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Sleep Apnea Masks
Sleep apnea masks are a very useful 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 directs pressurized air through the mask while a person sleeps, preventing episodes of apnea.
Sleep apnea masks must be comfortable, functional, and must fit properly to maintain air pressure level. Comfortable masks ensure that sleeping with a CPAP machine is 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 whole face. Adjustable straps fit over the head and secure the mask in place during sleep. Sleep apnea masks and head straps allow air to leak if they are not firm enough. 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 overly tight can also cause discomfort. Sleep apnea masks and head straps should be comfortable and fit properly 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 deciding between two different sized masks, it is typically best to choose the smaller size. When choosing tubing, reducing the length to shorter than twelve feet is usually best for maintaining the correct air pressure.
Common masks have a plastic body and soft silicone seal that molds to the curves of the face. 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 recommended for those with eyeglasses. Most new masks include a plastic piece that glides across the mask, allowing the mask to move with the person as they sleep, stopping leaks. Some masks feature two hose connection ports enabling oxygen use with a CPAP machine.
Oral masks, designed especially for people who breathe through their mouths, deliver pressurized air through the mouth. Oral masks don't need head straps, but need heated humidification to work effectively.
Many people with sleep apnea would rather use nasal pillows instead of wearing a mask. Users put two flexible pieces into their nostrils. Tubing is attached to the nostril pieces and connects to the CPAP machine. Nasal pillows give those with claustrophobia or facial hair the perfect alternative to a mask.
Combination therapy provides oral appliances that connect to CPAP tubing and move the lower jaw forward. Pressurized air flows through the nose with extra 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 can reduce the life of a sleep apnea mask's seal, but the improved seal and reduced leakage may be worth it. Don't use petroleum-based moisturizers and choose ones specifically designed for use with CPAP masks.
Any sleep apnea mask should work with any CPAP machine, even if it is made 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 scared to try several different models. Keep looking until you find the perfect mask for you.
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