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 require fitting 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 person sleeps, preventing episodes of apnea.
Sleep apnea masks should be comfortable, functional, and must fit properly to maintain air pressure level. Comfortable masks make sleeping with a CPAP machine easier. When choosing 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 secure the mask in place whilst the person is asleep. Sleep apnea masks and head straps allow air to leak if they are too loose. Too tight sleep apnea masks and head straps can be an issue by creating leaks when seals are broken. Sleep apnea masks and head straps pulled overly tight can also be uncomfortable. Sleep apnea masks and head straps must be comfortable and fit well for all sleeping positions (back, side, and front).
Chinstraps with sleep apnea masks are useful for those who breathe through their mouths. These chinstrap models help people keep their mouths closed.
When deciding between two different sized masks, it is typically best to choose the smaller size. When deciding on tubing, reducing the length to 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 prevents 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 suggested 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 they sleep, stopping leaks. Some masks have two hose connection ports enabling oxygen use with a CPAP machine.
Oral masks, designed specifically 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 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 provide those with claustrophobia or facial hair the perfect option for a mask.
Combination therapy provides oral appliances that connect to CPAP tubing and move the lower jaw forward. Pressurized air is directed 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 assist in maintaining a good seal between skin and a sleep apnea mask. Moisturizers can reduce the life of a sleep apnea mask's seal, but the more efficient seal and reduction in 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 manufactured by different companies. All masks typically fit a standard CPAP air hose, but check carefully 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 researching until you find the perfect mask for you.
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