Is the CPAP mask the best option?
A CPAP mask is an extremely vital device for the treatment of sleep apnea. Since sleep apnea is a respiratory disorder that occurs while sleeping due to an obstructed airway, an effective treatment functions to improve respiration. In the past, intubationsplacing a breathing tube down the throatwas the only way to push oxygen into the lungs. However, with the advent of the CPAP machine and CPAP mask, the process has become much easier and less invasive for the patients undergoing the treatment. Because of its safe and simple nature and history of success, the CPAP machine has become the preferred method of treatment for sleep apnea.
CPAP Mask has been reviewed for use in other cases also after reportedly being used in a case of varicella pneumonia with impending respiratory failure in which endotracheal intubation was averted by the use of CPAP mask ventilation with a favorable outcome.
A CPAPdevice has a mask, tubes and a fan. It uses air pressure to pushyour tongue forward and openyour throat. This allows air to pass through your throat and reduces snoring and prevents apnea disturbances. It locks on to the head or is attached only to mouth with straps. You should put your CPAP deviceon whenever you sleep, even for naps. A CPAP device does not cure sleep apnea. But, when you usethe devicecorrectly, your sleep problemsshould get much better.
CPAP Mask ----Issues in use:
If you use a CPAP machine for treating sleep apnea, you will need to wear a CPAP mask on the face while sleeping such that it transmits oxygen to the lungs. Although this is a very effective way to send the oxygen from the machine to the body, it can be difficult for you to get used to wearing a breathing mask while sleeping. The problems you experience with the CPAP mask may not be same as other people. Some people have claustrophobic issues about the mask covering up both their nose and mouth. It is hard to learn how to breathe pressurized air through a mask when you are used to breathing on your own.
Another problem with the CPAP mask is the discomfort of wearing anything on the face while sleeping. If you have been relatively motionless sleepers, this may not be that much of a problem. However, if you move around, tossing and turning during the night, then this may be little troublesome.
When wearing a breathing mask with tubes attached to a machine sitting beside the bed, all the tossing and turning can entangle you and you may wake up. This awakening causes as much sleep disruption as the sleep apnea.
Because the mask must fit firmly over your nose and cheeks, it may irritate your skin. A different size or kind of mask may help in such a case. There are also special skin moisturizers made for CPAP device users. If you cant keep your jaw closed while wearing the mask a chin strap can help hold up your jawto keep the air supply in. Head straps can provide more stability and security to keep the mask in place and different types of masks that deliver the air through the nasal passages alone are also more comfortable for some people. You can also try forehead cushions that decrease pressure or rubbing.
Types of new CPAP Masks:
You may try the mirage CPAP mask which may not be as cheap as some of the more basic options, but its improvements in fit, comfort and stability are worth it. It is very easy to use and adjust as it has a two-layer cushion, headgear release clips, forehead support and a cushion clip.
Then there is headgear less mask from Oracle. You need not wear any headgear for using this mask. It can be cleaned easily with a solution of antibacterial mouthwash (Listerine) and water and allow to dry. Its minimal fittings allow you to wear glasses and do not hurt the face also.
CPAP Masks and children: Removing tonsils is not always the best method of treatment for children and they also need to use CPAP machine sometimes. However, before the age of 2 years, it is not recommended for children.
CPAP Masks make life easier and allow better sleep. You may take some time to get used to it and may have to try different masks but once you have found a good fit, you will not have any trouble and your sleep will increase in quality also. Your doctor as well as health worker will cooperate in getting you adjusted to this mask when you start wearing it initially.
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