You find yourself in the situation of buying a CPAP mask for your new sleep apnea treatment. You are excited, because you remember that you slept so well in the sleep laboratory, and it's time to have a good night sleep in every night!
In this page you will learn how to choose the best cpap mask to have a better sleep with your cpap machine.
Face Mask Options for CPAP Machine
I don't need to tell you that buying the first mask you that see on the market...is the worst decision you can make. Many people with sleep apnea give up cpap treatment because they choose an inappropriate mask.
There are different styles and designs available and most patients are able to find one that fits well and is comfortable to wear:
- these "pillows" are inserted into the nostrils. They are useful for many patients, including people who have irritated skin from another mask, who experience claustrophobia from full face masks, or who cannot find an ideal mask.
CPAP Mask Selection
Did you know that the improper mask fit is one of the most common reasons that patients stop using their CPAP machines?
Here's the basic idea...
Finding the best mask depends upon couple of things:
your doctor recommendation
how you sleep at night (on the back, on the stomach, on the side)
the size and shape of your head
comfort and toleration - are you ok with a full mask on your face? Or on your nose?
It is very important that the CPAP mask has the right size or shape, to be sealed on your face.
Test a mask before you buy it.
See if the mask has the right size for you and check the air leaks. Air leakage around the mask and irritation of the bridge of the nose are two of the most common results of a poor fit.
When you test the mask, make sure that is not too tight. It should fit securely and comfortably on your face. Many patients find that they need to experiment with the mask for a while to get a comfortable fit and without air leaks.
If you are a mouth breather, try a full face mask or a chin strap.
Try a smaller mask, or a larger one. All masks come in many sizes, so don't be shy to ask the vendor about other sizes.
I hope these tips will be useful for you. In these times, your best ticket to a good quality of life is CPAP therapy. You should understant that your CPAP mask is the Grail to the perfect treatment for sleep apnea. Without a good mask, your CPAP machine is almost useless.
, but I think this guide can help you with other masks as well:
