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 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 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 whole face. Adjustable straps fit over the head and hold the mask in place whilst the person is asleep. 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 must 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 usually best to choose the smaller size. When choosing tubing, keeping the length to shorter than twelve feet is most often 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 prevents pressure points, ensuring the mask is 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 have a plastic piece that glides across the mask, allowing the mask to move with the sleeper as they sleep, stopping leaks. Some masks feature two hose connection ports allowing 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 attaches to the nostril pieces and connects to the CPAP machine. Nasal pillows provide 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 is directed through the nose with extra nasal pillows or through the mouth via the oral appliance. Dentists perform 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 reduction in leakage may be worth it. Avoid 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 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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