If you have just been diagnosed with OSA you may think that finding the right CPAP mask for you may be a difficult process, however if you bear in mind your preferences and sleeping habits, you should find it a lot easier than you imagined. While nobody really wants to wear a CPAP machine in bed, if you suffer from OSA or obstructive sleep apnea it can improve your sleep quality hugely and maybe even be a lifesaver, so getting the choice right is important so that you can be guaranteed a healthy and restful night of sleep every night.
How Do CPAP Masks Work?
If you suffer from OSA, the obstructions which are in your airways cause long pauses in your breathing during the night which could be many seconds long. A CPAP machine (or continuous positive airway pressure machine) can keep the airways open, resulting in better sleep since you won’t be constantly being woken to breathe through the night.
Patients who have sleep apnea need to wear either a CPAP mask that fits over the nose and mouth or just over their nose to apply the necessary air pressure into the airways to stop the obstruction. Choosing the right kind of mask will be determined by whether you breathe through your mouth or nose during the night and whether you sleep on your back, side or stomach.
If you suffer from OSA and don’t wear your CPAP mask, you could develop a host of unwanted medical health problems including high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation and strokes.
Even if you don’t develop any of these problems, there are many good reasons to wear your CPAP machine. When you have OSA, your blood oxygen level will be low and your carbon dioxide levels will be too high resulting in fatigue, memory loss and headaches. This can cause all kinds of problems in functioning in everyday life, and can even cause you to have a car accident due to lack of concentration. It is therefore essential to wear the CPAP machine every night and choosing one which is comfortable will give you the best chance of having a good quality sleep. Your CPAP machine and mask will provide the necessary continuous pressure to open the airways allowing you to breathe all night long, keeping your oxygen level correct and preventing the carbon dioxide level in the blood from becoming elevated.
Which Is The Best Type Of CPAP Mask For Me?
There isn’t a single type of CPAP mask which is the best overall, since everyone finds that different styles work best for them. There are three main kinds of CPAP Mask:
- The Nasal Pillow – this is an unobtrusive and small CPAP mask which seals into or over the nostrils directly.
- The Nasal mask – this is relatively small, only covering the nose.
- The Full Face Mask – this is a larger style mask which covers the mouth and nose.
Which CPAP Masks Are The Best To Buy?
There are a number of high quality CPAP masks on the market including:
ResMed AirFit P10
This nasal pillow style CPAP mask is very popular with users because of its small and unobtrusive design. The ResMed AirFit P10 is extremely lightweight and feels natural against the skin while its tight seal and compact size makes it an ideal choice for anyone who prefers to sleep on their side.
The integrated headgear is very soft, ensuring complete comfort for a good night’s sleep while the in-nose seal has an “earbud” design for convenience and comfort. It also features woven-mesh QuietAir air vents to make exhalation quieter so that partners or anyone sharing the bedroom is not disturbed. This complete system comes with a choice of 3 pillow sizes in large, medium and small to suit the needs of a wide variety of users, and as it is manufactured by one of the leading names within the CPAP industry, ResMed, buyers can rest assured that they are getting a high quality product.
This is the perfect choice of mask for anyone who mainly breathes through their nose during the night and is ideal for anybody who has found a full face mask obtrusive and uncomfortable. Unfortunately, however, a nasal pillow style mask is unsuitable for anyone who needs an extremely high air pressure or who prefers to breathe through their mouth during sleep.
Philips Respironics Dreamwear Under Nose Nasal Mask
This nasal mask fits conveniently under the nose and comes equipped with tube-style headgear that delivers air directly into the nasal cushion. This mask comes with four sizes of nasal silicone cushions to provide the perfect fit for every user, and as they are soft and comfortable they ensure a perfect night’s sleep.
The Philips Respironics Dreamwear mask works well with all kinds of tube systems as well as any variety of BiPAP or CPAP machine and there is even a 30 day manufacturer’s guarantee on the mask for peace of mind. This unique under-nose nasal mask ensures not only a clear field of vision but also much better freedom of movement in the night.
Thanks to the mask’s innovative design, patients are able to have their necessary CPAP therapy but with no need to insert anything into their nostrils, since the cushion sits securely and comfortably at the nostrils’ base. As the tube stays well away from the face, you can lie in any position you prefer during the night, meaning that whether you sleep on your side, back or stomach you will find completely comfort. You can also easily watch TV or read a book without any disturbed view.
What’s Next
When you choose the right CPAP mask for you, you are sure to find that you enjoy a full night of undisturbed sleep while your airways remain open. Finding a mask which suits your sleeping style will ensure that you stay healthy and experience no negative consequences to your obstructive sleep apnea.
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Abby Larson
