Stop Breathing Through Your Mouth at Night

Is This the Smallest CPAP Mask Yet? Hey Sleep Warriors, This Nova Micro CPAP mask weighs less than two AA batteries. Which — when you think about the hardware many of us have been strapping to our faces at night — is kind of a big deal. I'm Dr. Kim Hutchison, sleep medicine physician, and today I'm demonstrating and discussing the F&P Nova Micro nasal pillow mask. You guys know me — I'm a nasal breathing advocate, I love a minimalist mask, and if you haven't seen my Bleep Eclipse review, go check that out. But the Nova Micro is the smallest traditional CPAP mask I've found yet, and I had to talk about it. Here's a story I hear all the time. A patient comes in, been on CPAP for two years, data looks decent — but they hate wearing it. They describe their mask like it's a medieval contraption. Heavy. Tight. Red marks on their face every morning. And somewhere along the way, it started spending more nights on the nightstand than on their face. Sound familiar? The CPAP mask is genuinely the number one reason people quit therapy. And the Nova Micro's answer to that is basically: what if there was almost no mask? This is a newer mask, released in late 2024 and gaining in popularity, and instead of full nasal pillows that push into your nostrils, it uses what they call MicroPillows — tiny, soft silicone cushions that gently inflate to conform to your nostril shape. Several users have said it felt like they weren't wearing anything at all. The headgear is minimal too — simple, dual-adjustable straps, gray panel goes on top, and there is some flexibility to it. That's it. Once you've dialed in your fit, you can actually take this mask on and off during the night without having to readjust the straps every time. For those 2am bathroom trips, that matters more than you'd think. For side sleepers especially — and you know who you are — this low-profile design is a game changer. No bulk digging into your pillow. Now. Full disclosure, because I'm a sleep doctor, not a sales rep. This mask is best for nasal breathers. If you regularly wake up with your mouth open, dry as the Sahara, this mask alone won't solve that. In my experience, the Nova Micro seals the nose well — it doesn't do anything about your mouth. That's not a flaw, it's just physics. A nasal pillow is a nasal pillow. If mouth leaks are your issue, that's a separate conversation worth having with your provider — I've written more about mouth leaks and SomnoSeal here. So who is this mask for? Really anyone, but especially people who've quit CPAP because their mask is too claustrophobic or uncomfortable. It's also good for side sleepers and travelers who want something packable. So who is the mask not good for? Well, if you thrash around a lot at night, this minimalist design may not stay well put. Or if you are on very high CPAP pressures — generally above 16 — where nasal pillows can sometimes be uncomfortable to exhale. And of course, obligate mouth breathers (those who simply can't keep their mouth shut, haha). The bottom line: the Nova Micro sets out to prove that less is more — and I think it makes a pretty solid case. If you want to try it, check with your medical equipment company — if you're due for a new mask, you can ask whether this one is covered (see my notes on Medicare and mask coverage here for more on that). Or if you don't want to wait, it's also available to purchase out of pocket online for around $100. Thanks for being here, I'll see you next time. I'm Dr. Kimberly, creator of the SomnoSeal and founder of the Sleep Warrior community. #cpap mask

Mask leaking, outgrowing CPAP, and Medicare treatment options It’s time for this month’s ‘Ask Dr. Kimberly’ extended Sleep Byte. This is where I answer questions submitted by YOU - my Sleep Warrior community.  This week, I’m diving into some thoughtful questions you’ve submitted through our Q&A program. These are common challenges that many of you face, and I’m here to help! Here are the questions that I will cover in this week’s Sleep Byte: Terri asks, “Since a sleep study, years after being diagnosed with OSA, my CPAP pressure has been increased from 7 to 12, and a full face mask was recommended (prior just nasal)… I never used to have any trouble sleeping with the nasal mask. Now, I’ve suffered long nights with leaking masks! I’ve tried different full face masks, chin straps, liners, and collars to help with this problem… Help! I dread going to sleep at night… and I end up adjusting my mask all night long and wake up exhausted!” Tina asks, “Do people ever outgrow the need for a CPAP machine?” Badrinath asks, “I am using cpap for 2 years, but feeling tiredness and non refreshed the whole day. I am unable to control excess daytime sleeping.” Mary asks, “I don't want to use a CPAP machine. What else is there that Medicare will cover?” Beryl asks, “I cannot tolerate anything on my face. What do I do?” Diego asks, “I did sleep studies in labs and at home to make sure I have sleep apnea. Is there any other way to detect this condition?” These are important questions, and I’m excited to share some insights and solutions that could make a big difference in your CPAP journey. Do you have a question of your own? Enter it here or from my homepage to have it considered for an upcoming video!

Removing your mask? 😖 This week, I’m diving into some of the thoughtful questions you’ve submitted through our Q&A program. These are common challenges that many of you face, and I’m here to help! Here are the questions that I will cover in this week’s Sleep Byte: Anonymous Warrior asks: “I can’t keep my mask on, I take it off when I’m sleeping, please help!” Jess wonders: “How can I keep air from leaking from around my mask?” Sam asks: “Do chin straps work? What are my options for mouth leaks?” Richard asks: “I feel like I’m suffocating when I wear my mask, please help!” Brenda writes: “I wake up feeling like I’m being strangled. Do I have sleep apnea? What should I do?” Anonymous asks: “I just don’t know the best practices of my CPAP. Can you help?” These are important questions, and I’m excited to share some insights and solutions that could make a big difference in your CPAP journey. Do you have a question of your own? Enter it here to have it answered in an upcoming video!