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What Is The Best Mask To Use For Sleep Apnea?
By administrator | July 19, 2009
I understand their are newer versions of sleep masks to use for sleep apnea suffers. Any information
Topics: Sleep/snoring | 6 Comments »
July 8th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
I think the best mask for you would depend on what you can tolerate having on your face.
There are 3 different types of masks for CPAP’s: Full face masks, nasal masks and nasal pillows.
In my opinion the best full face mask out there is a Resmed Ultra Mirage, or a Resmed Mirage Quattro. The reason I feel that they are the best if because of the ease of removal. They have clips in the front of the mask versus some of the other brands that just use a ball and hook closure method. Full face masks are great if you don’t have facial hair, and you sleep with your mouth open (which CPAP doesn’t always alleviate), or if you have frequent sinus problems that keep your nose clogged. The down side to them is that if you toss and turn a lot they are hard to keep a seal with. If you are claustrophobic at all- then you wouldn’t like a full face mask.
Nasal masks are good for patients who want a mask that isn’t nearly as much a hassle as full face masks. They don’t cover as much of your face, and you can use them with a chin strap if you have a problem keeping your mouth closed. There are several good ones, but my favorite would have to be a Comfortgel. The ring that touches your face is made of gel, and according to my patients is comfortable. The down side is that that gel breaks down pretty quickly, and the mask needs to be replaced about every 6 months. A good alternative is a Comfort Fusion. The ring is made out of silicone, and can be replaced without having to get a whole new mask.
The hottest item available now is called a nasal pillow. There are several brands out there, but my favorite (and the favorite of my patients) is called an Optilife Nasal Pillow. This mask has 2 small straps that come down the side of your face, a built in chin strap, and small pillows that fit inside your nose. It’s lightweight, great if you toss and turn- and doesn’t cover much of your face at all. Another couple of nasal pillows that are out there- and are worthless- are the Resmed “Swift” nasal pillows, and the Breeze Sleep Gear. Don’t waste your time on those!
There are some new forms of masks out there as well. One is called a Resmed Mirage Liberty. It has nasal pillows, and a mask that covers your mouth all in one piece. I’m not really fond of them, but I do know that they are available.
Whatever you decide on, make sure that it’s comfortable. If you don’t like your mask you won’t use your machine, and there are lots of options available through most DME companies. I would ask to speak to one of their Respiratory Therapists since the RT’s will know the most about your choices. Good luck to you!
July 8th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
I use a Resmed Activa that goes over only my nose, not my mouth. I have a beard and mustache, and this is the best mask for sealing people who are hard to fit. I also love my Resmed machine. It is super quiet, and I can set it to “ramp up” the pressure very smoothly if I want to.
My Activa mask is excellent. I have no idea why anyone would put up with a mask they hate. I feel far better when I use CPAP, and I use it almost eight hours every day. If you don’t comply with treatment, you are exposing yourself to serious risk of heart disease. Your heart will have to pump like crazy when you stop breathing, in an attempt to get the carbon dioxide out of your body and to get oxygen into your body. If you keep doing this to your heart, it is almost certain to cause at least some degree of heart failure over time.
Avoid the hassles of feeling drowsy and fatigued all the darn time. Get a CPAP mask that you like, and you’ll be willing to comply with the treatment. There are too many options to settle for a mask that is uncomfortable. I also have a mask that is just a “nasal pillow” arrangement. It goes only under my nostrils. It works, but even though it is very small and simple I really don’t like it. I use the Activa every night. I even put it on if a take a nap during the day.
EDIT: I have unusually good health insurance, and I realize I am very blessed in this regard. My insurance pays for two new masks per year. I get a new mask when my doctor mentions it, and I get yelled at by my respiratory therapist if it has been more than six months. I wonder if she works on commission. My point only is that I have used a mask for over a year before it started to lose flexibility so badly that it really didn’t seal anymore. If you have a hard time paying for new masks, I think it is OK to use your mask as long as you want to, so long as it is not leaking. If it tears, or just won’t seal, then you’ll have to get a new one. If I had to pay the full cost of my masks I would not buy two per year. I’d use them until they are totally worn out.
July 8th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
ask your doctor. they aren’t comfortable to wear but if you don’t wear it it’ll weaken your heart. your spouse wont like it but if they love you, they’ll learn to live with it and so will you. it’s majorly important to talk to your doctor cuz he deals with this all the time, especially cardiologists?
July 8th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
My husband has sleep apnea. He uses a ResMed Ultra Mirage Full Face Mask which works great for him. If you need further information regarding this mask, log onto http://www.resmed.com.
I hope this infomation helps you.
July 8th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
Arabian Goggles
July 8th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
ask your DME rep. you will need one that fits your machine, so always go to the pros.