Choosing the suitable mask for NIV therapy
                     CHOOSING THE 
SUITABLE MASK FOR 
NIV THERAPY
It has become quite common for people to suffer from one or another 
respiratory problem because of the increasing rate of pollution. In severe 
cases, healthcare experts recommend that patients use invasive or non-
invasive ventilation therapy to improve. Both these treatments are quite 
effective and have their own advantages. But, since NIV therapy is 
conducted without piercing any part of your body, it is a preferred method. 
However, before beginning the NIV treatment, you must find a suitable 
mask. Here is what you need to know!
How to find a suitable mask for 
NIV therapy?
For the success of NIV treatment, it is mandatory to find a 
suitable mask. There are several varieties available in the 
market that can efficiently deliver air to your lungs. The 
primary categories are nasal masks, facial masks, and 
helmets. For choosing an ideal mask for your face, you 
should try these options and see which mask allows you to 
breathe well without putting in much effort. Your choice 
should be based on whether the mask sticks to your face 
when you sleep or slips down. For those interested in finding 
more about these masks, more information is given below!
Face masks: 
These types of masks are the most commonly used interface by acute failure 
patients. Because of the inspiratory demand in people with respiratory 
failure, they use their mouths for inspiration. A facial mask is quite large and 
covers the mouth, nose, and some even spread over your mouth, nose, and 
eyes. These masks are quite comfortable and allow easy breathing. Also, 
they prevent air leakage from the perimeter and avoid pressure loss.
Helmets:
These interfaces are not as common as the other two, but in recent times, 
they have shown promising results. In these types of masks, a collar is 
attached to the neck and hood, allowing gas exchange. The helmet has two 
ports, one that is used for entry and the other that aids with the exhalation 
of expired gases. A recent study showed that using helmets in acute 
respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients demonstrated positive 
outcomes. 
To ensure that the patient benefits from the 
invasive and non Invasive Ventilation, experts recommend switching 
between the mask interfaces. So, if you are a person with breathing 
ailments, try using the different masks to find one that works like a perfect 
fit.
Nasal masks:
These types of masks are primarily used for long-term ventilation 
therapy. However, they can also be used for hypoxic or hypercapnic 
respiratory failure patients. These masks are available in various 
designs, where the most common ones are nasal masks that cover the 
nose and nasal pillow masks, which support tubing that inserts 
externally into the nares. Nasal masks allow patients to eat and drink 
easily and help them tolerate coughing in a better way. Another 
advantage of these types of masks is fewer complaints of 
claustrophobia.
                               
                                       Thank You