For the successful treatment of patients dealing with breathing problems, ventilation is essential. Basically, it is of two types, invasive and non-invasive.

1. What are the different types
of NIV masks?

2. For the successful treatment of patients dealing with breathing problems, ventilation is essential.
Basically, it is of two types, invasive and non-invasive. Now, invasive ventilation refers to a medical
procedure where endotracheal intubation is used. In this treatment, your body parts are invaded by
cutting or puncturing the skin. On the other hand, non-invasive ventilation administers the use of
breathing support through a mask. In this treatment, no part of your body is invaded/pierced for
tending to your breathing issues.

3. Patients who have COPD or sleep apnea and opt for non-invasive treatment should carefully review
the mask types. It is so because individuals who are not used to wearing a mask on their face often
report feeling uncomfortable. Today, the market is full of several types of masks for delivering NIV.
They can be broadly classified into facial masks, nasal masks, and helmet masks. To know about the
myriad of options, read further!

4. Types of non-invasive ventilation masks-
Using different types of NIV masks offers different kinds of benefits. Here are its main types-
Face Mask-
Face masks are the most commonly used for treating patients dealing with acute respiratory failure.
Those who have breathing issues try to inhale and exhale air through their mouths for bypassing
nasal resistance. In this case, a mask that covers your mouth and nose or one that encloses your
mouth, nose, and eyes proves to be a comfortable fit. Also, it prevents loss of pressure that happens
because of air leaks from the perimeter of the mask.

5. Nasal Mask-
This type of interface is used in long-term ventilation. Patients who have acute hypoxia or
hypercapnic respiratory failure can also opt for this treatment. Its most common types are nasal
masks that cover the nose and nasal pillows that support tubing that is externally inserted into the
nares. Both varieties allow patients to eat and drink conveniently. In addition, individuals who use
nasal masks can tolerate coughing better and report fewer problems regarding suffocation or
claustrophobia.
Helmets-
Helmets might be the least popular but one of the most promising options for NIV treatment. They
feature a collar attached to the neck and shoulders and one hood that eases air exchange. The
helmet comes with two ports where one supports the gas entry, and the other is used for

6. exhaling carbon dioxide. According to a recent study, patients with acute respiratory distress
syndrome (ARDS) showed improvements after using this type of interface.
For helping patients suffering from breathing problems, it is recommended to rotate between
different mask varieties. It will aid patients in gaining the greatest benefit from NIV. While the
pressure offered by the tight fit face mask is beneficial, getting a break using a nasal pillow allows
for a longer duration of prescribed therapy. It also reduces the chances of potential complications of
skin breakdown.

7. Thank You