Masks and Interfaces

When your bilevel, portable ventilator, or multifunction ventilator is ordered, you will need a mask or interface to use the machine. Your options range from traditional full face masks to lower-profile nasal pillows.
Most interfaces are interchangeable and can work with different machines. Your cough assist machine will come with its own mask, and suction machines will already have the wand attached.

​Below you will find the most common masks and interfaces for people living with ALS.

Nasal Pillows

With just two little cushions that seal at the base of your nostrils, this is the lightest and most compact interface option. Nasal pillows are generally good for people who breathe through their nose when sleeping. Because of its low profile, you can still wear glasses, read, watch TV, talk, and eat with nasal pillows in place. If you have a lot of facial hair, nasal pillows may help you get the tightest seal. If you tend to breathe through your mouth at night, nasal pillows may not be your best option, though you can ask about attaching a chin strap that can help keep your mouth closed.

Nasal Mask/Interface

The nasal interface is larger than nasal pillows but less bulky than a full face mask. Triangular in shape, it sits on your face and covers your full nose. The nasal interface is generally good for people who breathe through their nose when sleeping. If you tend to breathe through your mouth at night, a nasal interface may not be your best option, though you can ask about attaching a chin strap that can help keep your mouth closed.

Full Face Mask

The traditional full face mask is more bulky than the other interfaces, but it does allow the option of breathing through your nose or mouth. This can be especially helpful if you tend to get congestion that makes it harder to breathe through your nose. If your air pressure settings are high, the full face mask will be the most comfortable option. This larger mask can make it hard to read, watch TV, or sleep on your side or stomach. There is also a higher chance of air leaking with a full face mask.

Where can I get a mask or interface?

When your respiratory device is delivered, a respiratory therapist from your durable medical equipment (DME) company will bring a variety of options and help you decide which will work best for you.

What if it is uncomfortable or not working?

It can be frustrating if your mask or interface is uncomfortable or isn’t forming a tight seal. If this is the case, schedule another visit with your respiratory therapist. Your interface may need adjustments, like tightening a strap on one side. Or, a different mask or interface might work better for your facial structure. If everything else seems to be right and it still feels uncomfortable, you may just need more time to get used to it.

The most important thing is that you don’t give up on finding the right fit for you. The benefits of using bilevels and ventilators are too great to stop just because you haven’t found the right fit.

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