Nowadays there are lots of different ways to treat sleep apnea which are not intrusive, such as surgery, and one of the simplest treatments involves the use of a sleep apnea mask. A mask will not however be effective, and indeed can make matters worse, if it is not designed correctly and, more importantly, if it is not professionally fitted.
You will need to be fitted not only for either a nose or nose and mouth mask, but also for the head straps which holds the mask onto your face and the tubing which delivers air to the mask. Once everything is connected up a machine beside your bed delivers air to the mask under pressure and this additional pressure through your nose and mouth helps to keep you airway open during the night.
Your mask must fit comfortably and has to seal properly in order to provide a good airflow. The straps should not feel too tight not only because of discomfort but also because tight straps can break the seal and cause leaks in the mask. Still, the mask should fit snugly enough to accommodate any sleeping position without moving. Masks should completely cover the nose and people who breathe through their mouth will need a full-face mask.
Although masks are generally made from a hard plastic, they use either silicone or gel padding to provide a seal around the edges of the mask. In addition, many masks are also fitted with additional padding which is designed to relieve the pressure placed on the head by the mask’s head straps. With advances in technology you will find that it is now possible top get masks fitted with memory foam which molds to the unique contours of your face.
One thing you need to be careful of when using a sleep apnea mask is that you are not allergic to any of the materials used in its construction. In addition, you will also need to ensure that you do not have any skin conditions which might interfere with the operation of the mask. Dry skin, as an example, might make it difficult to maintain an adequate seal around the mask.
Before using a mask check with your doctor and make sure that you are a suitable candidate for CPAP (mask) treatment. If you are, then make certain that you seek professional advice when it comes to having your mask fitted.
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