What Every Snorer Should Know About CPAP Masks Machines
Clearly, no other snoring treatment can compare to CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines therapy with respect to successful elimination of sleep apnea or severe OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome). Sleep apnea is defined as a cessation of airflow at the nose and mouth for at least 10 seconds during sleep.
OSA occurs when the upper airway collapses repeatedly during sleep. This collapse can be partial, which creates a reduction in airflow and consequent reduction in blood oxygen levels or complete with no respiratory airflow (sleep apnea).
If you experience snoring in conjunction with one or more of the following symptoms, you may suffer from sleep apnea and should seek immediate medical help:
- Witnessed episodes of stopping breathing during sleep
- Unrefreshing sleep
- Frequent nightly trips to the bathroom
- Morning headache
- Excessive daytime tiredness
- Impaired concentration
- Decreased libido
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea you will most likely be prescribed Continuous Positive Airways Pressure (CPAP) to reduce your symptoms.
CPAP is a well established and effective treatment for OSA. It acts as a ‘mechanical splint’ to prevent the airway from obstructing. A CPAP machine is a small device about the size of a shoe box. Your airways are kept open by the CPAP machine pumping a controlled stream of air through a hose to a CPAP mask worn over your nose, mouth or both. Traditionally, a sleep technician will adjust the pressure of the CPAP device during an overnight stay in a hospital until most of the apneas have disappeared. The pressure is then fixed and the patient can take the machine home for every night use. The CPAP machine is set up on your night table and provides the ongoing air you need to sleep peacefully without spurts of stopped breathing.
You can purchase an Over-The-Counter CPAP mask / CPAP machine without going through insurance.
What to look for when buying a CPAP mask / CPAP machine:
- Select between a nasal or full-face mask according to your comfort level
- It should be made of soft material that feels gentle on the face
- The design of the mask should allow to easily slip it on and off
- Good quality is important to avoid air leaks and breakage of plastic parts
- It is recommended that you keep a ‘back-up’ mask
- Be prepared to replace your mask every 6-8 months
While CPAP machines seems to remain the best method of managing sleep apnea and OSA, the reality is that approximately half of the patients with severe OSA do not want to or cannot use a CPAP mask.
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