At least twelve million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, states the National Institute of Health. Sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when the airway is blocked and the sleeper cannot breathe normally while asleep. When the breath stops, the brain rouses the person enough to start breathing again. The constant interruption to a deep sleep wreaks havoc on the body's system and the sleep apnea sufferer wakes up tired and even listless. Managing daily tasks can be a challenge due to excessive sleepiness and lack of energy. Problems concentrating and memory loss are also symptoms of sleep apnea. Unless treated, the condition may cause more serious physical complications, such as headaches, impotency, high blood pressure and even some cardiovascular diseases. Today, doctors and sleep specialists can diagnose and recommend appropriate treatment for a sufferer of sleep apnea and that will allow you to get a deep and restful sleep.
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of sleep apnea and doctors frequently prescribe Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy as treatment. CPAP therapy provides a steady stream of pressurized room air into the patient's throat at a high enough pressure to keep the throat open during sleep, without being aggressively strong. The pressure is set to meet the need of each individual patient and is gentle enough to not disturb the patient's sleep. A CPAP machine is small enough to fit on a bedside table, about the size of a shoe box or smaller. The patient wears a CPAP nasal mask or full face CPAP mask which is connected by a flexible hose to the CPAP machine. The mask needs to fit comfortably and have a good seal to maintain constant pressurized airflow during sleep. A well fitted CPAP nasal mask will help eliminate the apneas that cause interruptions and awakenings during sleep.
Most CPAP face masks have universal fittings that will work with a variety of air hoses and CPAP machines. Although many manufacturers of CPAP machines offer masks and other interface devices, there are many choices of CPAP face masks on the market so you will find one that is both comfortable and affordable for your condition. Even though your machine may be made by one company and your mask by another, the components can work together in harmony to provide the effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
Most masks are triangular in shape and are worn over your nose, or the nose and mouth. A full face CPAP mask is generally recommended for people who tend to breath through their mouths. Headgear is used to hold the mask in place during sleep, to ensure continuous airflow, and frequently comes with a CPAP nasal mask purchase. Although you can purchase your CPAP nasal mask independently of the headgear, some masks can be used only with specific headgear, so read the product description carefully before you buy.
CPAP machines compensate for a built-in leak in the system usually near the exhalation port of the mask that is necessary to keep the air supply fresh. Many masks have a hard plastic body and softer silicone seal that touches the face. The seal may inflate once the machine is turned on so the straps do not need to be as tight. Several masks on the market now are made out of gel-like material, sometimes referred to as a comfort gel CPAP mask. They are intended to mold to each person's face in order to alleviate pressure points and to be more comfortable. A more recent variation of the comfort gel CPAP mask, marketed as one-size-fits-all, has a soft, flexible shell and gel cushion with a pliable wire, molded into the shell, that allows the mask to be shaped to adjust for individual comfort and differences.
Chronic nose, lip or facial discomfort can occur from wearing the same mask and headgear or straps every night. To reduce this problem, you should vary the style or types of masks that you wear. Oral CPAP face masks do not need any head gear and only touch the skin around the mouth. It does require heated humidification to form a tight seal and is often a type of mask prescribed for mouth breathers. Not every patient can use this mask, however. Teeth grinders and some patients who have undergone surgery for sleep apnea are not good candidates. Since this type of mask restricts skin contact to the area around the mouth, patients who like to use eye masks may find this oral mask a comfortable choice.
As an alternative to the triangular shaped face masks, some patients prefer the use of nasal pillows. Nasal pillows are actually two small devices shaped like mushrooms that are inserted into the nostrils. The pillows attach to small tubing through which the airflow from the CPAP machine is received. These nasal pillows do not rest on the upper lip, nose or cheeks, as do the usual CPAP face masks, so chronic skin discomfort and allergies are not an issue. The pillows do require some headgear to hold them in place while you sleep, and this type of headgear is made of pliable material and has adjustment points. Although facial hair can decrease the effectiveness of a CPAP nasal mask, patients with mustaches and beards find that nasal pillows work well for them.
With the many mask and pillow choices available to you for CPAP therapy, you should be able to find at least two styles that you can use in comfort. Once you have chosen your interface devices and become accustomed to sleeping with them, you will begin to experience restful and healing, deep sleep. You will find yourself with more energy during the day and some of your previous symptoms may disappear completely. And as always, be in touch with your doctor or sleep specialist throughout your therapy so they can monitor your progress and make changes to your therapy as needed.
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of sleep apnea and doctors frequently prescribe Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy as treatment. CPAP therapy provides a steady stream of pressurized room air into the patient's throat at a high enough pressure to keep the throat open during sleep, without being aggressively strong. The pressure is set to meet the need of each individual patient and is gentle enough to not disturb the patient's sleep. A CPAP machine is small enough to fit on a bedside table, about the size of a shoe box or smaller. The patient wears a CPAP nasal mask or full face CPAP mask which is connected by a flexible hose to the CPAP machine. The mask needs to fit comfortably and have a good seal to maintain constant pressurized airflow during sleep. A well fitted CPAP nasal mask will help eliminate the apneas that cause interruptions and awakenings during sleep.
Most CPAP face masks have universal fittings that will work with a variety of air hoses and CPAP machines. Although many manufacturers of CPAP machines offer masks and other interface devices, there are many choices of CPAP face masks on the market so you will find one that is both comfortable and affordable for your condition. Even though your machine may be made by one company and your mask by another, the components can work together in harmony to provide the effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
Most masks are triangular in shape and are worn over your nose, or the nose and mouth. A full face CPAP mask is generally recommended for people who tend to breath through their mouths. Headgear is used to hold the mask in place during sleep, to ensure continuous airflow, and frequently comes with a CPAP nasal mask purchase. Although you can purchase your CPAP nasal mask independently of the headgear, some masks can be used only with specific headgear, so read the product description carefully before you buy.
CPAP machines compensate for a built-in leak in the system usually near the exhalation port of the mask that is necessary to keep the air supply fresh. Many masks have a hard plastic body and softer silicone seal that touches the face. The seal may inflate once the machine is turned on so the straps do not need to be as tight. Several masks on the market now are made out of gel-like material, sometimes referred to as a comfort gel CPAP mask. They are intended to mold to each person's face in order to alleviate pressure points and to be more comfortable. A more recent variation of the comfort gel CPAP mask, marketed as one-size-fits-all, has a soft, flexible shell and gel cushion with a pliable wire, molded into the shell, that allows the mask to be shaped to adjust for individual comfort and differences.
Chronic nose, lip or facial discomfort can occur from wearing the same mask and headgear or straps every night. To reduce this problem, you should vary the style or types of masks that you wear. Oral CPAP face masks do not need any head gear and only touch the skin around the mouth. It does require heated humidification to form a tight seal and is often a type of mask prescribed for mouth breathers. Not every patient can use this mask, however. Teeth grinders and some patients who have undergone surgery for sleep apnea are not good candidates. Since this type of mask restricts skin contact to the area around the mouth, patients who like to use eye masks may find this oral mask a comfortable choice.
As an alternative to the triangular shaped face masks, some patients prefer the use of nasal pillows. Nasal pillows are actually two small devices shaped like mushrooms that are inserted into the nostrils. The pillows attach to small tubing through which the airflow from the CPAP machine is received. These nasal pillows do not rest on the upper lip, nose or cheeks, as do the usual CPAP face masks, so chronic skin discomfort and allergies are not an issue. The pillows do require some headgear to hold them in place while you sleep, and this type of headgear is made of pliable material and has adjustment points. Although facial hair can decrease the effectiveness of a CPAP nasal mask, patients with mustaches and beards find that nasal pillows work well for them.
With the many mask and pillow choices available to you for CPAP therapy, you should be able to find at least two styles that you can use in comfort. Once you have chosen your interface devices and become accustomed to sleeping with them, you will begin to experience restful and healing, deep sleep. You will find yourself with more energy during the day and some of your previous symptoms may disappear completely. And as always, be in touch with your doctor or sleep specialist throughout your therapy so they can monitor your progress and make changes to your therapy as needed.
About the Author:
Mr. Bantrey suffered from sleep apnea for many years without realizing that he had a condition. Once tested, he was prescribed CPAP therapy and was overwhelmed by the variety of CPAP face masks on the market. Go to his site for great savings on a CPAP nasal mask and other CPAP medical supplies.
