CPAP Face Masks Proven Effective For Sleep Apnea

July 27th, 2010 | Author: Roger Bantrey

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.

Some discomfort may develop on the nose, lips or skin where the mask, straps & headgear touch, from repeated nightly use of the same mask. Your doctor or sleep specialist may recommend that you use more than one type of CPAP face mask, to vary the pressure points and alleviate skin discomfort. An oral mask for CPAP delivery requires no headgear, but needs heated humidification to hold the mask in place. Since this type of face mask only touches the skin around the mouth it can accommodate eye masks, which many people find soothing for a deep sleep. This type of oral mask may not be usable by all patients, however. It is not recommended for patients who grind their teeth and some who have had surgery for sleep apnea.

Some patients can adjust to the use of small, flexible tubes that are inserted into the nostrils. These are known as nasal pillows. The small tubes are attached to a plastic adapter that connects with the tubing from the CPAP machine to deliver the airflow through the nostrils and then to the throat. Some headgear is designed to hold the nasal pillows in place and offer adjustment points for a comfortable fit. Since the pillows do not rest on the nose, upper lips or cheeks, nasal pillows may be a good alternative to the typical, triangular CPAP face masks that can cause skin irritations. Patients who need a high air pressure to prevent apnea events may find the nasal pillows to be uncomfortable. Many patients with facial hair, such as beards or mustaches, find the nasal pillows to be more comfortable than the typical, triangular masks, as the facial hair can compromise the effectiveness of the seal.

After choosing at least two different types of airflow delivery devices, and varying the wear of each over time, you will start feeling better overall and waking up refreshed in the mornings. Your body will get the good night’s sleep it needs to process the day’s activities and regenerate and rest various bodily functions. While sleep apnea is a chronic condition that can lead to more serious conditions if left untreated, your CPAP therapy will help get your life back to normal. Your sleep specialist or doctor is there to monitor your body’s changes and adjust your treatment as necessary. Have a great night’s sleep.

Mr. Bantrey suffered from sleep apnea for several years without recognizing that he had a condition. Once tested, he was prescribed CPAP therapy and was impressed with the variety of CPAP face masks available. Go to his site for special deals on a CPAP nasal mask and other CPAP medical supplies.

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CPAP Face Masks Proven Effective For Sleep Apnea

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