Sleep Apnea Mask - Discover Why Its the Most Important Part of CPAP Treatment
Posted: Friday, April 02, 2010
by Ray Burk
DME+
A Sleep apnea mask is one of the most important components in the treatment of sleep apnea by Continuous Positive Airway Pressure equipment (CPAP). According to most Respiratory Therapists, they believe that the success of the CPAP equipment treatment significantly relies upon a comfortable fitting sleep apnea mask.
CPAP treatment statistics point out that only 40 to 50 percent of its users are compliant with their therapy after 60 days of use. This is ironic because if this equipment is used in a proper manner it can completely erase the occurrences of sleep apnea. It is believed that main reasons why people do not stick to their CPAP treatment longer are because their sleep apnea mask is uncomfortable or the pressure emanated by the CPAP machine worsens the situation. So for people who intend to rely on the CPAP based treatments, they should do their homework and shop around for only a high quality comfortable fitting mask and also make sure that the pressure from their CPAP machine remains tolerable.
Generally most of the CPAP machines are built in such a way that they can make small adjustments in the event of minor leakage. However, you should select a sleep apnea mask which has a snug fit as it can prohibit leakage from occurring. In fact, when you are selecting a apnea mask, you should always choose a smaller size than a larger one to create a tighter fit. Most apnea masks are composed of soft silicone plastic to create a comfortable soft fit to your face.
Home medical equipment dealers are generally responsible for delivering you your CPAP equipment and mask. A good dealer will have a vast variety of masks, so now is the time to be "very picky" and make sure you choose carefully and find one that is comfortable for you. For example, instead of using the conventional triangular shaped mask, there is another form of sleep apnea mask known as nasal pillow. In reality is not an actual mask as it only consists of tubes which are attached to the nostrils. This sleep apnea mask is mainly used by people who possess facial hair, sleep on their sides, or get claustrophobic from having a mask on their face.
It is also important to note that "skin type" can play a role in the fit of your sleep apnea mask. For example, if you possess dry skin, then it is imperative to apply a moisturizer, which is devoid of petroleum, so that the mask can remain attached to your face snugly. Conversely, if your skin is excessively oily, your mask can slip and cause leakage.
It should not be a cause of concern if the CPAP machine and the mask you selected are manufactured by different companies, as most of the masks are manufactured in such a manner that they can easily attach to the tubing that comes from the various CPAP machines. Remember, when it comes time to pick your sleep apnea mask, make sure it is of the highest quality with a correct comfortable fit so that you can improve the compliance of your sleep apnea care.
Ray Burk is the Cheif Editor of ApneaMask.net a website that is dedicated discussing the latest issues concerning sleep apnea. Go here to see that latest Sleep Apnea Mask options so that you can get the fit and comfort you deserve and get that good night's sleep now.
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