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You’ll need these tips when getting CPAP masks

Posted on June 30, 2022June 30, 2022 by Max Onslow

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes periodic breathing interruptions while you’re asleep. There are several treatment methods available. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP masks) treatment is a popular alternative that uses a machine and mask to assist control breathing while you sleep. What you need to know about selecting the ideal mask for you is provided here.

Selecting the Correct Mask

Sleep apnea comes in three different forms:

In obstructive sleep apnea, the muscles in your mouth or airway collapse, physically preventing you from breathing. In central sleep apnea, the brain impulses that govern breathing are disrupted. In mixed sleep apnea, both obstructive and central sleep apnea are present.

Obstructive sleep apnea is commonly treated with cpap masks devices and sleep apnea masks. By increasing the air pressure in your throat, these devices help you breathe through the night by keeping your airways open.

The next step after receiving a sleep apnea diagnosis is to begin treatment, which may include using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP masks). You may be wondering how to locate and choose the finest CPAP masks. You have a lot of alternatives, but you may avoid feeling paralyzed by following a few simple rules. Learn more about uncommon necessary CPAP mask tips.

Select a CPAP masks Mask Style That Is Right for You

In general, CPAP masks is designed to provide a steady stream of air that supports and maintains the opening of your upper airway, avoiding apnea and snoring.

Your choice may depend on your particular demands, and this air may be administered by your mouth, nose, or both.

The majority of individuals use a mask that allows air to enter their nose. The majority of nasal masks are made of a triangular-shaped gel or plastic cushion that covers the nose and sits just below the nostrils. A headpiece, often made of fabric, Velcro, or plastic clips, will be attached to this to keep the mask on your face. The CPAP masks machine itself will be connected to the mask via a plastic hose at the end.

Masks come in a wide range of varieties, which often combine creativity with marketing. Many masks also come with a brace that adds a few contact points on the forehead to ease pressure. To avoid leaks or leaving markings on your face, additional cushions or seals could be used. Even some masks are made to float on an air cushion.

However, there are still more interesting choices. One consists of nasal pillows, which are generally plastic inserts that are put into the nostrils and resemble headphone earbuds. If you have claustrophobia or don’t like the mask leaving markings on your face, they are a great alternative. However, not everyone may find them to be comfortable.

Some other masks can accommodate those who mouth breathe since they are big enough to cover the mouth and nose. It can stop dry mouth. Even masks that cover the eyes and the complete face are available. While administering CPAP masks therapy, other mask interfaces may improve jaw alignment by acting as a mouthpiece.

YOU’LL NEED THESE TIPS WHEN GETTING CPAP MASKS

Receive the Proper Size Fitting

In the course of a sleep study, sometimes referred to as a titration study, the majority of participants are equipped with a mask.

This study’s objectives are to introduce you to CPAP masks, show you a few mask interface choices, decide the right size, and give you a chance to test it out while the pressure setting is chosen.

The personnel who conduct sleep studies often have a preferred group of masks that are effective for the majority of users. They’ll probably test them out on you first. Ask for more selections and, more crucially, request a different size without hesitation. They should be willing to assist you, whether it’s at a sleep study, sleep clinic, or the supplier of your equipment for durable medical equipment.

The majority of mask interfaces are available in a variety of sizes, depending on the manufacturer. It’s possible to get plastic size templates. Some masks may come in beneficial modifications like “wide” as well as intermediate sizes like “medium-small.” Try to choose a mask that is big enough to give enough air. Avoid using oversized masks that could slip on your face or leak excessively.

Make sure to test it out when it is connected to a device that is producing the appropriate amount of air pressure. Don the protective gear to fully enjoy the experience.

Utilize accessories that might ease compliance

In addition to finding the right design and fit, you may want to look at some of the various CPAP masks accessories that improve treatment compliance.

Both the mask interfaces and the headgear that is used to keep the CPAP masks mask on your head may have a wide range of capabilities. Many are constructed from washable cloth. Velcro may be used on some to adjust the fit. Others could include plastic quick-release clips that enable simple on and off and proper fitting after the first time. As a result, you won’t need to continually tweak it to obtain the ideal fit each time you use it.

Try wearing a chinstrap if you often find yourself inhaling through your mouth.

The majority of individuals find it beneficial to use a heated humidifier that is either linked to or integrated into their CPAP masks machine. Additionally, heated tubing is available to keep the tube dry and free of condensation.

A machine with a ramp function, which begins at a low pressure and gradually rises up to your treatment pressure over a predetermined length of time, may be what you need if you have problems tolerating the pressure as you go off to sleep.

You may want to consider adding a mask liner if the plastic irritates your skin or if you are having difficulties obtaining a proper seal without significant air leak. Additionally, there are padding and cushions that help enhance the mask’s fit.

You have a wide range of practical alternatives at your disposal, which may improve your quality of life and increase the likelihood that you’ll follow the recommended course of action.

There are several varieties of sleep apnea masks since every person’s situation is unique.

According to Alex Savy, Certified Sleep Science Coach and Founder of SleepingOcean, “there are three primary kinds of masks: full-face, nasal masks, and nasal pillow masks.”

Full-face masks

Full-face masks may be somewhat large since they cover the nose and mouth. This style is often advised for back sleepers since they might be challenging to use while resting on the side, according to Savy.

According to the American Association of Sleep Technologists, full-face masks are excellent for persons who need greater pressure CPAP masks settings or who either breathe via their lips.

Nasal Masks

Nasal masks normally reach from the bridge of the nose to the upper lip, according to the American Association of Sleep Technologists. Through the nasal passages, these kinds of masks provide an indirect, more natural airflow to the airway. Additionally, they are useful for individuals who want settings for comparatively greater air pressure.

Nasal pillow masks

The nasal pillow mask goes over the nostrils to facilitate nasal breathing. According to the Mayo Clinic, nasal pillows are a suitable option if you have facial hair that might get in the way of other masks or if you become claustrophobic easily.

You should also take into account how you sleep. A full-face mask would work best if you sleep on your back since any other position would compromise the seal. A nasal mask can be the best option if you sleep on your side or move around a lot when you’re asleep.

Regardless of the mask you use, it’s critical to identify and address any sleep problems like sleep apnea. Sleep apnea increases the risk of significant health problems including cardiovascular disease and stroke in the absence of treatment.

Uncommon necessary CPAP mask tips

Posted on June 30, 2022June 30, 2022 by Max Onslow

Those who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea may choose from a variety of CPAP masks. In our last blog article, we went over the fundamentals of CPAP and the several advantages it provides to those with sleep apnea, including keeping your airway open while you sleep and reducing snoring and other apnea symptoms like exhaustion and daytime sleepiness.

The kind of CPAP mask your doctor recommends for you will have a significant impact on how well CPAP works for you individually. The cpap mask, which transfers air from the CPAP machine to your mouth and nose, is a crucial component of your entire CPAP treatment. In light of this, it stands to reason that your CPAP mask should be as comfortable as possible and provide a tight seal around your mouth and/or nose (without leaving marks on your face or irritating your skin). Click here to discover more about symptoms, complications and CPAP treatment .

Fortunately, a lot of the CPAP masks on the market right now are designed to do exactly that: provide you a restful night’s sleep without causing you any pain or irritation. Let’s examine what makes these various CPAP mask types unique from one another and consider the benefits offered by each category of masks.

What kinds of CPAP masks are available for people with sleep apnea?

CPAP masks come in three primary categories and often come in all sizes. These masks are also available in “For Her” variants from certain manufacturers, including ResMed, that are tailored especially for a woman’s head and face.

Nasal masks go over your nose alone, giving a lighter fit than full face masks; nasal pillow masks are even lighter and more basic than nasal masks, allowing a high degree of openness and visibility. Full face masks cover your nose and mouth.

It could be clear from these descriptions that you’d prefer a lighter mask over a heavier one or a smaller mask over a larger one. But there are other things to take into account. For instance, masks that cover a larger portion of your face may sometimes provide a stronger barrier against leakage, improving treatment. Similarly, you may require a bigger mask if you have facial hair to get a better seal. Or, if you’re claustrophobic, a smaller mask will probably feel more at ease. Learn more about sleep apnea Australia on better health channel.

Full face masks may feel more comfortable to you even if they are somewhat heavier. This is largely a matter of personal choice and how well a certain mask shape will fit over the particular features of your face. In any case, your doctor may assist you in trying on a variety of masks to find the one that fits you most comfortably.

This is crucial, too! If your CPAP mask doesn’t seem comfortable to you, you can “forget” to wear it on occasion or take it off in the middle of the night. In some cases, you won’t even be aware of what you’ve done until the following morning!

Because you won’t be receiving the full degree of therapy for your sleep apnea, you’ll likely experience the same symptoms you had before your diagnosis, including daytime drowsiness and low energy, in addition to being at risk for numerous additional sleep apnea-related risks.

Finally, it’s important to note that, despite the fact that the majority of CPAP masks fit into one of the three categories mentioned above, there are other varieties of CPAP masks that may be used to treat sleep apnea. Total face masks (covering the entire face), oral masks (covering just the mouth), and hybrid masks are less usually recommended masks (offering various combinations of the previously described CPAP masks). Despite the fact that they aren’t as often prescribed as the three we’ve discussed above, you could discover your doctor prescribing one of them depending on how serious your condition is.

Consider choosing two CPAP masks

We are certain that everyone can discover the perfect CPAP mask, even if it takes a few tries to locate the one that fits you the best. However, some individuals decide to own two CPAP masks, which they alternately utilize.

Many of the people who read our site claim to have alternatively worn two CPAP masks. Talk to your equipment provider about being fitted for a second mask if you believe it could be helpful for you, as well as about your choices for doing so most economically.

Why use two?

In certain circumstances, to aid with environmental allergies: When your allergies flare up, you could find it easier to breathe through a full face mask if you’re already wearing a nasal or nasal pillows mask and have stuffy, congested nasal passages. This is particularly true if you also have a deviated septum.

In order to relieve strain on delicate face areas: Various masks lay on various areas of your face. Even while masks become more comfy every year, your face sometimes needs a break. A sensitive region could feel better when using a different kind of mask (such as a nasal pillows, nasal, and/or full face mask).

Following face surgery, during recovery: As soon as possible, inquire with your equipment provider about being fitted for a mask that won’t contact the region of your face where your CPAP mask now rests throughout your recuperation.

But take note…

Never skimp on the quality of care. Ask your equipment provider how a chin strap may assist guarantee that your mouth remains closed while you sleep if you want to temporarily transition from a full face mask to a nasal or pillows mask. A nasal/pillows user’s CPAP therapy will be less effective if their mouth is open, and humidification won’t keep you comfortable.

Be aware of the appropriate times to update your CPAP supplies. Maintaining additional supplies is necessary with more masks. Make sure you are knowledgeable about when to change each of your CPAP equipment, including mask components, machine filters, and water chambers, in addition to appropriate cleaning and storage.

As long as you clean them per their directions each morning after use and store them appropriately (preferably in a sealed plastic bag after they’ve been washed and dried, and away from sunlight), masks and their components will last longer if you use them alternately.

What are the risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea?

Posted on June 19, 2022June 19, 2022 by Max Onslow

Sleep apnea can affect both young and old. There’s an assumption that only adults battle with sleep apnea. Hence, it is time to discard such hypothesis. We have heard about kids battling sleep apnea. However, it is expedient for every individual to know that there are factors that increase the risk of obstructive sleep apnea. Remember, obstructive sleep apnea is a type of sleep apnea.

So, in this write-up, we’ll talk about what sleep apnea entails. Not only that, but we’ll also be explaining in detail the risk factors of obstructive sleep apnea. Therefore, we urge you to sit back and follow us closely.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that makes breathing stop and starts repeatedly. If you notice that your breathing does stop and start frequently, you might have sleep apnea symptoms. On the other hand, if one snores loudly and such person always feels tired after a whole night’s sleep, one might be battling sleep apnea. You might be wondering if snoring is a serious matter. Of course, it is. Snoring is one of the common symptoms of sleep apnea. Although, there are other symptoms. With that said, it would be nice to talk about obstructive sleep apnea.

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA?

What is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a type of sleep apnea. It occurs when throat muscles relax. Furthermore, obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of one’s throat relax excessively to permit normal breathing. Hence, these muscles support structures, including the back of the roof of one’s mouth, the triangular piece of tissue hanging from the soft palate, the tonsils, and the tongue. However, let us talk about the only way to get rid of obstructive sleep apnea. The only way to get rid of it is for one to embark on the journey of losing weight, or one can have surgery to eradicate or remove the excess tissue from the throat. But we would like to inform you that surgery can have side effects. That is why surgery is usually viewed as the last option.

Risk factors of OSA

Excess weight: When there’s an increase in one’s weight, the risk of sleep apnea increases. Obesity increases the risk of having sleep apnea. Suppose fat deposits around one’s upper airway, one’s breathing can be obstructed. And this will lead to sleep apnea. This vital information must go viral on social media platforms. Many people are battling this, and they don’t know. Therefore, one needs to look for ways to reduce one’s weight to avoid sleep apnea. It is expedient for every individual to ensure that their weight is average. If there’s excess weight, the airway might get blocked or obstructed; the breathing becomes something difficult.
Being male: Men are more prone to have sleep apnea than women. The only way women increase their risk of having sleep apnea is if they have excess weight. Also, their risk appears to rise after menopause. So, naturally, men are more prone to have sleep apnea than women.
Smokers: Of course, smokers are liable to die young. If you love smoking, you may have SA. In fact, it is said that smokers are five times more likely to have OSA than people who refrain themselves from smoking. When you smoke, the inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway increase. And this might affect one’s breathing. So, people should limit the rate at which they smoke. We have heard about several people who have undergone the surgery process resulting from smoking.

Family history: SA can be genetic. If you have family members battling with SA, there’s a high tendency that one might also have it. There are countless people out there who brought SA into their lives because their parents had it. What are we saying in essence? We are trying to let you know that OSA can be hereditary. Therefore, family background or history is one of the risk factors for having OSA.
Neck circumference: If your neck is thick, you might later end up having SA. We have seen countless people like that. They got OSA because their neck is wide. Therefore, having a wide neck is also one factor contributing to the increase of sleep apnea.
Being older: Being older is also one of the risk factors for OSA. Of course, research shows that adults’ battle with SA is more than that of the young ones. You might be curious to know the exact age. There’s no permanent age range. But the fact remains that adults aged 50 are more likely to have sleep apnea (SA).
Use of alcohol and sedatives: People that can’t do without taking alcohol are prone to have OSA. This statement of fact was derived from a medical doctor who was speaking about how to avoid OSA. The doctor stated that to stay safe from having SA, one needs to reduce the rate at which one consumes alcohol. Chemicals in the alcohol may relax the muscles in one’s throat, which can obstruct one’s breathing. Therefore, taking alcohol and tranquilizers is one of the risk factors for OSA.
Medical conditions: People battling heart diseases are at high risk of having sleep apnea. Not only that, but other medical conditions can also increase the risk of having OSA. Some of them are; high blood pressure, diabetes (type 2), and Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, polycystic ovary syndrome, hormonal disorder, and chronic lung diseases like asthma can also increase the risk of having obstructive sleep apnea.
Nasal congestion: If one finds it so hard to breathe through one’s nose, whether from anatomical or allergies problems, one is more prone to have OSA.

On a final note

Dear reader, the information you’ve seen here should be on social media platforms. Please kindly share the link to this page with family and friends. You never can tell; you might be helping someone. In this write-up, we explained the meaning of sleep apnea, and we also explained in detail the risk factors of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Finally, if you have a question regarding this topic, please feel free to share.

What are the types of sleep apnea?

Posted on June 19, 2022June 19, 2022 by Max Onslow

In this article, we’ll be revealing the three types of sleep apnea. We’ll be explaining them in detail, one after the other. Have you ever found yourself battling fatigue and drowsiness during the day after getting the regular hours of sleep? You need to see your doctor; perhaps you have sleep apnea.

But before we jump into the details, it would be nice to start this write-up with the meaning of sleep apnea.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea (SA) is a dangerous sleep disorder affecting breathing. One is said to be battling sleep apnea when breathing stops and repeatedly starts during sleep. Also, if one snores loudly and feels tired after spending a standard range of night sleep, one may be battling sleep apnea. This case is critical because it can lead to severe life-threatening issues. We have heard about people having heart failure, diabetes (type 2, to be precise), Parkinson’s diseases, and lots more due to sleep apnea. Why are we saying this? We are trying to show you how dangerous sleep apnea can be. It requires attention.

Also, sleep apnea has its common symptoms. So, once you see those symptoms, you shouldn’t wait for people to tell you to do the needful. Please talk to your doctor. However, we need to explain some of its symptoms. The most common one is loud snoring. Please don’t join the league of people who assume all is well, even with loud snoring at night. Snoring loudly during sleep is a severe matter one needs to attend to. It may be that the muscles in the throat are affected.

Furthermore, other symptoms of SA include morning headache, irritability, awakening with a dry mouth, insomnia, hypersomnia, gasping for air during sleep, and lots more. Hence, once you see the symptoms listed above, please take the necessary steps. Remember, the first step you need to take is to consult your doctor.

In the US, it was said that sleep apnea affected nearly twelve percent of the population. As of 2016, sleep apnea affected thirty million people.

Types of sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea: Sleep apnea can occur if the muscles in the back of the throat relax excessively to permit normal breathing. You should know that the muscles work together to support structures. The muscles support the soft palate, the uvula, the tonsils, and the tongue. Therefore, once these muscles in the back of the throat relax too much, it will completely block the ideal flow of air in the airways, then the breathing will be affected. And once the breathing is affected, sleep apnea will occur. Also, the person may start to snore. Snoring is one of the common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. Mind you, not everyone who snores is battling sleep apnea. OSA is the most common type/cause of sleep apnea. Research shows that OSA has risen significantly in the last twenty years due to obesity. Oh! Please note that obesity is the most common risk factor for OSA. How do doctors diagnose? Doctors use a sleep test that measures brain activity during sleep to diagnose OSA.
Central sleep apnea: CSA is less common than OSA. It can be a little hard to diagnose. Unlike OSA, which is caused by a mechanical problem that blocks the airway, the CSA has its involvement from the brain. This type of sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to carry out its duties appropriately. The brain is a crucial part of the body responsible for every activity in the body internally. So, if the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing, then sleep apnea will occur. Dr. Capasso explained that a neurological reason causes CSA. Both young and adults can be affected by central sleep apnea. The explanation is straightforward, and one should be able to presume that even kids are not exempted because everyone’s brain is functioning.
Complex sleep apnea syndrome: So, one can combine the above-listed two types. Complex sleep apnea syndrome is otherwise known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea. It happens when someone is battling both obstructive and central sleep apnea.

The similarities between the three types of sleep apnea

People battling with sleep apnea (SA) experience sporadic episodes of pauses in breathing. That is, it doesn’t matter the type of SA you’re fighting with. You’ll surely experience a pause in your breathing. According to what we heard from a reliable source, everyone that has SA will always experience a breathing halt that’ll last for at least ten seconds or more. According to the sleep foundation, every individual battling with SA must stay awake even at midnight because they find it so hard to breathe normally.

Also, it is common for people battling with SA of any kind to have partial arousals from their sleep countless times a night. But we notice that the person in the picture might not know something is wrong or interrupts their sleep since the break in their sleep always happens within a short period. So, they may not be aware they’re experiencing episodic sleep.

Furthermore, there are common symptoms of sleep apnea. It doesn’t matter the type of SA you’re battling with. Central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea have some symptoms in common. People fighting with CSA and OSA will see signs like morning headaches, loud snoring, irritability, and insomnia.

On a final note

This write-up contains the meaning of sleep apnea, and we also explain the three types of sleep apnea in detail. Not only that, but we also talked about the similarities between the three types of sleep apnea.

Dear reader, we perceive that this vital information needs to go viral on social media platforms. Please help us share the link to this page with family and friends. However, a question might cross your mind while reading this write-up. Please kindly drop your question in the comment box.

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