Sleep Apnea Masks - Why They Are the Key to Successful CPAP Therapy
Sleep Apnea MaskCorrect fitting and comfortable Sleep Apnea Masks are considered to be one of the most significant parts of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. In fact, the majority of sleep apnea experts state that the main part of CPAP therapy compliance rests on sleep apnea masks that are comfortable and snuggly fit with CPAP air pressures that are able to be tolerated by their users. Unfortunately, CPAP therapy data shows that only 50 to 60 percent of its users are complying with the therapy after 60 days of use. This is a very disappointing fact because if CPAP equipment therapy is used correctly it can eliminate sleep apnea entirely.
Therefore, the question is why wouldn't a sleep apnea sufferer desire to comply with the therapy? The reply is that in about all situations very high pressure from the CPAP device or a painful mask is the main reason. Hence, if you are going to get CPAP therapy, you need to do some serious groundwork and find the best apnea mask possible and ensure that your air pressures are accurately tested.
The majority of sleep apnea masks are triangular, covering your mouth, nose, or both and supply compressed air from the CPAP device through tubing to which it is connected. Due to this compressed air your hindered or obstructed airway "opens up". Sleep apnea masks are usually fastened to your head by head gear or strips, to hold the mask firmly in place so that no leakage takes place. If leakage does occur, the efficiency of the CPAP equipment therapy is deteriorated as you will not be able to get sufficient air pressure to get rid of the airway obstacle.
It is vital to observe that nearly all CPAP devices are designed to make up for leaks by utilizing interior sensors to make modifications when airway pressures reduce. Nevertheless, you should be cognitive of too much leakage which is unusual. Prefer a tight fit mask over too large one since a too a large mask will leak more easily.
Most of the sleep apnea masks are made of silicone plastic that gently closes your facade. Many types of masks are available to choose from. For instance, there are masks for people having facial hair or for "mouth breathers" as well as for those that inhale only through their nose. Some masks even have room for glasses too!
Typically, home medical equipment providers are the source for CPAP equipment and sleep apnea masks. Be selective, there are many good options. Ensure that before deciding on long term basis you check several alternatives. Moreover, if you are sensitive to silicone, there are masks made from substances such as rubber, synthetic gel or vinyl.
In place of the conventional triangular mask, there is one more alternative that uses the name mask; however, actually it is not a mask. Nasal Pillows are introduced into the nostrils by two little elastic pieces of soft plastic which are affixed to the tubing. Nasal Pillows are in fact like small masks, but actually cover nothing. Actually, nearly everyone with a beard or moustache simply utilizes nasal pillows as a substitute of a mask.
It is also essential to notice that dry skin can have a detrimental effect on a sleep apnea masks capability to seal correctly. It is recommended to apply non-petroleum based skin moisturizers prior to putting on your mask which can assist get rid of this difficulty. On the contrary, additional skin oil can also diminish the efficiency of the seal between the mask and the face.
Don't be anxious if your selected apnea mask is produced by one firm and the CPAP equipment is produced by another. Nearly all apnea masks are prepared to connect to the normal CPAP air tubing. Therefore, while selecting the correct apnea mask, make certain you only choose one that is comfortable and provide the fit you wish. In the end, if the fit is not right, you could be up all night.
Ray Burk has been in the CPAP equiment business for over 18 years and is the Cheif Editor of CPAP-Equipment.net a website dedicated to fighting sleep apnea. Go here now to discover the latest Sleep Apnea Masks so that you can get the comfort and fit you need to stop your sleep apnea now!