Top 10 Best CPAP Masks For Claustrophobia
Phobia is an extreme fear of something. Claustrophobia is also a type of phobia. It is a fear of a tight and crowded place. It is a fear that is triggered by adrenaline and stress hormones in your body. It happens when you are stuck in a lift or in a room from where there is no escape.
CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Air Pressure that is applied to the patient who is suffering from breathing issues. CPAP masks tend to be tight on the face. Therefore, people who are claustrophobic will find it hard to keep the mask on.
Patients who have claustrophobia also might have a fear of CPAP masks and machines. This is because they feel that the mask might suffocate them when they are asleep. This is called CPAP claustrophobia. So, for these patients, special masks are manufactured so that they do not feel scared or fearful of the masks.
CPAP Claustrophobia is serious because if these patients don’t wear the mask, they will not get the proper treatment from the CPAP machine. When sleep apnea is not treated, it can lead to problems such as heart attacks, strokes, sleep apnea, and many others.
So, according to the doctors, the best therapy for this fear is the specially designed CPAP masks. They help prevent panic attacks and helps to store breathing.
This whole process is a complex one; therefore you need to buy the best CPAP masks that are suitable for claustrophobia. Now, if you are ready to buy the best claustrophobia CPAP mask, have a look at the list of best CPAP masks which we have compiled for you. We have focused on CPAP masks that are not too expensive.
1. Swift Fx Nasal Pillow Mask
Review
The Swift FX mask one of the best CPAP masks for claustrophobia patients. It is a comfortable size. Also, it has adjustable pillows that are quite flexible. The adjustable pillows feature is a must-have attribute for CPAP claustrophobia patients. Also, they are designed in such a way that it does not touch your face. Therefore, it does not cause any bruising or red marks on your face.
It is simple to assemble. You do not need to have special skills to connect these masks with your CPAP machine. Also, it is easy to clean and maintain. It has soft fleece backing so that the patient does not have any difficulty while wearing it.
The Swift FX also comes with a special version that is particularly designed for women. This offer does not come with any other brand.
This mask has great inbuilt features. It is easy to operate and easy to use. It uses the latest technology to ensure a pleasant patient experience. Its features include therapy pressure from 4 to 20 cm and operating temperature 41 degrees to 104 degrees. Also, its operating humidity is between 15 percent to 95 percent.
Its venting is on the elbow and not on the face. So, your face will not get hot or red due to continuous venting. Also, it comes in four different sizes to suit you and your CPAP machine.
Also, it has been molded in such a way that it is best for those who have CPAP claustrophobia. When the patient wears it, he/she will feel secure and safe.
It fits comfortably and does not get too tight or loose. It ensures that there is no leakage of air. It can be used with any CPAP or BiPAP machine. It also comes in with a dual-wall design with flexible cushion to ensure the best sleep experience for the patient.
It is made up of strong material which makes it durable.
Pros
- Comes in different sizes
- Adjustable nasal pillow
- Ideal for Claustrophobic patients
- Compatible with any CPAP machine
Cons
- None
2. Philips Respironics DreamWear Nasal CPAP Mask
Review
When it comes to providing the best comfort level to the patient, there is no equal to Philips Respironics products. Philips Respironics is popular for manufacturing such products that provide great comfort to patients.
This mask is molded in such a way that it allows you to have movement without any difficulty because it is small and it does not impede your vision. You can watch TV or move without any restrictions. It easily fits on your face. It is made up of silicone and therefore, it is quite light.
This mask features gel pillows and nasal cushions. The frame can be switched between any of the two as per your need. The mask also has different sizes of pillows that are interchangeable.
The elbow is over the top. Thus, its tubing is away from the face. It is an essential feature for patients suffering from claustrophobia. If the tubing is on the face, it makes the claustrophobia really uncomfortable.
It comes in different sizes i.e, small, medium, and large. You can use any of the masks according to your face dimensions. Also, the mask is adjustable with both CPAP and BiPAP machines.
These masks provide excellent cushion comfort because their flexible wraps help in creating minimum contact with the face.
Its headgear is also quite comfortable as it has no bulge at its back. Therefore, it does not burden your head with extra discomfort.
When it comes to cleaning this mask, it is quite easy as it does not require any special cleaning products to clean it. It only requires warm water for cleaning. Furthermore, it is also easy to dissemble its parts from the machine.
Pros
- Can be bought below 100$
- Excellent Cushion comfort
- Comes in different sizes
- Provides easy relaxation
Cons
- None
Fisher & Paykel Brevida Nasal Pillow Mask
Review
Being the product of a renowned New Zealand company Fisher and Paykel, it is one of the most popular masks for claustrophobic patients. Fisher is famous for making the best medical products, and this mask is also one of the best masks available on the market. It is the improved version of the Opus 360 mask as it has been built with advanced features to suit claustrophobic patients.
It is a highly comfortable mask as its made with soft silicone. It comes with inflatable nasal pillows that inflate easily to provide perfect sealing. The airflows are provided with additional support so that you do not feel any discomfort during sleep. Also, pillows are much softer and thicker than any other nasal pillows.
Its headgear is soft and adjustable. It is adjusted with the aid of velcro straps. Its tubing is quite short with a swivel at the base.
This mask provides the best sealing around the nasal area as it does not cause any bruising on the skin nor burdens the face with its weight. The mask provides minimal pressure on the nostrils because of its perfect sealing. Also, it does not provide direct sealing on the nostrils. It provides sealing on the bottom of the nostrils.
Overall, it is one of the best products for claustrophobia patients which s available at a reasonable price.
Pros
- Adjustable Headgear
- Tight sealing
- Diffuser with minimal noise
- Available at reasonable price
Cons
- Not easy to assemble
ResMed AirFit N30i Nasal Mask with Headgear
Review
If your priority is comfort, this is the mask for you. It provides amazing options that ensure pleasant user experience. It provides such a great comfort level that many users have reviewed it as the best CPAP mask.
It has a curved cushion design to provide additional stability and a tight seal. The cushion sits under the nose as it covers only a small part of the face. This is extremely important for CPAP claustrophobia patients due to the fact that during the initial days of claustrophobic therapy, patients get anxious when they see the mask covering their whole face.
This mask does not blur your vision or your eyesight. You can wear glasses, watch TV and read a newspaper without any trouble. Moreover, its maintenance is easy as the cushion can easily be removed from the frame.
Also, it has minimal noise level because of pinhole vents that do not allow the noise to reach your partner next to you.
Overall, it is a bit expensive product but it is worth its price.
Pros
- Freedom of movement
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Innovative design
Cons
- Slightly higher cost as copper to other masks
Respironics WISP Nasal CPAP Mask Replacement Cushion
Review
This mask is made by Philips Respironics which is – as discussed above- is famous for manufacturing the best medical equipment. This is one of the simplest masks in the market. It is easy to assemble and dissemble. Its design is quite simple.
The mask comes in different sizes i.e, small, medium, petite, larger, and extra-large. You can choose any according to your face size.
Its frame can easily be detached from the headgear. Moreover, it has an adjustable headgear that is quite soft and thick. Moreover, it can be worn with both loose and tight seal.
This mask has a low noise level. It produces very little noise when it runs. It does not have a pitch that could disturb your or others’ sleep. So, if you have a long flight coming up, take this CPAP mask with you, it will neither disturb you nor anyone else.
Pros
- Simple design
- Minimal noise
- Comes in a variety of sizes
- Adjustable
Cons
- None
Respironics Amara Mask
Review
If you are looking for an innovative mask with unique features, try this one. It has a modular design that no other mask has. It has been shaped in such a way that it allows you free movement. This mask is specially designed for Claustrophobic patients.
It is quite lightweight so therefore it does not cause any irritation or soreness under the nose.
The mask comes in a small frame without a bulky cushion so that you can watch the T.V or use a laptop without any trouble.
It seals around the mouth and nose perfectly because of its innovative nostril opening below the base of the nose.
Pros
- No bulky cushion
- Innovative design
- Lightweight
Cons
- Durability is an issue
ResMed AirFit P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask
Review
If you are looking for a smart CPAP claustrophobic mask then this one should always be on your shortlist. This is an outstanding nasal pillow mask for claustrophobia patients with only 21 decibels of noise. It has Quiet Air vents which help to reduce a lot of noise. Thus, you do not have to worry about its noise disturbing others.
The mask is lightweight. It has 50 percent less weight than other nasal pillow masks. That is why many customers have commented that they do not feel its weight while wearing it.
It has only 3 pieces which are easy to assemble and disassemble for maintenance and cleaning. These 3 pieces are quite soft and made from quality material.
One noticeable feature is that it has good durability. Its functionality does not diminish with the passage of time. It performs at the same efficiency level throughout many years. It is strong and powerful. It can withstand wear and tear of everyday use without compromising the functionality.
It has a short tube of 15 inches with headgear length and width of 19.25 inches and 0.75 inches respectively.
Pros
- 50% quieter than other Resmid nasal pillow masks
- 50% lighter than other Resmid nasal pillow masks
- Stretchable headgear
- Minimalist design
Cons
- Air leakage issues
ResMed AirFit N20 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask
Review
The Airfit N20 is a product of the Resmid Airfit series which included the above mask as well. This mask is a great inclusion in the series as it is one of the most popular masks for CPAP claustrophobic patients. This mask has a minimal number of parts and does not look bulky and thick. It is light, strong, and durable.
Its cushions are made from the latest technology, therefore fit perfectly fit the on the face and does not cause any bruising on the nose. Also, Moreover, these cushions are quite soft due to which they provide an excellent experience to the patients during therapy.
Its frame is made in such a way that it could fit with any face dimension as it has natural curves. Also, it has magnetic clips for easy assembling and disassembling of the parts. The mask headgear has soft pads which makes the headgear quite flexible as it follows your head movement without causing any discomfort to you.
The mask has a quick-release elbow for extra comfort and for disconnecting it from the tube. it has minimal noise when it is turned on.
As mentioned above its magnetic clips offer easy on/off feature from the face. Well, to be honest, It is a great feature because during the period when you try to remove it forcefully the masks could cause marks on your face but this is not the case with this mask as you have put only little effort in removing it from the face. Moreover, its cushions are dual walled to provide additional stability when you walk.
It comes with a 30-day return policy. So, if you find any defect in it or do not like it you can return it. Also, it comes with a warranty in case there is any damage to your mask.
Pros
- 30-day return policy
- Magnetic chips
- Quick-release elbow
- Headgear has soft pads
Cons
- None
Bleep DreamPort CPAP Mask
Review
You might have not heard the name of this mask as it is not widely popular as the above ones. But, let us assure you it is one of the best masks around. It has all the attributes of a great mask and of course, it is suitable for claustrophobia patients as well.
It is quite flexible as it parts are adjustable and easily removable. Not only this, it also does not cause any issues to your eye vision. Moreover, you will not get burdened by wearing this as some of the masks are so heavyweight that their weight causes headaches to the patients. This is not the case with this mask.
One noticeable feature is that it is easily adjustable with any type of facial features.
It does not come with headgear because it does not require any headgear due to its simple design. It is made up of high-quality material that makes it durable and long-lasting.
Overall, it is a great mask for Claustrophobia patients which is available at a reasonable price.
Pros
- No headgear
- No need to shave
- Reasonable price
- Quiet piece
Cons
- Air leakage issues
Philips Respironics DreamWear Gel Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Review
If you do not want to compromise on quality, purchase this one. It is a superb mask. It is made with excellent soft material to make you comfortable.
It is well built, compact, and strong. It has a sleek design that looks quite pleasing. Thus, it is full of great features. Therefore, it should always be in your shortlist if you are planning to buy CPAP masks.
It is easy to assemble and easy to use. It is lightweight, strong, and powerful. It is considered one of the best masks for uninterrupted sleep.
One noticeable feature is that it has a faster set up. It takes no time to set it up as it is specially designed in a way that customers do not find it difficult in assembling it. Also, it offers extra stability and a perfect seal for the patient. The mask produces noise below 25 decibels. Moreover, it is shaped in a way that your movement will not be restricted by it.
Pros
- Latest technology
- Easy to use
- little noise
- Great inbuilt features
- Pleasant patient experience
Cons
- Difficult to clean.
Buying Guide For CPAP Masks
Before going into the market to buy the CPAP mask, there are certain factors that you need to consider as buying masks for CPAP claustrophobia is not an easy task due to many reasons. The first reason is that the masks for claustrophobic patients are quite different from the other CPAP masks.
There are special features related to the masks for claustrophobic patients. Second, there are so many masks available in the market with each mask having its own features.
The masks was tested and we also consulted with nurses and doctors before finalizing the above lists of best CPAP masks.
Therefore we have created a buying guide for choosing the best CPAP masks from the afore-mentioned list. If you go through it, you will surely find the best CPAP masks to overcome claustrophobia problems.
Type of mask
If you have CPAP claustrophobia then is the most important factor for you to consider before buying the mask. There are three types of masks. First is a nasal pillow mask that sits at the end of the nostrils. The second one is a nasal mask; it covers the nose.
The last one is a full face mask that covers both the face and the mask. For claustrophobia patients, it is best that they use the first and the second type.
Minimal Contact with the Face
Keep in mind that if you are claustrophobic, your mask should have minimal contact with your face. The full-size mask has maximum contact with the face.
Whereas, the nasal pillow mask and nasal mask offers minimal contact with the patient.
Also, the masks with minimal contact do not cause any soreness or red marks on the face. On the other hand, the full face mask causes red marks on the face.
Vented Masks
For CPAP claustrophobic patients, it is preferable that they use maks that have vents. It makes them comfortable and relaxed. These vented masks help the patient to breathe easily. The vented mask offers protection from asphyxiation.
Whereas, the mask without vents allows carbon dioxide to build in the mask which causes difficulty in breathing. These vents allow the C02 to be ventilated outside the mask. Thus, this factor should also be considered while buying a mask.
Price
It is also an important factor for CPAP masks. Always buy those masks which offer the best features at a reasonable price. They are many masks that do not provide great features but are available at a high price. On the other hand, there are many masks that have all the attributes of best masks and they are available at a low price. So, do consider this fact also.
Maintenance
Always purchase those masks which are easy to maintain. There are some masks in the market which require special liquid for cleaning. Always buy those masks which are easy to clean. Also, keep in mind its assembling and dissembling as they should also be done easily without any difficulty.
Portability
If you travel quite often and you are a claustrophobic patient then your mask must be small and light-weighted. Small enough that it could fit in your suitcase or bag and light enough that it can easily be carried. Your machine should also fulfill FAA requirements for in-flight travel.
Leakage
Make sure that there is no leakage in the mask. If there is a leakage you could face serious breathing issues. There are some machines that could detect leakage but most of them can’t. So, make sure that you are buying a mask that has no leakage issues.
Final Thoughts
There are many options for the claustrophobic patient who has to wear CPAP. Its treatment lies in the special masks that are specially designed for CPAP claustrophobia patients. Use those masks and get relief.