How Do You Breathe with a Nasal Pillow Mask?

Breathing with a nasal pillow mask is straightforward: you simply inhale and exhale through your nose. The CPAP machine delivers pressurized air through two small prongs or pillows that sit just inside your nostrils. This air keeps your airway open, preventing sleep apnea. For optimal treatment, it's crucial to breathe exclusively through your nose; mouth breathing reduces the effectiveness of the therapy.

• Airflow: The pressurized air from the CPAP machine flows directly into your nasal passages via the pillows.
• Natural Breathing: You breathe normally, as you would without the mask, but solely through your nose.
• Airway Support: The pressurized air maintains an open airway throughout the night.
• Mouth Closure: Keeping your mouth closed is essential to ensure the CPAP therapy works correctly. A chinstrap can be helpful if you tend to breathe through your mouth.

Addressing Potential Issues

• Difficulty Breathing Through Your Nose: If nasal congestion or other issues prevent nose breathing, consult your doctor or sleep specialist. They can explore alternative solutions or treatment options. Consider trying a full-face mask if breathing solely through your nose is impossible.

Several sources confirm this method: Sleeplay's blog post, "How To Breathe with CPAP Nasal Pillows", states you simply "inhale and exhale through your nose." Similarly, EntiCare emphasizes the importance of nasal breathing for optimal CPAP treatment in their article, "Breathe Easy: Should Your Mouth Be Closed When Using a Nasal ...". Fisher & Paykel Healthcare describes nasal pillow masks as directing air "into the nasal passages" (https://www.fphcare.com/us/my-sleep-apnea/products/nasal-pillows-cpap-masks/).