Choosing the Most Comfortable CPAP Masks for Sleep Apnea

Individuals affected by sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing is temporarily suspended or disturbed while sleeping, are often prescribed the use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) masks to facilitate even breathing while asleep. CPAP masks are an essential part of therapy to solve the breathing problems and sleep disturbances common to those with sleep apnea. Because there are so many different types of CPAP accessories available in today's marketplace, it is an important investment of the sleep apnea sufferer's time and energy to find out what qualities to look for in order to get a mask that is comfortable and fits well.

The most common CPAP masks are those which are triangular in shape and fit primarily over the sleeper's nose and mouth, using straps that fit around the head and possibly a third strap to fit under the chin. Oral masks are those designed to fit over an individual's mouth with plugs to block breathing through the nostrils. The nasal pillow mask can be inserted directly into the nostril, allowing the sleeper to turn and sleep on his side without dislodging the mask. Hybrid pillow masks are unique designs that combine certain features of the triangle, oral and nasal pillow masks to be accommodate the comfort of the user.

When choosing the most comfortable CPAP masks, the straps should fit comfortably around the head, chin and face. Straps that are too loose can cause air leakage and straps that are too tight can make sleeping uncomfortable. The mask should fit snugly around the nose and mouth of the user for a good fit and a complete seal without pinching, pulling or causing red marks on the sleeper's head or face.

Because CPAP masks must be worn nightly in order to be effective at correcting the sleep apnea problem, it is important for the user to select a mask that fits comfortably and has a tight seal. If there is not a proper fit over the nose and mouth of the sleeper, the mask will not perform efficiently at keeping the sleeper's air passages open and unblocked for easy breathing. Also, since CPAP machines must be used for anywhere between 6 and 10 hours each night while asleep, the fit should be as comfortable as possible, even if that means investing a bit more on a mask that has padded straps and uses soft quality material that won't irritate or cut into the skin, leaving unsightly marks the next morning.

Author is a freelance writer. For more information on CPAP masks please visit http://cpapplus.com