| When it comes to treating sleep apnea, there are | | | | mouth stays closed while the patient sleeps. If the |
| few things as important as the breathing mask | | | | face mask makes the patient feel uncomfortable |
| that you wear in conjunction with your CPAP, | | | | or claustrophobic, however, alternatives exist that |
| BiPAP, or APAP machine. This is because the | | | | are less enclosing. |
| comfort of the mask, as well as the functionality | | | | Nasal pillows are small pliable pieces of plastic that |
| of the mask, could make or break the | | | | are inserted into the nostrils. Once inserted, they |
| effectiveness of the treatment. | | | | form the seal against the inner walls of the nose. |
| Sleep apnea masks that cause excessive | | | | Because of this, there is little need for headgear, |
| discomfort to the patient may worsen the | | | | although some forms of this type of breathing |
| problem beyond the apneas by causing restless | | | | apparatus come with straps to go under the chin |
| sleep due to irritation caused by the mask. | | | | to prevent the mouth from falling open. Because |
| Breathing masks that fit poorly or do not make a | | | | of the distinct lack of headgear, the user may |
| proper, airtight seal with the face can also reduce | | | | find that it is more comfortable to wear nasal |
| the effectiveness of the treatment. Because of | | | | pillows than the traditional breathing mask. |
| this, choosing the correct mask for you is | | | | However, patients who are administered higher |
| extremely important to the success of your | | | | pressures of air should be cautious of using nasal |
| apnea treatment. | | | | pillows for this very reason, as there is far less |
| For most patients, a sleep apnea breathing mask | | | | security in the seal, which is much easier to break |
| that covers only the nose is adequate. Held in | | | | when experiencing higher pressures. |
| place with straps that create an airtight seal | | | | A similar delivery interface closely resembles nasal |
| around the nose, this type of breathing mask is | | | | cannula. The tubing is inserted into the nostrils in a |
| perfect for those who have no difficulties with | | | | manner that causes a seal to form due to the |
| mouth breathing while sleeping. However, for | | | | large diameter of the hosing. Besides the lack of |
| those who do have difficulty not breathing | | | | plastic pieces to form the seal, the nasal cannula |
| through the mouth or keeping the mouth closed | | | | functions exactly the same as the nasal pillows. |
| while asleep should consider a breathing mask that | | | | No matter what kind of sleep apnea breathing |
| also covers the mouth. | | | | mask or apparatus you choose, be sure that it is |
| Almost all of the sleep apnea breathing masks | | | | comfortable and functional. Nothing is worse than |
| available today have what is called a built in leak, | | | | attempting to use a device that is insufficient to |
| which allows air exchange through a one-way | | | | your needs, as the treatment is then rendered |
| valve on the face of the breathing masks. When | | | | ineffective. Be sure to tell your doctor of any |
| the patient exhales, the air is expelled through the | | | | complaints you may have with your current |
| valve, ensuring a constant supply of fresh air. | | | | breathing mask, and don't be afraid to try many |
| Breathing masks usually have a strap that goes | | | | masks before settling on a permanent solution. |
| under the chin as well to further ensure the | | | | |