When it comes to treating your sleep apnea, choosing the best CPAP mask can be really intimidating. Just taking a look at the hundreds of options on any CPAP supply retailer site can be enough to make you want to give up your CPAP therapy before it’s even begun.
Don’t quit just yet! The consequences of leaving your sleep apnea untreated are not for the faint of heart. Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke are just a few health problems you could encounter should you neglect sleep apnea treatment. You can find the right mask for you; the respiratory therapists at Breatheeasycpap.com are sure of it. Here are a few questions that will help you choose the perfect fitting mask.
What’s Your Prescribed CPAP Pressure Setting?
When your doctor first gave you the prescription for a CPAP machine, they will have given you a pressure level that you’ll use to set your machine. This pressure describes the amount of forced air needed to keep your airway from closing at night.
If you’re pressure level is above 12cm H20, you’ll probably want to opt out of using a nasal pillow set up. If they’re above 14, even a nasal mask might not be enough. When used with high pressures, you might experience air leaks or have difficulties keeping your mask from becoming disconnected. For pressures above 14, a full face mask is preferable.
Do You Have Facial Hair?
If you have a beard, you may have a difficult time getting a nice seal without air leaks. A nasal mask or nasal pillow will likely be a better option.
Are You an Active Sleeper?
For the nighttime mover and shaker, you’ll likely struggle finding a sleep apnea mask that doesn’t disconnect with frequent movement. Most sleep experts suggest the use of nasal pillows for sleep apnea sufferers who toss and turn during the night. We suggest checking out The Mirage Swift II, it’s one of the bestselling nasal pillows on the market. The Fisher and Paykel Pilairo Q is another great mask and has some of the highest customer ratings.
Are You a Mouth Breather?
According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, there are so many CPAP users who breath through their mouths that some doctors prescribe full face masks to all of their patients. However, the full face masks cause some sleep apnea sufferers to feel claustrophobic, and they simply cannot tolerate the feeling of being confined. In these circumstances, a comfortable cloth chin strap can be used along with a nasal mask or nasal pillows. This accessory keeps your mouth from falling open during the night, forcing you to breath through your nose.
What Does Your Insurance Cover?
Many insurance providers, including Medicare, will replace your sleep apnea mask every three months. This means that if you end up unhappy with your first choice, you can bear with it for a few months and then move on to a different mask style. If you’re looking for the best place to shop for your next sleep apnea mask, Breatheeasycpap.com has plenty of excellent, high quality choices. Whether you’re shopping for price or comfort, their online CPAP supply store has an experienced team of health care professionals ready to help you make the right choice.
