the nasal mask is:

💊 more discreet,

💊 less bulky,

💊 often better tolerated.

However, it can cause nasal irritation or dryness in some patients.

What types of Nasal Masks are there?

Disposable Nasal Masks

These single-use masks made from flexible materials such as silicone are inexpensive and hygienic.

💡 They're ideal for travel or if you're allergic to reusable masks.

Reusable Nasal Masks

Made of more rigid materials such as:

💊 plastic,

💊 frost.

These masks are washable and reusable over the long term.

They require maintenance.

Nasal Masks with or without ventilation

Some models feature ventilation holes for exhaled air.

Others are completely blocked, with exhaled air passing through a hole in the tube.

Nasal Masks with or without harness

Most Nasal Masks are fastened by an adjustable harness around the head.

Other, lighter models simply grip the nostrils.

Nasal Masks in various sizes

For optimum positioning and sealing, Nasal Masks come in a range of sizes to suit every nasal morphology.

How to choose the right Nasal Mask?

Mask size

A perfect fit allows you to make the treatment useful and relevant.

They come in a range of sizes to suit every nasal morphology.

🔎 Real-life experiences: "I first tried a mask that was too small and squeezed my nostrils. After changing to a size up, I no longer felt any discomfort and the air leaks disappeared."

Materials

Some are made of soft silicone, others of more rigid plastic.

The choice depends on your preferences in terms of fit and comfort on the skin.

Ventilation level

If you need high air pressure, opt for a mask with a controlled leakage system to avoid annoying leaks.

Connection style

High-connection masks (hose connected to the top) offer greater freedom of movement than front-connection models.

Sleeping habits

If you often change position, a lightweight, flexible mask will be more comfortable.

Back sleepers will prefer a well-stabilized model.

Using and maintaining a Nasal Mask

Step-by-step instructions for use

1. Connect the air hose to the Nasal Mask and the CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device.
2. Place the nostril tips in your nostrils, ensuring a good seal.
3. Adjust the headgear or straps around the head to hold the mask in place without over-tightening.
4. Switch on the CPAP device and set the pressure level prescribed by your doctor.
5. During sleep, try to breathe calmly through the nose to take advantage of the air flow.
6. When you wake up, switch off the device before removing the mask.

Care and cleaning tips

• Remove the mask each morning for daily cleansing with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly.
• Once a week, soak all parts in a solution of hot water and white vinegar for 30 minutes for thorough disinfection.
• Dry the mask thoroughly before reassembling. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, as this may weaken the materials.
• Replace worn parts regularly as recommended by the manufacturer, usually every 3 to 6 months for daily use.
• Clean the air hose weekly with lukewarm soapy water and hang it up to dry completely before next use.

Advantages and disadvantages of Nasal Masks

Key benefit

• Discreet and space-saving: the Nasal Mask is one of the smallest and lightest available, making it very discreet to wear.
• Freedom of movement: its minimalist design allows great freedom of movement during sleep without compromising water-resistance.
• Greater comfort: with little contact on the face, nasal masks are often better tolerated than full face masks.
• Ease of use: its simple design with few components makes it easy to set up and maintain on a daily basis.

Main disadvantages

• Nasal irritation: prolonged wear may cause dryness, irritation, or bleeding in the nostrils.
• Air leaks: poor sealing leads to unpleasant leaks and reduces treatment efficiency.
• Limitations in case of nasal congestion: any nasal obstruction prevents the use of a Nasal Mask.
• Potential noise: some models may generate annoying whistling or air noises during the night.

The Back2Sleep solution: The intranasal orthosis

Unlike conventional Nasal Masks, its tip reaches the soft palate to keep the airways open from the inside.

• Learn more about the Back2Sleep orthosis

Advantages over Nasal Masks

• More freedom: no mask, hose or harness to wear over the face,
• total discretion and optimum comfort for a natural night's sleep,
• effectiveness from the 1st night according to user testimonials,
• low-impact treatment that is well tolerated over the long term.

Testimonials from satisfied users

💊 "It changed my nights, a small investment but really effective."

💊 My wife thanks you, very good product and 100% effective from the 1st night, no more snoring."

FAQ about Nasal Masks

Q. Can you sleep on your side with a Nasal Mask

Yes, it is perfectly possible to sleep on your side with a Nasal Mask.

Q. Are Nasal Masks reimbursed by Social Security?

In France, Nasal Masks for sleep apnea are reimbursed by the Health Insurance on medical prescription, in the same way as other CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) devices.

The Social Security system reimburses most of the cost, depending on the contract you have taken out.

Q. Are there any side effects to using a Nasal Mask

As with any nasal appliance, prolonged use of a Nasal Mask may cause certain minor side effects in some patients, including:

• Dry or irritated nose,
• unpleasant air leaks,
• marks on the nose in the morning,
• temporary nasal congestion.