How To Clean Your Cpap Hose And Mask

Finding out that you have sleep apnea tin can be an intimidating process. Not only do you lot have a new diagnosis, but now you are beingness introduced to several treatment options for which there are many variables. Assuming that y'all and your doctor accept chosen CPAP equally your therapy choice , your adjacent step will be choosing a CPAP mask .

CPAP masks are the interface between the slumber apnea patient and the CPAP automobile , and there are many types of sleep apnea masks to cull from. Most sleep apnea masks are fabricated of plastic, silicone, or gel-similar materials. Some are fabricated of cloth and other hybrid materials. They ordinarily have adjustable straps that help to secure the mask to the face. CPAP masks often cost betwixt $30 – $150.

There is no one-size-fits-all with slumber apnea masks . The continuous positive airway pressure interface must be personalized to your face and to your comfort level . Once y'all take a CPAP prescription from your doctor, you should meet with an equipment professional that specializes in CPAP masks . You tin can and so try on dissimilar sleep apnea masks to find the ane that fits you best and you observe the most comfortable.

Different Types of CPAP Masks

CPAP masks all work in the same mode — they evangelize air from the CPAP car through a hose to your airway. This keeps your airway from collapsing during slumber and prevents obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Masks come in a variety of fits, but mainly fall into three different types:

Nasal Pillows or Prongs which fit direct into nostrils.
Nasal CPAP Masks , which fit over the olfactory organ merely.
Full-Face up Masks, which cover your nose also as your mouth.

You do not demand a physician prescription to buy a new mask, but it's important to check with a professional to make certain that you lot choose the right type of mask and to make sure it fits properly. Patients that have improper masks tend to exist non-compliant with their CPAP therapy.

Finding the Correct CPAP Mask For Yous

The reality with sleep apnea masks is that the best mask for you is the one that you experience comfortable with . Masks often come in several sizes for different shaped faces and noses . Try on lots of masks to observe the best pick for your needs and preferences. There are some considerations you may want to keep in mind when choosing your sleep apnea mask .

Mouth-animate

Many people breathe with their mouths open during sleep. If you use a nasal CPAP mask and the oral cavity opens during sleep, air will follow the path of least resistance and exit through the oral cavity, thus reducing its efficacy.

Nasal Obstruction

Nasal resistance and obstruction tin can pose a problem with CPAP when using a nasal mask. For people with challenging nasal passages, a total-face mask might be indicated.

Facial Pilus

Mustaches and beards can interfere with the seal between your CPAP mask and your face. Some masks are designed for people who have a lot of facial hair.

Overall Condolement

Many new masks, like the DreamWear CPAP mask , apply the least amount of material and attaching strap possible to deliver air. This allows for a more natural feel during wake and sleep, which can assist patients who suffer from claustrophobia.

Know that the CPAP mask yous choose this twelvemonth may be different than the mask yous employ adjacent year. Your choice of mask is not a permanent decision. In fact, you lot will probable get a new mask yearly, or maybe more often, since sleep apnea masks are not designed to last forever.

How to Get Your CPAP Mask Properly Fitted

Wearing a sleep apnea mask is a very individualized procedure. Near sleep professionals recommend working with an experienced squad of sleep experts. Many sleep companies will assess your facial dimensions and show y'all several mask options.

After y'all select a sleep apnea mask , you will ordinarily try it on with the CPAP auto turned on. This allows for proper fit and air leak assessment. It is important that the mask does not leak significant amounts of air while you are wearing it.

CPAP Mask Intendance

One time y'all have picked your CPAP mask, brand sure to keep it clean with lather and water afterward every use. There are several popular CPAP cleaner machines that can facilitate this process.

Sleep apnea masks should be replaced a few times per year. They are mostly not designed to last forever. The rubber/silicone wears out and breaks downwards. The seal between the mask and face volition become compromised over time.

Problems with CPAP Masks

Leaky Slumber Apnea Mask

If your mask is not fitted properly or if you don't put it on correctly, information technology tin can leak around the edges. The leak is non harmful, but information technology could prevent the prescribed levels of pressure from existence delivered. Plus, a leaky mask could exist noisy, which may bother your bedmate.

Solution: If you notice air leaks, y'all may non take a properly fitted mask. Also, be sure you lot're adjusting the mask right when you lot put information technology on at night. I option to consider is switching from a face mask that covers both the nose and oral fissure to a nasal mask. A nasal mask just covers the nose, which means there is less surface area to embrace and less potential for leaks.

Claustrophobia

Wearing a slumber apnea mask that covers your oral cavity and olfactory organ can make some people feel claustrophobic, especially since it is something you're not used to. If you feel broken-hearted, it can be difficult to go comfortable and fall comatose.

Solution: If the CPAP mask you're using makes you feel confined, consider using a nasal mask. If that does not do the pull a fast one on, you can try nasal pillows. Nasal pillows are pocket-size, soft prongs that go into your nose without covering your mouth.

Pressure Sores

Pressure sores are possible if your CPAP mask is also tight. The most common site of a pressure sore is the span of the nose. Continue in mind, a slumber apnea mask should exist tight enough to avoid too much air from leaking out around information technology. But if it is besides tight, it can be uncomfortable.

Solution: When you first start using CPAP, you lot'll be fitted for a mask to decide what size and mode works best. Make sure you select something that feels comfy. In some cases, the solution may be as simple as using a different size or style of mask. In addition, nasal pads are available that cushion the nose and help prevent irritation. The pads are usually made of a gel cloth and are placed on the bridge of the nose under the mask.

The sleep apnea mask is arguably i of the most important parts of the handling components. Talk to your slumber dr. virtually finding the all-time CPAP mask for you lot.