When it comes to treating obstructive sleep apnea, many people focus on their CPAP machine. It is impossible to discount the benefits of a top-notch CPAP machine. By providing pressurized air constantly throughout the night, it may stop your airways from closing, preventing nightly sleep disruptions. But just as important to it as the mask is the CPAP machine you use with it.
To pick the ideal CPAP machine for your needs, you must consider a number of important factors. There is no one approach that works for everyone; ultimately, the perfect mask depends on your preferences. Finding the right fit might help you prevent air leaks and other issues that could lessen the effectiveness of your treatment.
Understanding the Different Types of CPAP Machines
There are three primary types of cpap machines used to treat sleep apnea:
Full-face machine covers the mouth and nostrils. Despite being the biggest machine, they should be used by those who breathe through their lips while they sleep. More simple designs have lately been created to reduce the feeling of claustrophobia or vision impairment when using these machines.
Nasal CPAP machines are the most common kind. These are little, triangular devices that fit over the nose and are held in place by a number of straps and cushions. The best candidates for these devices are individuals who breathe via their nose while sleeping with their lips closed.
Nasal pillow devices are the tiniest sort of machinery. The nasal pillows are positioned within the nostrils. Due to their little size, they are a popular choice for those who may feel claustrophobic while wearing a larger mask. Furthermore, it is believed that those with narrow nose bridges or other facial characteristics that may render a nasal mask or full-face mask leaky are good candidates for them.
Sleep Position
The kind of mask that will work best for you may be greatly influenced by your sleeping position. The mask may press uncomfortable on your face or cause air leaks depending on how you sleep.
For side sleepers, nose cushions and nasal machines are often advised. The seal is unaffected by how your head is resting on the nasal cushion. Users of larger nose machines should choose a soft, adjustable headpiece rather than a hard plastic one to achieve a high-quality seal.
Despite having a higher risk of sleep apnea occurrences, those who sleep on their backs may still pick any kind of mask. Full face masks, nose masks, and nasal pillows all work well and are unlikely to dislodge during this sleeping position.
It’s unusual to sleep on one’s stomach and using a CPAP machine while doing so may be difficult. A nasal pillow is often the best option for stomach sleepers since it won’t put as much strain on your face and neck and is less likely to get dislodged. If you want to use another mask, you may need to buy a different cushion.
Another consideration is whether or not you roll over when you sleep. Make sure the mask will function properly even if you shift around and change positions during the course of the night. It is often suggested to use a mask with tubes that go up or over the top of the head in these situations.
Size Matters
Along with picking the ideal kind of mask for your needs, you must ensure that your CPAP machine is the right size. Unfortunately, there is no standard machine size in the industry. Some manufacturers provide a variety of sizing choices, while other machines come with a number of different cushion sizes, so you may find the perfect fit for your face.
The measurements that matter most for mask sizing are typically the distance between your eyes, the width of your upper lip, the diameter of your head, the length of your nose’s bridge to its base, and the distance between your eyes.
Many vendors will give you a measuring instrument to help with these measurements and a range of measurements for different mask sizes. The right size will properly fit your face and significantly reduce the likelihood of air leaks and other problems.
Finally, remember that even if the mask is the proper size, you will need to adjust the straps after donning it. The straps should be adjusted so that they are snug but still offer a good seal against your skin.
Selecting the Ideal Fit
Even after taking into consideration everything said above, your new CPAP machine may still give you trouble. Blisters on your face, excessive air leakage, or an uncomfortable fit shouldn’t be tolerated. In fact, these issues can make it impossible for your CPAP machine therapy to work. If you have worries about your mask, speak with your sleep doctor, and try to find a suitable replacement mask together.
The term compliance may have previously come up in conversation with your physician or a rheumatologist. It’s important to use your CPAP machine as directed to be “compliant.” The majority of patients establish a pattern of either compliance or noncompliance during the first week of therapy. “Noncompliance” is when you don’t follow your therapist’s recommendations, such as not wearing your mask often or long enough. Anyone who has attempted to sleep while wearing a mask that forces air into their mouth or nose can confirm that it is not an easy task. Unfortunately, a lot of patients have trouble sticking to their CPAP machine treatment.
It’s not only you that finds it challenging to put on your mask each night. Statistics over the last 20 years show that up to 35% of patients who buy cpap machines for treatments fail to stick to the prescribed schedule. Every night, some individuals utilize their computer for a little period of time, while others stop using it altogether.
People struggle to cooperate for a number of reasons. The pressurized air makes it difficult for them to fall asleep, the mask doesn’t fit properly, or the tubes clog up when they lay on their sides. Many people just stop receiving therapy completely, while others ask for help, try with other equipment, or alter their environment.
If you are a pilot, a professional driver, or have an insurance provider that keeps track of compliance, it can be a major problem. The majority of modern CPAP machines contain sophisticated usage monitoring features. It is also feasible to monitor information precisely and send it automatically to your doctor, insurance company, or employer.
Your ability to keep your job or get insurance coverage for your equipment may suffer greatly if you don’t adhere to treatment recommendations. Naturally, coping with these financial repercussions may be quite stressful when you’re adjusting to therapy. However, many people perceive the serious health effects of noncompliance to be the most worrying.
See also: Easily use your CPAP machine with these compliance tips
