Using CPAP Masks to Treat Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder during which breathing will stop and start repeatedly throughout the sleep cycle. An individual suffering from this will experience multiple pauses in breathing throughout the night as the airway is either collapsed or completely blocked for a period of time. An estimated 12 million Americans suffer from this condition, although many remain undiagnosed.

Sleep apnea can cause a wide variety of medical problems including daytime fatigue, memory problems, headaches, and depression. In addition, there is a risk for more serious complications such as cardiovascular problems including high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. This condition also greatly increases a person’s risk for stroke, as well as being a contributing factor in car accidents due to the fatigue experienced by sufferers.

Once diagnosed, there are a few treatments used to relieve the symptoms of sleep apnea. The most common treatment is the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask. These work by gently blowing pressurized air continuously through the airway. The air pressure that is used is enough to keep the throat open, thereby preventing the collapse or closing of the airway which causes the breathing pauses. The CPAP mask generally fits over the mouth and nose, although there are some models which are designed to fit only over the nose. The type of mask prescribed depends upon the severity of the symptoms being experienced. Some people may need to try several models before finding the one that works best for them.

The CPAP mask has been shown to be extremely effective at treating the symptoms of sleep apnea; however, it often requires an adjustment period. Some individuals do find it uncomfortable, especially in the beginning. There are some adjustments which can be made to the mask, including adjusting the tension of the straps to provide a more comfortable fit.

There have been some side effects reported in individuals using CPAP masks. These include nasal dryness, as well as skin irritation from the mask itself. Many of these side effects can be mitigated by using a humidifier along with the CPAP mask. The addition of moisture to the pressurized air will help alleviate the symptoms resulting from the dryness of the pressurized air.

There are many different types of CPAP masks available today, allowing most individuals to find one that is comfortable. The benefits received from the use of the mask are generally felt almost immediately, with most people reporting a decrease in daytime fatigue after only a few days of use.