Sleep Apnea Sufferers Find Relief With Cpap Face Masks
Sleep apnea is a common problem that affects more than twelve million Americans
, according to the National Institute of Health. During sleep, a person with sleep apnea will stop breathing and be forced to awaken to continue breathing. One of the most common causes is an obstruction in the airway passage. This interruption of the sleep pattern causes the sufferer to wake up tired and even exhausted the next morning. A person with sleep apnea may have trouble staying awake during the day, experience memory loss and have trouble concentrating. When sleep apnea is left untreated, over time more serious conditions may develop, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, headaches, impotency and severe memory loss. Sleep apnea can be diagnosed by a doctor or a sleep specialist and appropriate treatment can be prescribed.
One of the most common types of sleep apnea is due to an obstruction in the airway passage. The most effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy, commonly referred to as CPAP therapy. The CPAP machine works by gently blowing pressurized air through a mask into the throat at a pressure high enough to keep the throat open for continual breathing. The pressure can be adjusted to meet each patient's need. This allows the person to enjoy an uninterrupted night's sleep and receive all the benefits a restful sleep brings. The CPAP machine itself is about the size of a shoe box or smaller. An air hose connects the machine to a CPAP nasal mask or a CPAP face mask which is worn by the sleeper. The mask, or interface, needs a proper seal for continual airflow and needs to be comfortable on the wearer so your sound sleep will not be interrupted by the discomfort of the mask.
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.
Varying the style or type of mask can reduce chronic nose, lip, or facial discomfort caused by repeated nightly use of the same mask. You, the wearer, should be happy with it. If you have discomfort with any mask, try other ones. In addition to the masks described above, the standard mode of CPAP delivery, an oral mask, is designed for mouth breathers. It delivers the pressurized air through the mouth, and while it uses no headgear, it requires heated humidification. Because the mask touches only the skin around the mouth, it can also accommodate eyeglasses. Not all patients can use this mask. It is not recommended for people who grind their teeth and some people 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.
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.
by: Roger Bantrey
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