Sleep Mask for Apnea

Sleep apnea is a disorder which causes breathing to stop during the night accompanied by loud snoring. These effects cause extreme tiredness during the day as well. Any person that has sleep apnea may cease breathing for ten seconds or longer many times every night. This cuts off oxygen to the brain which can cause serious consequences. Anyone can have sleep apnea, however, if you are a male over fifty, obese, smoke or drink alcohol you are more prone to have this disorder. The use of sleeping pills, sedatives or sleeping on your back only increases the symptoms.

Sleep apnea masks provide continuous positive airway pressure also known as CPAP, which is the most effective, noninvasive medical treatment that eliminates snoring and prevents sleep apnea.

The CPAP consists of a portable machine that includes a mask, fan and tubes. Patients wear the sealed mask which is connected to a hose. The mask goes over the nose during sleep. CPAP works by gently blowing air that is pressurized through the nasal passages at a pressure that is high enough to prevent the throat from collapsing during sleep.

When choosing a sleep apnea mask, how it fits is most important. The mask should fit comfortably. There are many different styles of masks available including oronasal, which is the mouth to nose combination, nasal, and oral masks. Most masks are worn either over the mouth or nose and connected to headgear for easy removal and attachment.

If the straps are too loose or too tight, it may result in leaks. If the strap is too tight it can be uncomfortable and may distort the cushion on the mask. The perfect nasal mask will provide an individually tailored fit in any sleeping position and have the option to be reshaped immediately if uncomfortable or leaking. Most masks have a hard plastic body with a soft silicone seal. Some of them have additional features like gel cushions, flexible outer shells, and pliable nose clips.

Sleep apnea patients can also select oral masks that deliver pressurized air through the mouth without headgear. These masks require heated humidification and patients can also wear glasses while having the masks on.

Another mask option are nasal pillows which are attached to plastic adapters that are inserted into the nose, however, most sleep apnea people find using nasal pillows very uncomfortable.

Most manufacturers of sleep mask offer different features. Patients and their doctors should base their choice on fit and comfort.