Types of CPAP Masks: The Role They Play In Bringing Relief to Apnea Symptoms

You have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and for quick relief from the recurrent breathing distress, have been advised therapy involving artificial ventilation. First of all, not many people know much about his form of therapy, though its high success rate is well-known. Secondly, since it is the masks that most people talk about when discussing this kind of therapy – your main area of interest is to know more about the different types of CPAP masks that are available before you make the final purchase decision.

What is the therapy all about?

Repeated breathless during sleep, the true hallmark symptom of sleep apnea is caused by collapse and blockage of the airway. This makes restoration of normal and obstruction-free breathing, the primary aim of any doctor treating an apnea patient. The only reliable and effective way this can be done is to provide artificial ventilation to the patient at the earliest opportunity.

Before you learn more about the components used in the therapy, it makes sense to know a bit more about this particular treatment option that has been identified by the American Sleep Apnea Association as one of the most effective remedial measures for relief from apnea symptoms.

It uses the technology of Continuous Positive Air Pressure or CPAP – which is pumping in pre-set pressurized air directly into the lungs of the patient in order to keep the airway open during sleep. While the machine generates the pressurized air, it is conveyed to the lungs with the help of masks connected to the apnea machine with the help of hoses.

What role does this component play?

From the functional point of view, delivering the right amount of pressurized air is critical to the success of the therapy. This makes the role of the mask exrtremely important, as any air leakage can completely jeopardize the efficacy of the treatment.

At the same time, the patient must feel completely at ease after the device is worn. In fact one of the prime reasons for discontinuation of this kind of therapy is patient incompatibility.

There is one aspect that plays an important role in the purchase decision. Different people have different breathing and sleeping habits. Some breathe using their mouths instead of the nose while some may be sleeping too much on the back. Such variables should be kept in mind before any final purchase decision is made.

Soft and pliable silicone material is used to make such devices. They are worn according to patient preference – either to cover the nose, mouth or full face.

What are the choices?

3 kinds of this component are normally used:

1. Device covering the nose is very common. They are tied to the head with straps to retain position during use.

2. The nose-face device covers both the nose and face and is held in position with the help of an extra chin strap.

3. Of the different types of CPAP masks, the CPAP face mask is the only type that suits mouth breathers and covers the entire face starting from the bridge of the nose extending up to the lower lip and covering the chin. Extra straps hold the device in position at the forehead and mouth.

Having difficulty choosing from the many types of cpap masks? Then visit Douglas Kidder’s site where he explains how to choose the best cpap face mask suitable for your needs.