Sleep Apnea CPAP Masks
Sleep Apnea CPAP Masks
There are three basic types of Sleep Apnea CPAP Masks.
- Nasal pillows.
- Nasal mask.
- Full face mask.
The nasal pillow Sleep Apnea CPAP Masks have soft fittings that fit directly into your nostrils sealing against the outside of your nose. The nasal pillows are usually the most comfortable to wear, and also help to reduce leaks.
The standard Nasal CPAP Mask, covers only your nose and is probably one of the more common Sleep Apnea CPAP Masks in use.
The full face CPAP Mask covers both your nose and your mouth and is usually used if there is a problem with air leaks when using the alternative CPAP Masks. This is generally the most bulky of the Sleep Apnea CPAP Masks and can be the least comfortable to wear.
One of the more important considerations when selecting a Sleep Apnea CPAP Mask is to ensure that the mask is comfortable when wearing. The CPAP Mask must fit well to make an effective seal against your face or your nose and to do that it has to be the correct size and shape for your face. Sleep Apnea CPAP Masks can be an expensive investment so try a range of Sleep Apnea CPAP Masks until you find one that suits you and doesn't leak or rub. Remember when testing the various masks to do it while lying in your normal sleeping position.
Tips for when using Sleep Apnea CPAP Masks.
- Make sure your face is clean and free of skin oils to help with an effective seal.
- Locate the CPAP pump unit below the level of the bed to reduce the noise impact of the pump.
- Check the hoses and mask for damage and possible leaks and if damaged, then repair or replace.
- Check the fit of the mask and the mounting straps to make sure you have a comfortable fit.
- Remove the Sleep Apnea CPAP Mask and turn on the CPAP machine to check flow and clear the hoses and pumps of any foreign material. (Shouldn't be an issue if you are caring for the gear but in some areas it still pays to be careful.)
- Get into your bed and layout the feed hose so that it won't become twisted or restrict your movement while sleeping. (I put a loose loop of the CPAP Mask hose under my pillow.)
- Fit the Sleep Apnea CPAP mask and adjust the straps to make sure there is a good air seal by adjusting the harness to be neither too loose nor too tight.
- When ready to sleep, refit the Sleep Apnea CPAP Mask and use the ramp feature if available to slowly increase the CPAP flow to the designed pressure over the ramp time.
- Relax, breathe normally and drift off to sleep, and you and your partner hopefully will wake more refreshed than when not using the Sleep Apnea CPAP Mask and machine. You from a less interrupted nights sleep and your partner from their first quiet night for a long time thanks to CPAP!