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Health Benefits Of Wearing Face Masks

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Face masks have become a part of everyday life for most people over the past two and a half years with the prevalence of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

A face mask acts as a physical barrier which aims to reduce transmission by limiting the spread of droplets. Masks have been proven to be extremely effective in limiting infection rates as it prevents the transmission of droplets and limits transmission of germs through contact between hands and mouths.

There are various types of face masks that have several health benefits. Here at Biomed, we offer a range of face masks ranging from reusable face masks through to medical grade face masks in a variety of materials and sizes to suit people with different needs. Our range of face masks include:

  • Bioshield-05 
  • 3-layer face mask
  • 5-layer face mask
  • 7-layer face mask
  • Antibacterial face masks
  • Kids masks

 

We have a range of reusable face masks, with various properties such as being breathable, dust proof, antibacterial, provide deodorisation abilities, protection, and a filtering effect. At Biomed, our range of face masks come in a variety of sizes to suit men, women and kids. 

Our face masks are made out of various fabrics and materials that suit people of various needs such as copper, lycra, eco-friendly nylon and more which utilise hypoallergenic materials which ensures the masks deliver on its health benefits and suits people with allergies. 

Below are some of the main health benefits of wearing face masks: 

 

  • Limit transmission of viruses and illnesses

 

Wearing face masks reduces the likelihood of infection of viruses and illnesses such as COVID-19 as the face mask acts as a barrier to prevent droplets from being transferred to other people. 

In many instances, people may not be aware that they are contagious with a virus or illness such as COVID-19 until days after they have been infected. If someone who has been infected with a virus, such as COVID-19, wears a mask when in public spaces or around other people they have a significantly reduced risk of spreading the virus to other people. 

 

  • Protect yourself against viruses and illnesses

 

Utilising face masks is a great way to protect yourself from contracting a virus or illness. Wearing a mask with multiple layers, such as a 3, 5 or 7 layer mask, will assist in limiting the chance of droplets coming into contact with the person. 

Face masks are most effective when both the individual and others are wearing a face mask to both protect yourself and limit transmission, although throughout the pandemic it has been proved that with at least one person wearing a face mask, rates of transmission and infection reduce drastically. 

 

  • Utilise a face mask as a hygienic barrier

 

Wearing a face mask is a great option for reducing the likelihood of spreading or contracting viruses, not only during the pandemic, as they are an effective and hygienic barrier which provides several health benefits. 

Wearing a face mask in a high risk setting such as a hospital or aged care centre is beneficial for the health of all people to prevent transmission and infection rates. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, many health professionals utilised face masks and reusable face masks in Australia to prevent catching viruses from their patients and prevent passing anything on to their patients, which is especially beneficial for people who are immunocompromised or who have underlying health conditions. 

Face masks have become common for people to wear when they suffer from allergies to limit their exposure to external environmental aspects such as dust or pollen. If you have been searching for reusable face masks Australia, at Biomed we have a range of face masks which incorporate a range of benefits to suit your needs. Our friendly team of medical fabrics and materials experts can assist you with any questions you may have about the medical textiles and fabrics we use!

Gain health benefits from face masks at Biomed!

Using face masks are extremely beneficial for your health and safety as well as for the health and safety of the people around you. Specifically in times where COVID cases are increasing, it is beneficial to reduce the spread of infection. 

At Biomed, our mission as a professional fabric manufacturing company is to create and produce superior fabric manufacturing for high-quality face masks, medical and health masks, and reusable face masks in Australia. Therefore, we ensure our business operations always align with our ISO 9001 certification for quality management. 

Our dedication to strict Australian medical fabric manufacturing standards demonstrates our products’ reliability and commitment to providing our customers superior products that offer a high level of comfort by minimising skin irritations, alongside antibacterial and hypoallergenic properties for safety and comfort. 

At Biomed, we have a longstanding partnership with ResMed CPAP Supplies to supply medical textiles for their products, which have offered superior patient comfort for decades. To find out more information on our full range of CPAP accessories, various face masks and other medical fabrics, please contact our team of Biomed medical fabrics and materials experts by calling (02) 9758 3855. 

Things You Should Consider When Choosing A Face Mask

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Face masks have become a necessity for many people since the beginning of COVID-19, and they have been shown to protect people from both transmitting and contracting the virus. As face masks have become the new normal worldwide as the nature of the virus is evolving, there have been many advancements to the materials and technologies used when manufacturing face masks, with reusable face masks in Australia becoming increasingly popular. 

At Biomed, we manufacture and produce high-quality respiratory face and medical masks which utilise antibacterial and hypoallergenic materials, to suit everybody’s needs. We manufacture and produce various types of face masks that use different materials and fabrics, different layering options and fits, such as: 

  • The Bioshield 
  • 5-layer face mask 
  • 7-layer face mask
  • Antibacterial face mask 
  • 3-layer face mask 
  • Kids face masks 

If you are looking for a face mask that suits you, consider these tips:

How often will you use the face mask?

If you use your face masks regularly, a reusable face mask may be a beneficial option for you to consider. Reusable face masks utilise embedded silver fibres to destroy bacteria and microbial growth, to ensure they are 99 per cent anti-bacterial. Reusable face masks are a durable, efficient and cost-effective option if you are planning on wearing a face mask consistently. Reusable face masks in Australia are growing in popularity due to their versatility, ease and being both environmentally friendly and sustainable. 

Reusable face masks are simple to wash as they require to be submerged in boiling water for a minimum of 3 minutes and left to air dry. If you are looking for a face mask that will serve its purpose and is aesthetically pleasing, many reusable face masks have customisable patterns and colours to make them stand out from the crowd!

Disposable face masks are another option that utilises several different layer options and utilises different materials. Disposable masks can be washed a certain number of times depending on the make of the mask and can then be disposed of. Disposable face masks have a 0.075 filtering effect, are dustproof, and have PM2.5 protection. Layered face masks can be cleaned between uses by using a 75 per cent alcohol spray on the surfaces of the mask. 

How much protection do you need from your face mask?

A medical mask such as the antibacterial face mask and the BioShield face mask are options that would suit someone who may be immunocompromised and may need extra protection, or for someone who has regular contact with the public or who works in healthcare. 

Medical masks utilise medical-grade fabrics which are effective in stopping bacteria, pollen and dust, and are an effective option for reducing the spread and transmission of viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical masks use fabrics such as copper, wicking, lycra, eco-friendly nylon, and brushed lycra or velvet to achieve the results of stopping bacteria, pollen and dust inhalation. The variety of fabrics and materials used makes medical and health masks customisable, and available with various densities, sizes and colours. 

What are your desired needs when choosing your face mask? 

Certain face masks are better suited to people who wear glasses that need masks that are less likely to cause glasses to fog up, or with greater rates of breathability and utilise deodorisation. A medical mask with a metal strip at the top can be moulded to fit your nose and create your desired fit. 

Medical and health masks may be beneficial for people who have medical concerns, skin sensitivities or personal concerns. The materials used in these masks fight the spread of germs, whilst preventing allergic reactions. Our Biomed medical fabrics and materials experts can help you find the right face mask, medical mask or health mask for you, with the possibility to customise the fabric to suit individual requirements. 

Ensure the size and fit of the face mask are correct

The size and fit of a face mask are important in order for the mask to protect you effectively, as well as ensure that the mask is comfortable to wear for a substantial period. Face masks come in both children and adult sizes for females and males, with multiple different sizes ranging from XS to L in various types of masks. Our experts at Biomed can help you to determine which mask size would be the best fit for you.

Choose a face mask that suits you from BioMed!

When choosing a face mask for you, be sure to consider these tips to ensure you are choosing the correct mask for you and your desired needs. 

At Biomed, our mission as a professional fabric manufacturing company is to create and produce superior fabric manufacturing for high-quality face masks, medical and health masks, and reusable face masks in Australia. Therefore, we ensure our business operations always align with our ISO 9001 certification for quality management. 

Our dedication to strict Australian medical fabric manufacturing standards demonstrates our products’ reliability and commitment to providing our customers superior products that offer a high level of comfort by minimising skin irritations, alongside antibacterial and hypoallergenic properties for safety and comfort. 

At Biomed, we have a longstanding partnership with ResMed CPAP Supplies to supply medical textiles for their products, which have offered superior patient comfort for decades. To find out more information on our full range of CPAP accessories, various face masks and other medical fabrics, please contact our team of Biomed medical fabrics and materials experts by calling (02) 9758 3855.

It’s Time to Switch to Medical-Grade Masks – Here’s Why

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Face masks have kept us safe through the last two years, but with Covid’s Omicron variant spreading rapidly worldwide, you may need a face mask upgrade.

Wearing a mask creates a physical barrier that intercepts and stops droplets from spreading further into the air surrounding them as they usually would. A medical mask also works to protect any germs from your body spreading to other individuals and reduces hand-to-face contact.

According to health experts, the evidence is clear that masks help prevent the spread of COVID-19, and with more people wearing masks, the better. For example, a study in a Boston hospital showed that a mask-wearing policy dramatically reduced the transmission of Covid-19. The proportion of symptomatic healthcare workers who tested positive for the virus “steadily declined”.

Face masks that incorporate medical textiles through antibacterial and hypoallergenic fabric promote numerous health benefits. These properties further assist in killing microorganisms and germs that could bring on harmful illnesses and diseases. At Biomed, we manufacture and produce medical-grade masks with such antibacterial properties that provide outstanding comfort and eliminate the spread of germs, irritations and allergens.

 

What is the best face mask I can wear?

The best choice for a face covering is a medical mask, particularly one that utilises market-leading fabric facilities.

Buyers should keep in mind that some fabric face masks on the market are only decorative or aesthetic. In contrast to other face coverings such as a one-layer homemade mask or a bandanna, medical masks are more effective at blocking germs from spreading into your body through your nose and mouth whilst also blocking any germs from transmitting to other people.

While any mask is preferable to none, masks with exhalation valves should be avoided at all costs. Since the valves make the mask less effective in preventing the transmission of infectious particles to other people. Exhalation valve masks protect the user okay, but they do not prevent the wearer from spreading germs to others.

Here at Biomed, we are a leading manufacturer of medical-grade healthcare fabric products in Australia. We proudly hold one of the best medical grade textile ranges for reusable masks. With over 25 years of extensive experience and access to state-of-the-art technology, we like to ensure that our fabrics are of superior quality, antibacterial, breathable, latex-free, allergen-free, durable, and stretchy to provide maximum comfort and reliability for all uses.

Our textile manufacturing facility produces highly tested and engineered medical masks for all ages. We offer five different medical masks that are both reusable and that each provides for different usages;

  • Bioshield-05
  • 5-layer face mask
  • 7-layer face mask
  • Antibacterial face mask
  • 3-layer face mask

 

Why is Medical Grade Fabric Manufacturing Important?

All face masks aren’t all made equal, with different products offering varying levels of protection. So, how do you choose a face mask and what factors influence its effectiveness?

According to a recent study, the fabric manufacturing quality of a mask impacts how well the face-covering filters out pollutants. For example, a triple-layer medical mask with a heavyweight cotton layer and a lighter cotton or silk layer proved to be the most effective design in the study.

Healthcare fabrics sometimes referred to as healthcare textiles or biomedical textiles, are a form of technical fabric that prioritises functionality over aesthetics. A medical mask is a disposable, rectangular-shaped, loose-fitting mask. Elastic bands or ties can be wrapped behind your ears or tied behind your head to keep the surgical mask in place. A metal strip on the top of the medical mask may be squeezed to fit the mask over your nose.

Even minor variations in healthcare fabrics can have a significant impact on health. As a result, to ensure successful treatments of patients, all medical facilities require the use of high-quality face masks manufactured with healthcare fabrics.

So, when purchasing a medical mask, pay attention to the fabric since filtering capacity varies widely depending on the type of cloth used, ranging from 5% to 80%. Large-particle pathogens are less likely to spread via drips, sprays, splatters, and splashes when a three-ply medical mask is worn correctly.

 

How do I clean my reusable medical mask?

Your reusable medical masks should be washed every day, especially if you currently have a cold, flu symptoms, or hay fever. Ensure that you check how many times your face masks can be washed. Each reusable mask can only be cleaned a certain amount of times before being disposed of and moved to a new reusable mask.

Depending on the type of reusable face mask you own, each has different cleaning requirements. If you have purchased a mask from another manufacturer, it is recommended to research and find out what cleaning methods they recommend. The cleaning methods for Biomed’s reusable face masks range are outlined below.

 

  • 3-layer, 5-layer and 7-layer reusable masks

Ensure that you do not intensely rub the mask when cleaning your 3-layer, 5-layer, and 7-layer reusable masks, as this can cause the n-PTFE to fracture. Instead, spray the front and back of the mask with 75% alcohol and leave the alcohol on for an interval of 15 minutes. Wash the mask by hand, or if you choose to wash it in the washing machine, place the masks in a laundry net for protection and use an antimicrobial washing detergent. Be sure to dry the mask in a shaded area, avoiding contact with sunlight.

 

  • Bioshield-05 and antibacterial masks

To clean your Bioshield-05 and antibacterial reusable masks, you must boil enough water to cover the entire face mask. Immerse the whole mask into the boiling water and leave it to sit for 3 minutes. The water will be very hot during this process, so be careful that you do not come into contact with the water as you may burn yourself. Remove the mask from the water once it has cooled down. Once it has been cleaned, leave the mask to air dry.

 

Stay Safe with BioMed

Our medical-grade materials are only one example of Biomed’s high-quality work. At Biomed, our mission as a professional fabric manufacturing company is to create high-quality medical masks healthcare fabrics and produce superior fabric manufacturing, which is why we ensure that our business operations always align with our ISO 9001 certification for quality management.

As respectable CPAP mask manufacturers, our dedication to strict Australian medical fabric manufacturing standards demonstrates our products’ reliability and commitment to providing our customers superior products that offer a high level of comfort by minimising skin irritations, alongside antibacterial and hypoallergenic properties for safety and comfort.

By preventing germs and bacteria, the life of medical textiles  – such as CPAP masks, CPAP Chin Straps, Back Support Braces and many more CPAP Accessories – can be prolonged. The build-up of bacteria and germs can cause fabrics not of a medical-grade to deteriorate over time and become unsanitary and uncomfortable to wear.

At Biomed, we have a longstanding partnership with ResMed CPAP Supplies to supply medical textiles for their products, which have offered superior patient comfort for decades. To find out more information on our full range of CPAP Accessories, Face Masks and other Medical Fabrics, please contact our team of Biomed medical fabrics and materials experts on (02) 9758 3855.

Do I Need to Use a CPAP Chin Strap for my CPAP Therapy?

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Suppose you’re having trouble using your Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device because your mouth keeps opening. In that case, you might be wondering, “should I wear a CPAP chinstrap for my CPAP therapy?”.

Chinstraps for sleep apnea can assist some CPAP therapy patients with skin irritation, mouth breathing, dry mouth, CPAP mask leakage and more!

A CPAP chin strap is a cloth cup with straps that run up on the sides of the face and over the top of the head to support the chin. The use of a chin strap for CPAP has the advantage of keeping the mouth closed when sleeping and reducing dry mouth symptoms the following day.

When Chin Straps Help Sleep Apnea

CPAP chin straps help keep the air from the CPAP machine escaping via the open lips. Some people may benefit from snoring chin straps, but not everyone. Patients who snore with their mouths open can use them, while those who snore via their noses should avoid them, as suffering from nasal congestion means you will not receive enough oxygen with a closed mouth.

There are three primary signs that you could benefit from a CPAP chin strap for your CPAP treatment:

  • According to the data from your CPAP or BiPAP equipment, you have a high leak rate.

A chin strap for sleep apnea can assist in minimising mouth leakages. It’s generally a high-grade piece of healthcare fabric that may be wrapped around your lower jaw and top of your head and fastened with Velcro. It might feature a chin cup, similar to rugby headgear, to keep your mouth closed and helps you to get the most out of your CPAP machine.

  • When wearing a full CPAP face mask, you may suffer a “jaw drop,” which causes your mouth to open and disrupt the seal.

Based on other people’s input, you’ll probably know if you need a CPAP chin strap. If you observe mouth breathing during your sleep study, you can start using it right away. Alternatively, if your significant other observes air escaping from your lips at sleep or perhaps snoring, a chinstrap for sleep apnea may be required. Also, if you wake up with a dry mouth or a sore throat, it might be because you’re using your CPAP machine with mouth breathing.

  • You have a dry tongue, mouth, or throat every morning.

If you use a CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea, you may experience mouth breathing issues that require the use of a CPAP chin strap to fix. Extremely dry mouths and throats can be unpleasant or painful, and long-term dryness can harm your gums and teeth. When air escapes via the lips, it may undermine the therapy’s efficacy, leading to the persistence of sleep apnea.

When You Shouldn’t Use a Chin Strap for Sleep Apnea

You might not want to wear a CPAP chin strap in some situations. You may not be getting enough air supplied through a nasal mask if you have a stuffy nose, a deviated septum, or if your CPAP pressure isn’t set correctly. It’s also conceivable that a high CPAP pressure will blast the mouth open, in which case the pressure will need to be reduced.

A full-face mask that enables breathing via both the nose and mouth is another option, in addition to wearing a chinstrap for sleep apnea. These masks may create more leakage and markings on the face, making sure they’re correctly placed to achieve the best results.

If you’re having trouble breathing through your mouth while using a CPAP machine, get assistance. Before attempting to use a chinstrap on your own, consult with your durable medical equipment supplier or a board-certified sleep doctor.

Fortunately, most people can overcome mouth breathing with or without using a chinstrap for sleep apnea after minor modifications. Seek assistance if necessary to return to a regular breathing pattern.

Which Chin Strap for Sleep Apnea is Right for Me?

CPAP chin straps come in various styles, each with its own function, look, and comfort. It’s critical to choose the proper snoring chin strap if you want to have a good night’s sleep.

Chinstraps for sleep apnea should be able to stay in place all night and apply the least amount of effort necessary to keep the lips shut. They should enable the mouth to expand readily while keeping the jaw closed when relaxed.

Regardless of whatever chin strap is utilised, the pressure applied by the strap should only be enough to keep the mouth shut. It is always best to see your doctor to know entirely that a chin strap is suitable for you.

How to Use a CPAP Chin Strap?

Here’s how to locate the ideal match:

  • Grab a grip of the slack strap.
  • Make sure the strip is snug but not too tight around your head, and don’t get your hair stuck in the process.
  • Experiment with the tightness until you find a comfortable level. It should hug your head softly. It’s fine if you can open your lips when awake because the strap is meant to keep your jaw firmly shut when you’re sleeping, not to clamp it tight.

Stay Safe with BioMed

At Biomed, our mission as professional fabric manufacturers is to create high-quality healthcare fabrics and produce superior fabric manufacturing, which is why we ensure that our business operations always align with our ISO 9001 certification for quality management.

Our dedication to strict Australian fabric manufacturing standards for our CPAP chin straps demonstrates the reliability of our products and our commitment to providing our customers with superior CPAP products. Our chinstraps for sleep apnea offer a high comfort level by minimising skin irritations, alongside anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic properties for safety and comfort.

Through the prevention of germs and bacteria, the life of medical products – such as CPAP masks, CPAP Chin Straps, Back Support Braces and many more CPAP Accessories – can be prolonged. As the build-up of bacteria and germs can cause fabrics that are not of a medical-grade, to deteriorate over time and become unsanitary and uncomfortable to wear.

At Biomed, we have a longstanding partnership with ResMed CPAP Supplies to supply medical grade healthcare fabrics for their products, which have offered superior patient comfort for decades. To find out more information on our full range of CPAP Accessories, CPAP Chin Straps Face Masks, and Medical-Grade Healthcare Fabrics, please contact our team of Biomed medical fabrics and materials experts on (02) 9758 3855. BioMed

How to reduce snoring with a chin strap

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It is possible to reduce your snoring, and as this might give much needed comfort to those around us that may benefit from you getting a good night sleep, the market is flooded with anti-snoring products, which may all seem great. So how do you know which Chin Strap is the right one for you?

Firstly, you need to understand that a Chin Strap is usually made of fabric and it wraps around the head and cradles the jaw, in-order to keep the patients’ mouth closed during sleep. This reduces snoring considerably.

Although Chin Straps are not a total solution to stop snoring or sleep apnea, statistics show that more than 80% of people are open mouth snorers. So, if you are a Nose Snorer then a chin strap may not be the ideal choice for you as, by design, it primarily works best for Open Mouth Snorers. However, should you require a chin strap to help reduce your snoring, then you may wish to consider the following points:

  • Ask for Resmed Chinstraps, as they use the Biomed patented technology and provide the most comfort for patients
  • Determine how you sleep throughout the night, as an Anti-Snoring Chin Strap, must incorporate high quality Anti-Bacterial Fabric, which is comfortable in design, but also allows the patient to move freely without irritating the skin
  • Use a Medical Grade Fabric, which is strong enough to support the jaw, without being restrictive in feel

By using a Chin Strap to reduce snoring, you may also incur head-aches, as a result from the chin strap being too tight, so be sure to choose a quality Chin Strap that is well suited to your face.

At Biomed we understand the importance of providing comfortable Chin Straps to reduce snoring, and quality latex free chin straps, which are not harmful to patients’ skin.

At Biomed we are a medical fabric manufacturing company, who manufactures durable, lightweight and stretchy hypoallergenic fabrics which are used to manufacture CPAP chin straps, ensuring maximum comfort and reliability for patients. Biomed has a longstanding partnership with ResMed to supply latex free Chin straps and headgear, which has been providing superior patient comfort for decades. For more information on our full range of CPAP medical fabrics or other technical textiles, please do not hesitate to contact the professional Biomed team on (02) 9758 3855.

How Often Should You Replace Your CPAP Mask?

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Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is considered to be one of the most effective treatment methods for patients who suffer from sleep apnea. It involves the use of pressurised air that aims to avoid blocked passageways and facilitate more comfortable breathing during sleep.

CPAP masks are a crucial component of any CPAP treatment for individuals who suffer from sleep apnea. Available in a vast range of sizes and variations, CPAP masks are responsible for delivering the pressurised air directly to the passageways. However, individuals may be unaware of the fact that CPAP masks require regular maintenance in order to ensure their effectiveness. Like any other regularly used product, these CPAP supplies can wear out over time and failing to maintain the product can potentially hinder treatment.

The lifespan of your CPAP mask is heavily dependent on a variety of factors. First and foremost, there are a variety of masks available on the market. From full face masks, nasal pillow masks and nasal masks, each CPAP mask is used in a slightly different way. For example, the nasal pillow mask, which is more intricate and makes direct contact with your face and nose every night and requires frequent replacement for hygienic reasons. It is suggested that this type of mask is replaced once or twice per month. Meanwhile, full face masks have less contact direct contact with the face and are not required to be replaced so often. Generally, this type of mask is replaced on a quarterly basis or as needed.

Although the specific type of mask can determine the frequency replacement, other factors also should be considered. Regular maintenance and cleaning of these masks is imperative for hygienic reasons and to also ensure the functionality of the device. However, excessive cleaning with harsh chemicals can also wear out your CPAP mask earlier than expected, therefore impeding the effectiveness of treatment. Frequent cleaning of your CPAP accessories is recommended, however harsh cleaning products with strong chemicals should be avoided to maintain the longevity of your CPAP mask. It is advised to clean your mask regularly with warm water and mild soap as opposed to regular cleaning products that could potentially be damaging to your accessories.

Furthermore, CPAP masks can vary in quality amongst suppliers. At Biomed, we are a leading medical fabric engineering company best known for manufacturing CPAP supplies for ResMed. Our superior quality patented medical grade and allergen-free technical textiles are used in the creation of CPAP masks. All of our fabrics are breathable, hypoallergenic and latex free to maximise comfort and hygiene as well as minimise allergies and irritation which is commonly experienced by CPAP sufferers. As a result, our high-quality fabrics contribute to the longevity and durability of various CPAP supplies to constantly maintain effective treatment.

Biomed is a leading medical textile company with a longstanding supplier partnership with ResMed. We are responsible for supplying our superior quality technical textiles in order to manufacture various CPAP accessories in which we have achieved an A grade supplier score. For more information on our patented medical grade fabric at Biomed, or ways in which you can maintain your CPAP supplies, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team on (02) 9758 3855.

All You Need to Know About Sleep Apnea Masks & Accessories

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According to Snore Australia, it is believed that in Australia 9% of women and 25% of men in suffer from clinically significant sleep apnea. This condition occurs when the airways are repeatedly blocked during sleep leading to loud snoring, restless nights, excessive fatigue and can even increase the likelihood of other medical conditions including obesity, cardiovascular disease or mortality.

In order to effectively manage sleep apnea and improve the quality for life for sufferers, CPAP therapy is commonly prescribed. Consisting of pressurised CPAP machines and various CPAP accessories including masks, custom headgear and chin straps for sleep apnea, patients can easily be overwhelmed with the options available to them. Not to mention, there are a variety of CPAP masks available on the market designed to suit individual needs and preferences. As a leading CPAP manufacturer and supplier creating high quality sleep apnea masks and accessories with superior medical grade fabrics, we’re breaking down various CPAP supplies in order to help patients choose the most suitable options for them.

Full Face Masks

As the name suggests, full face sleep apnea masks cover both the nose and mouth to fully support breathing throughout the night. The mask is fixated in place with high-quality headgear made from medical textiles and hypoallergenic fabrics in order to ensure maximum comfort and stability for the wearer throughout the entire night. Without the conjunctive use of headgear accessories, these masks can potentially be displaced throughout the night and therefore limit the effectiveness of therapy.

Full face masks are highly beneficial and are generally recommended for sleep apnea sufferers who rely on breathing through their mouth. Other CPAP therapy options are largely focused on supplying air through the nasal passage and can, therefore, be extremely uncomfortable for individuals who breathe through their mouth during their sleep. Full face CPAP masks are also ideal for allergy sufferers who experience a frequently blocked nose or have sinus issues.

Additionally, full face masks are also beneficial for those who suffer from dry mouth. As CPAP therapy relies on humidified air, patients can actually experience relief of such symptoms, as the air keeps both the nasal and mouth passageways moist, preventing blockages and maximising comfort. Masks are also made from technical textiles with hypoallergenic properties to ensure allergies are not aggravated or induced during wear. These masks are also said to be the most effective for patients who require higher pressure settings.

However, patients also need to consider the potential limitations associated with various CPAP accessories in order to choose the most suitable for them. Due to the larger surface area, air leaks can potentially be more common, particularly if the mask is ill-fitted. As a result of this, some individuals may experience dry eyes if the humidified air leaks at the top of their masks. Full face masks for sleep apnea can also be uncomfortable for individuals who sleep on their stomach or side due to the bulkiness of the equipment. This can also be a downfall for those who like to read or watch TV as they’re settling for bed. 

Nasal Masks

Another popular CPAP mask is the nasal mask, which purely covers the nose from the bridge to the patient’s upper lip area. Similarly to the full face masks, nasal masks are also secured in place with headgear accessories to ensure the mask does move during sleep, therefore maximising results.

Nasal masks have proven to be an effective option for patients who typically move around frequently in their sleep. As the accessories associated with nasal masks are not as bulky as their full face counterparts, patients may find they can move around more freely in their sleep. Additionally, there are many different fits and sizes available with nasal CPAP masks which ensures a more comfortable and individualised fit, increasing comfort and minimising the risk of air leaks.

While the above features make nasal masks a popular CPAP therapy option, the treatment may not be suitable for patients who rely on breathing through their mouth without wearing an additional chin restraint to secure the mouth closed. For some people, this may be uncomfortable and unnatural, therefore making other forms of therapy more ideal. Other considerations that need to be contemplated include the presence of allergies. Sinus blockages can interfere with the pressure delivery and therefore results may be diminished.

Furthermore, patients who suffer medical conditions such as a deviated septum, narrowed or collapsed nasal valve or enlarged turbinates may also not experience the full potential of CPAP therapy through the use of nasal masks.

Nasal Pillow Masks

For a more lightweight and less intrusive option, nasal pillow masks provide maximum comfort and ease of use in comparison to full face or nasal CPAP mask options. Nasal pillow masks work by resting at the entrance of the nasal passageway to deliver pressurised air directly into the nose to facilitate breathing.

Nasal pillow masks are a suitable option for patients who frequently move around in their sleep as they are not restricted by bulky accessories and materials. Nasal pillow masks are also do not feature intricate headgear, yet are secured in place with a single strap, potentially providing unprecedented comfort for patients who might be claustrophobic or intimated by the facial materials. The simplified design also makes nasal pillow masks an ideal option for patients with facial hair, those who wear glasses and individuals who like to unwind before bed by watching television or reading a book. Additionally, nasal marks also have a limited chance of air leakage in comparison to other options, as a result of the direct airflow to the nose.

However, while nasal pillows provide exceptional comfort, they are not ideal for individuals who require higher doses of pressure. If the pressure is increased with the wear of nasal pillow masks, comfort can actually be decreased, as the direct airflow can seem unnatural and unfamiliar. The direct air pressure may also result in higher occurrences of nosebleeds or dryness in the nose for some patients. Nasal pillow masks may also not be the most ideal option for patients who are not used to breathing out their nose. However, chin-straps may be used in addition to the nasal pillow for individuals who generally breathe through their mouth.

While there are many options available to sleep apnea sufferers that are aimed to address different concerns, patients should try a variety of different masks in order to find the one that is most suited to them. Facial features, preferences and treatment suitability all need to be factored in to find the most ideal mask for the patient that maximises CPAP therapy results.

As a leading medical fabric manufacturing company, we are dedicated to providing superior technical textiles and medical grade fabrics that are valuable for a vast range of industries. Our team has a longstanding partnership with Resmed to supply medical textiles with hypoallergenic properties in order to create superior quality CPAP masks that maximises patient comfort. Our fabric range also has the potential to provide exceptional benefits beyond the medical industry and we can create tailored solutions that meet specific requirements. For more information on CPAP manufacturing, medical fabrics or other technical textiles, please do not hesitate to contact the professional Biomed team on (02) 9758 3855.