Posted by Apnea
Dated: 19 Dec 2009
CPAP, which stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, is the standard treatment for sleep apnea sufferers. In order to receive effective treatments, you need the proper CPAP equipment. That means you need both a quality CPAP machine to deliver the positive air stream in the first place and you need a quality CPAP mask as well.Each piece of equipment is important to the success of the treatment but the CPAP mask (also known as an apnea mask) is the more personal item and maybe the most vital. It has to fit the contours of your face and it must do so both securely and comfortably. If it’s not secure, you won’t receive the needed air pressure and if it’s not comfortable, you probably just won’t wear it at all.So getting the right CPAP mask is really the key to effective CPAP treatments. The bad news is, you may have to try more than one before you find something that works for you. The good news is, CPAP mask prices can be really quite affordable so you don’t have to dip too deep into the old piggy bank.Nasal Pillow MasksThese masks are the smallest masks used in CPAP therapy and usually cost the least. They form a seal against your nostrils and do so with a pillow-like cushion – hence the name. Expect to spend somewhere between $45.00 and $150.00.Nasal MasksNasal –style masks are slightly larger devices. They form a complete seal around your entire nose and give your nose more freedom to move. These masks run in the $60.00 to $180.00 range.Full-Face MasksCPAP full-face masks are the largest of the three styles of mask. They completely cover both the nose and mouth and offer the best alternative for those apnea sufferers who tend to breathe with their mouths while they sleep. They cost between $70.00 and $240.00. CPAP masks are the most personal of items. Take your time before you buy one. Examine as many different CPAP masks and CPAP mask prices as you can. And make sure the one you buy fits you properly and gives you proper value for your dollar.
Posted by Apnea
Dated: 4 Dec 2009
What is a CPAP sleep mask? Is it just for sleeping? How does it help you sleep? Well, let’s begin at the beginning.CPAP (pronounced “SeePap”) is the abbreviation for the term Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. It describes how air is delivered to your airway during the night to prop it open and prevent the occurrence of sleep apnea. You see, people who suffer from sleep apnea experience stoppages in their breathing during the night. These stoppages are caused by their airways collapsing and becoming obstructed – usually by their own throat tissue. Propping open the airway with CPAP therapy is an effective way to prevent breathing stoppages and promote a restful sleep.Sleep apnea sufferers experience anything from mild to severe health problems because of their apnea. Just the mere fact that they cycle through these stoppages each night prevents them from getting into a deep sleep and affects their days. They may only feel tired or sleepy during the day, but they may also feel extreme fatigue and have a very difficult time concentrating or focusing on their work. Long-term sleep apnea has even greater health risks as it affects the heart and lungs and can even lead to congestive heart failure. The CPAP sleep mask itself is a single piece of the CPAP therapy solution. Usually CPAP therapy consists of a CPAP machine, a flexible hose, and the CPAP mask itself. The machine creates the positive airflow and pushes it through the hose which is connected to the mask. Note that sometimes CPAP humidifiers are used to warm and moisten the air as it runs through the hose. A sleep apnea sufferer wears the mask while they sleep and receives the air which props open their airway. The result is a good night’s sleep because there are no airway obstructions and no breathing stoppages.Masks are the most personal part of any CPAP therapy. It’s important to find one that fits the shape of your face properly or it won’t form a tight seal which will cause it to leak and ineffective. It’s also important for it to fit comfortably or you will dread wearing it and soon won’t. So a CPAP sleep mask is a vital piece of the CPAP therapy equation.