Sleep Apnea Masks
Sleep apnea masks are an important tool in treating sleep apnea. Once prescribed with a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine, a person diagnosed with sleep apnea will need to be fitted with tubing, a head attachment, and a sleep apnea mask. The tubing attaches a sleep apnea mask to a CPAP machine. The CPAP machine sends pressurized air through the mask as a sufferer sleeps, preventing episodes of apnea.
Sleep apnea masks must be comfortable, functional, and must fit properly to maintain air pressure level. Comfortable masks make sleeping with a CPAP machine easier. When selecting a sleep apnea mask, keep fit, size, and style in mind.
Most sleep apnea masks are triangular and worn just over the nose, over the nose and mouth, or over the entire face. Adjustable straps fit over the head and hold the mask in place during sleep. Sleep apnea masks and head straps allow air to leak if they fit too loosely. Too tight sleep apnea masks and head straps can be a problem by creating leaks when seals are broken. Sleep apnea masks and head straps pulled too tight can also cause discomfort. Sleep apnea masks and head straps should be comfortable and fit well for all sleeping positions (back, side, and front).
Chinstraps with sleep apnea masks are helpful for those who breathe through their mouths. These chinstrap models help sleepers keep their mouths closed.
When choosing between two different sized masks, it is typically best to choose the smaller size. When choosing tubing, keeping the length shorter than twelve feet is usually best for maintaining the proper air pressure.
Common masks have a plastic body and soft silicone seal that molds to facial contours. This soft seal alleviates pressure points, making the mask more comfortable. Synthetic rubber or vinyl seals are available for those allergic to silicone. Masks that do not sit high on the bridge of the nose are best for those with eyeglasses. Most new masks include a plastic piece that glides across the mask, allowing the mask to move with the sleeper as the sleep, preventing leaks. Some masks feature two hose connection ports allowing oxygen use with a CPAP machine.
Oral masks, designed specifically for mouth breathers, deliver pressurized air through the mouth. Oral masks require no head straps, but need heated humidification to work effectively.
Many sufferers of sleep apnea prefer nasal pillows instead of wearing a mask. Users insert two flexible pieces into their nostrils. Tubing attaches to the nostril pieces and connects to the CPAP machine. Nasal pillows prove those with claustrophobia or facial hair the perfect alternative to a mask.
Combination therapy offers oral appliances that connect to CPAP tubing and move the lower jaw forward. Pressurized air flows through the nose with additional nasal pillows or through the mouth via the oral appliance. Dentists do the fittings for these oral appliances.
Face moisturizers help keep a good seal between skin and a sleep apnea mask. Moisturizers may reduce the life of a sleep apnea mask’s seal, but the improved seal and reduced leakage may be worth it. Avoid petroleum-based moisturizers and consider ones specifically designed for use with CPAP masks.
Any sleep apnea mask should work with any CPAP machine, even if manufactured by different companies. All masks typically fit a standard CPAP air hose, but double check before purchasing one.
When selecting a sleep apnea mask, lie down and move from side to side as in sleep. Do not be afraid to try several different models. Keep looking until you find the perfect mask for you.
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