Women are different from men in so many ways. But when it comes to treating obstructive sleep apnea, CPAP machines and masks are the common solutions.
Several of the existing designs are as effective for women as they are for men but I don’t recall seeing too many being promoted as unisex.
Maybe that’s so us men think the machines and masks we buy are designed just with us in mind but when you consider masks made by some manufacturers come in sizes marked small, medium or large, possibly women have always been part of the equation.
Regardless, I have found a few masks that have been made specifically for women. I have listed them below as my review of the best CPAP mask for women solutions.
This is one of those CPAP masks that is equal parts unusual and practical. It comes in four pieces which makes it easy to assemble and clean.
The ResMed Mirage FX for Her is specifically designed for the facial features of a woman. It is essentially a scaled-down in size version of the ResMed Mirage used by men.
Only this one has pink headgear trim and softer cushions to decrease the amount of pressure applied to the nose and face.
Another quality product manufactured by ResMed, the Quattro FX for Her Full Face Mask is a good choice if you happen to be a side sleeper.
The streamlined design has fewer points of contact and the placement of the pink straps and headgear make this a good choice for women who wear their hair pulled back in a ponytail.
The set-and-forget headgear clips make putting this model on so very easy and it is comfortable as a result. It is also one of my picks as the best CPAP mask for women.
This is another product that comes from ResMed. What makes it stand out is the small yet effective and lightweight design.
It is also a complete package that comes with the mask, headgear and the CPAP machine with tubing. You could say that the Swift FX Nano for Her Nasal CPAP Mask is all you need to get a good night’s sleep.
The short tube with jointed pieces is meant to make active sleepers (AKA restless sleepers) able to catch some zees while moving around while they sleep.
Designed by a dentist, the TAP PAP Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask features a patented ThermAcryl mouthpiece. It is thinner, lighter and can be molded to create a custom fit.
With the unique moldable mouthpiece, this mask does not require the amount of headgear that is common in your average CPAP mask.
Also, this unit comes in three different sizes so you should be able to fit the one that provides the best fit.
If you move around when sleeping, the ball and socket joint that the air hose is attached to will be a welcome addition. Plus, this is a very quiet model.
Things to Consider When Choosing A CPAP Mask for Women
If you have never had to shop for a CPAP mask for women before, you have three basic choices. These choices are related to the types of masks available in the marketplace. You have a full mask, nasal mask, and a nasal pillow. The full mask is just as the name implies – it is a mask that covers the mouth and nose. If you are a mouth breather or a restless sleeper, the full mask is your best option as it is designed to remain in place and still be effective and comfortable.
The nasal mask covers just the nose and is lightweight as a result. Plus, if you like to sit in bed at night and read or watch television before you nod off to sleep, a nasal mask will provide you with the visibility to do that. Nasal pillows have silicone prongs that are inserted directly into your nostrils. There are no straps and no headgear but the nasal pillows only work well with low to mid pressure CPAP machines. They give you the same visibility as nasal masks.
Best Brands
Here are some details on the backgrounds of the companies that manufactured the best CPAP mask for women options I have listed above.
Philips Respironics
Respironics is a medical supply company that focuses mostly on products related to improving respiratory function. Founded in 1976 in Murrayville, Pennsylvania, Respironics is one of many subsidiaries of the Philips Company. They introduced their first CPAP machine in 1985 and continues to work on developing and manufacturing machines to assist with COPD and other respiratory issues.
TAP PAP (AM Airway Management)
Founded in 1994 by Dallas, Texas dentist Dr. W. Keith Thornton, the Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP) was born. The company focuses on improving the health, well-being, and quality of life of individuals who suffer from sleep-disorder breathing.
Mirage/Quattro/Swift FX (ResMed)
ResMed is a medical equipment company based in San Diego, California. It was founded in 1989 and provides cloud-connectable medical devices for the treatment of sleep apnea (including CPAP machines/masks), COPD and additional respiratory conditions. The company operates in over 120 countries worldwide and has over 7,500 employees.
FAQs
1. Do they make CPAP masks for women?
Many of the major CPAP mask manufacturing companies have created and continue to market these same products to women. The main difference is that the CPAP masks are slightly smaller than those marketed to men. Plus, several of the best CPAP mask for women designs have features that would be more attractive to women including tube locations and headgear that allow for ponytails, as an example.
2. What is the best CPAP mask for women?
From my research, the best CPAP masks designed for women are listed above. However, the actual best one for you will depend on your sleeping style – do you sleep on your back or side? Are you a mouth breather? – and why you require the CPAP machine. If you are treating a sleeping disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea, your best solution is a CPAP machine.
3. Are CPAP machines for women as effective as the ones made for men?
Yes, they are.
Best CPAP Mask For Women Wrap Up
One place where women are just as important as men are is in the sleep apnea treatment industry. Many companies that manufacture sleep aids such as CPAP machines have also designed their products so that they can be used by women as well. Sure, some companies have just reduced the size of their products while others have created a “just for her” line of CPAP masks and machines. It should be comforting to know that these multi-national companies realize the importance of creating products just for women. I have outlined a number of the best CPAP masks for women I have managed to find. Hopefully, it will help you to find your perfect match.
