Advantages of High Quality CPAP Masks
About 27 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, a disorder that causes one to stop breathing for brief periods throughout the night. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, 80 percent of those with obstructive sleep apnea also have high blood pressure, putting them at higher risk for heart attack and stroke. In order to manage their condition, many people with sleep apnea rely on Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP.
CPAP is a non-invasive treatment that uses mild air pressure to keep the upper airway passages open and prevent sufferers from experiencing periods of interrupted breathing. Most people use a CPAP thanks to an oral appliance which forces the lower jaw and tongue forward during sleep, opening up the throat and maintaining airflow.
Advantages of High Quality CPAP Masks
There are many advantages of using high quality CPAP masks, including ensuring optimal fit and comfort:
A mask that doesn't fit properly can be uncomfortable and lead to leaks or gaps in the air supply. It may not seal well, allowing humidified air to escape and moisture to enter your nose and eyes, leading to irritation and redness. Since a poorly fitting mask is ineffective at delivering CPAP therapy, it's important that patients try on different CPAP masks before purchasing to find the one that fits best.
Masks should be replaced every three to six months, depending on how often you use them and maintain them. If the cushion seal becomes overly worn or deformed, it can lose its ability to provide adequate air pressure and create a leaky mask. Wearing a mask that's worn out can harm the seal, cause irritation and lead to infection.
When shopping for a new mask, it's important to purchase one with an optimal cushion design. The American Sleep Apnea Association notes that masks with minimal seams are less likely to irritate or create sores, so it's best to avoid ones with a large number of seams or a nasal pillows design. Some CPAP mask types include full-face, nasal, and oral/nasal hybrids. When trying on a mask for the first time, patients should make sure that it doesn't pinch their nose or cheeks and rest easy on the face without cutting into the skin anywhere.
Upon receiving a new mask, it's important to ensure the best fit and follow care instructions for optimal hygiene. The cushion and frame should be hand washed and allowed to air dry completely before use. It's also important to clean the CPAP mask after each use and make sure that no dirt or debris finds its way inside before re-inserting into the nostrils. If patients have a full face mask, it's important to check the cushion and frame for leaks before going to bed.
CPAP Masks used all night can expose the skin around the nose and mouth from too much moisture which can lead to irritation. This can easily be fixed by better adjusting your CPAP heated humidifier settings or increasing the temperature of your room. This will reduce the condensation inside the mask. After each use, patients should cleanse their skin gently with a mild cleanser and warm water.
If you or your family members suffer from sleep apnea, we at The CpapSpace can educate at how best to manage your sleep apnea treatment. Please visit our website to learn more about the selection of CPAP masks we carry.