Sleep Apnea Masks – The Most Common Solution
Sleep apnea is a debilitating sleep disorder that affects tens of thousands of people. It can result in a serious deterioration in quality of life. There are now a number of different treatments that are offered. The most common solution involves sleep apnea masks.
Apnea is manifested as periods of breathing difficulties during the night while a person is sleeping. The cause is known to be due to a blockage in the airway by the relaxation of the muscles in the throat. This blockage results in no oxygen reaching the lungs of the individual. In turn, this causes a dramatic drop in the oxygen levels in the blood and the brain will quickly send an emergency signal to the rest of the body which causes the person to abruptly wake up and gulp down air.
Through the use of positive airway pressure the problems associated with sleep apnea can be eradicated. Compressed air is used to maintain an open airway so that breathing is not restricted. This air is fed to the patient through a face mask that is worn while they sleep. Originally, these masks were rather unwieldy and cumbersome which made the task of sleeping equally difficult. Also they were found to result in sore throats and nosebleeds. New modern versions include a humidifier that has done away with these negative aspects. The latest versions are also sound proofed so they are much quieter.
Sleep Apnea Masks – Three Options
If you are required to wear a sleep apnea mask then you will have a choice of three options. There are full facemasks, partial facemasks, and also nose masks. They all work in the same way by feeding compressed air into the airway.
Choosing a CPAP mask is very important to new users. There are several factors to take into account:
- What is your budget? – You will get what you pay for with CPAP masks.
- Are you claustrophobic and cannot tolerate too much contact on your face?
- Do you have frequent nasal congestion or allergies?
- Do you need a mask that will allow you to breathe both through your nose and mouth?
We suggest trying the masks listed below. They have been carefully selected because of their performance and comfort.
1) ComfortGel Nasal CPAP Masks w/ Headgear by Respironics
By far this the best CPAP mask that surrounds the nose. The ComfortGel Nasal Mask brings a premium level of fit and comfort to new CPAP users. An exciting approach to fully customizable gel masks combines proven comfort features with a host of new innovations. One new innovation is that this mask can actually be custom molded to fit your nose. Now that’s nice! (Click the link to buy or read more)
2) ResMed Mirage Swift LT Nasal Pillows System w/ Headgear
For those who are claustrophobic or cannot tolerate alot of confining straps or headgear, this is the CPAP mask for you. Being one of the newest mask from ResMed, the Mirage Swift LT Mask, is one of the smallest and lightest CPAP masks on the market. This mask features a unique freedom of movement for comfort and ease of use. (Click the link to buy or read more)
3) ResMed Mirage Quattro CPAP Full Face Mask w/ Headgear
This CPAP full face mask is for mouth breathers or those with problematic mouth leaks. People with frequent nasal congestion or just want a mask that you can wear when you have allergies or a cold, the Mirage Quattro full face mask is the answer. Out of the few full face masks on the market today, ResMed Mirage Quattro CPAP Full Face Mask has proven in the labs and in homes that it is truely the best. The reason is because of the Mirage dual-wall cushion technology. It provides an excellent seal without tight headgear so you don’t have to face pressure sores and discomfort in the morning. (Click the link to buy or read more)
When wearing an apnea mask it is important to make sure that it is a good fit, otherwise the purpose will be defeated. The straps need to be neither too tight nor too loose. If they are loose then the air will escape from around the sides, but if they are affixed too tightly then they will cause discomfort leading to difficulty in sleeping. Most are manufactured out of a hard plastic shell and a soft silicone seal.
Before you can be given an apnea mask you must consult you local medical specialist or doctor. They will conduct a number of tests to find out the extent of the apnea and also ask questions relating to your lifestyle so that they can be sure that a mask is the best solution for you.
Anyone can tell you how debilitating sleep deprivation can be. Through the wearing of sleep apnea masks you should be able to have regular undisturbed sleep that will rid you of any feelings of tiredness and irritability.