Sleep Bytes & Blog

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

A New CPAP Mask That Practically Adjusts Itself! If you use CPAP, you know that finding the right mask can make all the difference in your comfort and success with therapy. Today, I want to introduce you to a new option—the F&P Solo Nasal CPAP Mask—and share why it might be a great fit for you! The first thing that makes this mask stand out is its self-adjusting design. Unlike traditional CPAP masks that require constant strap adjustments, the Solo adapts to your face automatically. That means less time fiddling with fit and more time getting the restful sleep you need. It’s easy to put on, easy to adjust, and easy to take off, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a simpler CPAP experience. Now, let’s talk about why I personally prefer nasal masks over full-face masks. The truth is, noses were built for breathing! I believe nasal breathing is better for your health, and nasal masks encourage that natural airflow. Plus, they’re smaller, lower profile, and tend to have fewer leaks than full-face masks, making them a great option for many CPAP users. The F&P Solo comes in two different styles: 1️⃣ The Nasal Mask – This sits just under your nose allowing for a natural breathing experience with a single oval opening (similar to a Dreamwear nasal cradle mask) . 2️⃣ The Nasal Pillow Mask – This is similar to the nasal mask but has two small pillows that sit just inside your nostrils for a lightweight and barely-there feel. If you’re not sure which one is best for you, ask your medical equipment company if you can try it with a Fit Pack. The Fit Pack includes multiple cushion sizes, so you can test out different fits and find the one that works best for you. Another great feature of the Solo mask is its one-handed adjustment. The headgear is designed to adapt automatically, so you don’t have to spend time pulling and tightening multiple straps to get a good seal. This can be especially helpful if you find traditional CPAP masks frustrating to adjust or if you have limited hand dexterity. So, to sum it up, here’s what makes the F&P Solo stand out:✅ Self-adjusting design for an easier fit✅ Two styles to choose from – Nasal mask or nasal pillows✅ Smaller and lower profile than full-face masks, with fewer leaks✅ Encourages nasal breathing, which I believe is better for your health✅ Available in a Fit Pack, so you can find the perfect size before committing If you’re looking for a CPAP mask that makes therapy easier, the F&P Solo might be a great option for you! Have you tried this mask yet? Let me know what you think! Sleep well!

Are you Scared to Go to Sleep with Your CPAP?  This mask might be pretty spooky, but compared to this - your CPAP mask is really not so scary at all, right? But if you’re still feeling a bit of mask fright when it comes to your CPAP, I’ve got 3 tips to help you overcome those fears and make your therapy a little less intimidating. Let’s dive in! Tip #1: Wear Your CPAP During the DayIf your CPAP mask feels strange or uncomfortable, try wearing it during the day while watching TV or reading. This helps you get used to the feeling of something on your face, making it less of a big deal when it’s time to get ready for bed. Just like breaking in a new pair of shoes, a little practice can go a long way! Oh, and normalizing CPAP around the house tends to make it less alarming for family members and bedpartners.  Tip #2: Relax Before You Mask UpCreate a calming bedtime routine before putting on your CPAP mask. Try using a meditation app like Insight Timer or Calm, and do some deep breathing to unwind. I like to do 10 deep breaths into my belly first thing after getting into bed. If this becomes your new habit, you’ll start to look forward to getting into bed - it’s genuinely relaxing! Once you’re nice and relaxed, putting on your mask will feel like a natural part of the process, not something to be anxious about. Tip #3: Try Aromatherapy with Pur-SleepIf you’re still struggling, consider adding a little aromatherapy to your bedtime routine. Pur-Sleep is an essential oil system that sits on your bedside table. It uses natural scents to help ease anxiety and frustration with CPAP therapy. It’s simple, soothing, and less than $20. You can find out more at pur-sleep.com. Remember, don’t add essential oils directly to your CPAP machine, filter, or humidifier - they can be harmful to your machine and to you.  So, this Halloween, let’s make sure your CPAP is the least scary mask you see all night. I hope these tips help you get more comfortable, relaxed, and ready to sleep peacefully! Thanks for being here. I’ll see you next week. 

Mask leaks? You are not alone! Hey, sleep warriors! This week, I'm with my favorite guest, everybody's favorite guest, my mom, Gloria. So, thanks for being here. This week, Gloria is going to be asking the questions.   Well, I am using the Evora sleep mask that I like a lot, but why is it starting to blow air or leak around the sides? It's annoying, and I am adjusting it way too often. So, this is a really common question - getting air blowing around the sides of your mask. This Evora is a bit of a hybrid mask.  It's not a nasal pillow. It's not a full nasal mask. It's sort of in between, and it has a real thin membrane here that goes up to prevent those leaks from happening. So mom, when was the last time that you changed this cushion? Well, it's new, and I started using it in March. So, you used the mask for the first time in March? Yes. Okay, so now it's the middle of June, and so that's several months. So, with this cushion piece here, this is probably the most common reason why masks start to leak around the sides: it's time to change the cushion on your mask. It's been nearly three months, which is probably about the maximum amount of time before you're going to want to go before changing these small cushions. So, one of the number one reasons why we do start to get a little bit of that leaking is that it's time to change the old cushions. If that doesn't work, the next thing I would recommend would be a nasal or any mask liner, and those can be purchased online.  We also have other videos talking about the different types of mask liners. But if it's been a while since you've changed the cushion, I would do that first. Thanks for being here this week, and we'll see you next time.

How To Choose A CPAP Machine Mask Have you ever wondered if you’re wearing the right mask to go with your CPAP machine? Well, it’s never too late to try a better sleep tool. First, congratulations on making the commitment to better sleep—and a better life—by starting CPAP therapy. As a neurologist and sleep medicine physician, I’ve been helping patients get the most out of CPAP therapy for nearly two decades. One of the most important components for success in using a CPAP machine is choosing the right mask. Below, let’s learn some of the questions you should be asking when choosing a CPAP mask. Free CPAP Mask Workshop First, I’m inviting you to join me and my superstar CPAP medical technologist, Kenny McCollum, in a free upcoming Q&A and CPAP Mask Workshop. During this event, we’ll help you learn everything you need to know about choosing a mask that perfectly matches your needs. This educational workshop is taking place next Tuesday, January 17th, at 7:00 pm ET. You won’t want to miss it.  Register Here. CPAP Questions To Ask When determining the correct type of mask to wear while completing your CPAP therapy, these are some of the questions you should be asking: Do you know if you prefer to sleep on your side, back, or stomach? Do you breathe better through your nose, mouth, or somewhere in between? Do you know the difference between a nasal pillow and a nasal mask? Are you maybe worried about strap marks on your face? Which mask works best with facial hair? And what if you’re claustrophobic – what are your best options then? Maybe you have a more general question about CPAP, like: What’s the difference between BiPAP and CPAP therapy? When will I start feeling better? Well, we have answers. Kenny and I have more than three decades of combined experience working with CPAP patients. We truly understand the obstacles you face when choosing a CPAP mask. We’ve seen it all, and we’ve helped thousands of patients achieve their goal of a better sleep – and a better life – through CPAP therapy. I hope you join us. I’d love to meet you. See you next week!