One-third of our lives are spent asleep. Sleeping is a significant part of our lives. It’s important to feel comfortable and refreshed.
Sleep apnea affects more than 1.8 million people. Understanding your options to find the right mask can help you get therapy done.
Tips For Buying A CPAP Mask
Sizing Options– Masks do not fit everyone, but they should be the right size for you. While there are many sizes, you can choose from Small, Medium, and Large. To fit small faces, the “For her” versions are often in extra small, small, and medium sizes. For a snug and secure seal, the nomask size must be appropriate for your face.
Pressure– Based on your CPAP therapy needs, your doctor will recommend the best pressure setting for you. Every mask does not support all pressures. Because they can accommodate pressure rat6es from low-to-high, nasal and full-face masks have the best pressure flexibility. The best pressure for Nasal pillow masks is between low and moderate pressure.
Cushion Material– Your mask’s cushion material should feel the most comfortable. Silicone cushions provide more flexibility, comfort, and freedom of movement than cushions made of fabric, gel, foam, or cloth.
Clear Line Of Sight– A forehead strap is not necessary. A clear view is important if you like to read before bed, watch T.V., or read a book.
A Secure Seal And An Easy On-Off Process– The type and size of the mask you use to determine how secure it is. Headgear Quick Clips eliminate the need to adjust your headgear every time you take it off or on.
Allergy Suffers– If your symptoms are severe or you are constantly congested, a nasal or full-face mask may be the best solution. Because oxygen flows through the nose, inhalation drives the oxygen flow. Inhaling oxygen directly through your nose can cause congestion.
Changing Your Mask Cushions– Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to determine how often your mask cushions should be changed. Most cushions can be removed and replaced every few months.
Sizing Guides– Most Full Face and Nasal masks come with sizing guides to help you determine the right size. Print the sizing guide and cut it out if necessary. Then, use a mirror to check the fit. It is important to print the guide in PDF format at 100% scale. “Fit Page” may be disabled to ensure it is accurate.
What Can I Do To Stop My CPAP Mask From Leaking?
A CPAP mask that is constantly leaking can cause frustration, especially if it occurs repeatedly throughout the night. Leakage of CPAP masks can result from a variety of reasons, including:
- Not being tight enough or too tight on your headgear
- Pressure increases as your body position changes
- CPAP Pressure increases at night
- Seal to Slip: Human Oils Cause Seal to Slip
- The Beard or Mustache that Prevents a Good Seal
Sometimes, leaks can occur because of changes in pressure or position. One person can shift and press the mattress pillow with enough force that the seal breaks. Automatic CPAP machines can adjust the pressure output and can choose any setting between 4 and 20. If the headgear is not tight enough, the machine may select a higher pressure than was available when the night started. This could cause the seal to crack in the middle.
Most often, adjusting the mask straps on the headgear will suffice to stop a leak. In the event of CPAP pressure rise, it will most likely resolve the problem.
If you have a bed pillow that leaks, you may need a CPAP pillow. These pillows are made with cutouts to fit a CPAP mask. Shifts in position won’t affect the mask seal. CPAP bed pillows can help to prevent recurring leaks of masks and keep the user more comfortable while they sleep.
