Anyone who uses sleep apnea machines, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines can tell you that the most important part of the machine is the sleep apnea mask. A comfortable, well-fitted mask, that is suited to your sleep habits can make wearing the mask a non-issue.
Sleep apnea masks come in a variety of shapes and sizes. It is important to work with your doctor or sleep technician to ensure the proper fit. Sleep apnea masks are essentially the interface between you and the sleep apnea machine. The sleep apnea mask is attached to the sleep apnea machine via a length of tubing, usually six feet. This allows you to move around in your sleep comfortably. The sleep apnea machine delivers pressurized air which is what prevents apneas from occurring during your sleep.
When selecting a sleep apnea mask, you are looking for one that is comfortable and the mask should form a proper seal so that air does not leak out. If the sleep apnea mask does not form a proper seal, you will not receive air at the prescribed pressure level and apneas will continue to occur. It can also be disturbing to the user if the sleep apnea mask shifts and pressurized air blows across the face or eyes. The noise can also be disturbing to your bed partner.
There are essentially two distinct types of sleep apnea masks: masks which are worn over your nose, and masks which are worn over your nose and mouth. Most people require a sleep apnea mask which covers their nose, however, if you are a mouth-breather, your sleep apnea mask will cover both your nose and your mouth.
Sleep apnea masks come with adjustable head gear. When you are first fitted with your sleep apnea mask, the sleep technician will adjust the straps for you. If the straps are too tight, the fit will be uncomfortable, and the mask can be pulled out of alignment thereby breaking the seal and creating leaks. If the straps are too loose, the seal cannot be maintained as the mask slips around the face. Headgear is usually packaged with the sleep apnea masks, however there is a wide variety of headgear on the market. Different colors, different materials. Once you’ve lived with your sleep apnea mask for awhile and you feel comfortable that you can adjust the straps to get the proper seal, you can go out and buy headgear that suits your fancy. You can find headgear that matches your sheets, or is made of a different material if you desire. Just make sure that you buy something compatible with your sleep apnea mask and that you will be able to adjust on your own.
For mouth breathers, sleep apnea masks are also available with chin straps. This helps to further lessen the likelihood of the mask slipping during sleep. Your doctor or sleep technician will advise you if this is a suitable alternative for you.
Most sleep apnea masks are made of a plastic body with a soft silicone seal – the seal is what touches the face. Some people can be allergic to the seal. Some benefit from a cream, if the skin is dry, to help maintain the seal. If you are eligible to wear a sleep apnea mask which covers the nose, you may want to consider a mask which uses nasal pillows. These masks have a soft molded plastic piece which is inserted a tiny bit into the nasal passages. This type of interface generally relieves issues of claustrophobia which some people experience using other types of sleep apnea masks. Also, it allows for the user to wear glasses while wearing the mask. This allows the user to watch television or read for a bit before falling asleep.
Men with facial hair may experience problems attaining a seal with most facial masks. A sleep apnea mask that uses nasal pillow works well in this type of situation. It is also a good fit for people with sensitive skin who might otherwise experience an allergic reaction to the plastic seal on most other sleep apnea masks.
If you use and oral appliance and a sleep apnea machine, there is another device which uses both treatments in conjunction with each other. The oral appliances are connected to the tubing of the sleep apnea machine. Pressurized air is the delivered through the appliance. Otherwise an appliance can be used in conjunction with a separate sleep apnea mask that uses nasal pillows.
There are many different sleep apnea machines on the market today, and multiple manufacturers. In addition, there are many types of sleep apnea masks, and many manufacturers who make those masks. You may wind up with a sleep apnea machine and sleep apnea mask which are manufactured by different companies. Most machines and masks are interchangeable. Almost every mask will fit the standard tubing. The same goes with sleep apnea machines, almost every machine will use the standard tubing. In the event that a machine or mask does not use the standard tubing, it can usually be easily adapted to work with the standard tubing.
It is also possible to get your sleep apnea mask custom made for you. This is more expensive, but if you have a difficult fit, it can be well worth the money. Check with your insurance company to see what they will cover and discuss your options with your doctor or sleep technician.
Before settling on a sleep apnea mask, test it out. Lie down and move from side to side, as you would during a typical nights sleep. Most insurance providers have strict regulations on how often a new sleep apnea mask, tubing, and headgear can be purchased, so it is important to ensure a good, comfortable fit.
Remember, the most effective sleep apnea cure isn’t really a cure after all, but rather a product that effectively helps you live with the disease. Sleep apnea machines do that. They allow you to get the sleep of a person who does not suffer from sleep apnea, thereby basically “curing” you of the disease. Of course, if you fail to use your sleep apnea machine for whatever reason, you will not receive the benefits of the sleep apnea machine.
A comfortable sleep apnea mask that fits well will help the sleeper to achieve normal sleep. It is the most important aspect of living with sleep apnea.