CPAP Mask: Four Steps to Ensure a Proper Fit

One of the key points to choosing the Best CPAP Mask for you is making sure you have a proper fit. No matter which mask you want to choose if it does not fit then you will be uncomfortable and less likely to continue using it. We have provided 4 steps to help guide you toward a perfect fit because a CPAP Mask that fits correctly and comfortably is the key to achieving CPAP compliance. One of the best reasons for ordering on-line is that it allows you to test the mask in your environment to insure a proper fit.

When purchasing from an on-line supplier you need to be sure that supplier offers Mask Insurance or Mask Assurance. These policies allow you to exchange a mask within 30 days of purchase for a different size or style. Be aware that Mask Insurance comes with a minimal cost around $20.00 while most Mask Assurance is Free! Without these policies you will not be able to return the mask once it has been removed from its packaging. That is why you must make sure you are working with a supplier that offers Mask Insurance or Mask Assurance. Your responsibility is to ask questions and protect your rights as a purchaser.

The reason you want a mask to fit is simple. If a mask is too big it will no doubt leak that could cause skin irritation or sleep interruption. You may find yourself tightening headgear to try to correct the leak and that could result in red marks or added pressure to your face which again can lead to discomfort and lack of compliance in wearing the mask. If a mask is too small it could potentially leak but more importantly it won't feel comfortable and you will be less likely willing to continue wearing it. Therefore, when fitting your mask, there are four important steps to follow.

1. You will need to place mask on your area of face it was designed to fit.

a. Nasal styles include: Nasal, Nasal Pillow or Nasal Prong style of masks fit them around the nose area.

b. Full face or hybrid, fit it on the mouth and nose.

c. Oral fit on mouth only.

d. Total Face fit around face just in front of hairline and below the bottom lip.

The suction of the mask should not have any spaces or holes to ensure that no leakage happens during therapy. The mask should feel loose on the face not so much that it feels like it will fall off but there should not be any pressure on or around the designated areas.

2. Fit your headgear for the security of your mask. If there are straps on the forehead, adjust them and test whether you like the feel of the straps or not. The straps should feel comfortable not tight or added pressure to your face. Try moving your head to ensure the mask stays in place and does not feel too loose on your face.

3. Fit the last area with the hose that is attached from the machine to your mask. To ensure that you have the best comfortable mask fit be sure to attach the tube and headgear and turn machine on so that you get the exact feel of how the system is going to work. If you feel any leaks, turn off the machine, try adjusting your mask or repositioning the mask and turn on the machine. If you still feel leaks contact your supplier.

4. Lastly, be sure to lay down in common sleeping positions with machine on to check for leaks. Ordering on-line is not only convenient but allows you to try the product in your personal environment so be sure to test your mask just like you will be using it. Store locations allow you to try the mask on while sitting. This can lead to a misleading fit. Think about it you need to test your new mask in your environment to ensure you have a proper fit.

A proper fitting mask ensures the best and most efficient CPAP therapy to your health so educating yourself to achieving that proper fit is your best assurance you will succeed.

Stephanie Beck, creator of http://www.cpapmaskreview.com, where you can receive a FREE 34 page report packed with valuable tips, definitions, charts, solutions and more to finding the best CPAP Mask for you.

CPAP Mask Review - Mirage Kidsta Nasal Mask

Sleep apnea in children is something that all parents should be aware of. Some of its symptoms are snoring, difficulty concentrating during the day, too tired to play with friends, bedwetting and periods of not breathing while they sleep.

One treatment for sleep apnea is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and it is available for children as well as adults. Resmed Corporation makes a childrens CPAP mask called the Mirage Kidsta Nasal Mask.

This mask is for children seven years and older or those who weigh at least 40 pounds. It is designed to provide a stable, effective air seal with minimum headgear tension. This will ensure that the mask system does not hinder facial growth when it is necessary to use it long term.

The Mirage Kidsta Nasal Mask has some small parts and could be a choking risk, if not monitored properly. Oxygen can be integrated into the mask when necessary.

The mask comes with simple cleaning instructions. It only needs to be hand washed everyday in warm, soapy water. Rinse it well and air dry. That's all there is to it. The headgear should be washed, too, but only once a week.

There is a booklet included that is geared towards children, with instructions about the mask and explanations regarding their sleep disorder. A diary is recommended to help you and your child keep track of how well they are progressing.

It is important to get your child involved in their CPAP therapy. Take notes of your childs questions and any comments they make about their new CPAP mask.

Increase your comfort level with a CPAP pillow. Visit http://www.cpap-pillow.org to read about CPAP pillow options.

Benefits of CPAP Nasal Pillows

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, your physician will prescribe medical interventions like the use of the continuous positive airway pressure device. With a CPAP machine, you will be receiving a stream of compressed air at a steady and constant pressure from the hose to the nasal pillow, nose mask or full-face mask.

And herein lies the differences between the three. There are advantages and disadvantages for each one but for most people the best is the CPAP nasal pillows. In Toronto, in fact, it remains one of the bestselling products for CPAP. Here are the reasons why.

Full Benefits, Almost Full Liberty

The manufacturers of the CPAP nasal pillows, in Toronto and everywhere in the country, have designed them to stay attached only to the nostrils. You will, however, still secure the same full benefits of any other CPAP device but with more liberty to move around in your sleep (i.e., change positions) without the encumbrances of a full-face mask.

Furthermore, you will enjoy the liberty of not having the full-face mask hinder your activities in the nighttime like:

Read books and watch television shows even with the CPAP nasal pillows. In Toronto and anywhere else you might be staying for the night, this feature brings back a sense of normalcy to your life that has been adversely affected by sleep apnea. (With CPAP nasal pillows, your vision is not as obstructed as in full-face masks)

Talk with your partner because your voice is not muffled by any full-face mask. Since the CPAP nasal pillow only attaches to your nostrils, you are at more liberty to talk without repeating the same things twice.

Now, you can travel outside of Toronto with your family and friends, colleagues and officemates without too much ado about looking like a creature straight out of Star Wars! And if you have claustrophobia, the best remedy is often the CPAP nasal pillows. In Toronto, you can ask your physician for this type of CPAP device at the onset to avoid paying for the full-face mask and then replacing it almost immediately. Your insurance company may not pay for the sudden replacement.

Physical Comfort

With ill-fitting full-face masks, you are more exposed to getting skin irritations like painful pressure points. Also, full-face masks can leak and release air into the eyes, which causes them to become dry and teary. These are just few of the physical discomforts you might have with full-face masks.

On the other hand, CPAP nasal pillows only fit over your nose, which makes for lesser chances of skin irritations, like the ones abovementioned. And with the variety of sizes, models and cushion types in silicone, plastic and gel as well as in being lightweight, your first option in the medical treatment of sleep apnea should be CPAP nasal pillows. In Toronto, this could also mean lesser costs for you!

Thus, when it comes to CPAP, look into the CPAP nasal pillows first for the best option there is!

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Toronto, Ontario, Canada

M6B 4H6

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The CPAP Machine and Your Heart

If you are one of those people who take sleep apnea for granted, be warned. When the body undergoes frequent episodes of oxygen deprivation during sleep, the likelihood of risking your heart's health is high. Avert this dread disaster with use of the CPAP machine in conjunction with the CPAP face or nasal mask. Here's why.

How a CPAP Machine Cares for Your Heart

What happens if you do not get enough oxygen when sleeping? That is a question doctors have answered. According to recent Ohio University State Medical Center, oxygen deprivation has shown to affect the heart. It was observed that patients who test positive for sleep apnea usually have enlarged hearts but after sleep apnea treatment with the use of the CPAP machine, their hearts showed a significant size reduction.

It is a fact that sleep apnea causes high blood pressure, stroke, and lead to diabetes if left untreated. The findings at the Ohio State University Medical Center also confirm previous findings that sleep apnea can worsen existing heart conditions. However the good doctors of the Ohio University State Medical Center aren't sure if the reduction of the enlarged heart is due to the use of sleep apnea machine.

Well, it could be safe to surmise that a good rest and adequate and continuous supply of oxygen during sleep makes the body feel better. When the tissues of body organs are well-oxygenated, they produce healthy cells to replace lost cells. This explains why exercising regularly is recommended.

How does the CPAP machine fit into the scheme of things? The machine produces pressurized air that continuously passes through the tubing attached to the face mask. The air is directed towards the nose constantly ensuring adequate supply of air to the air passageways and into the heart, lungs, and other vital organs that need oxygen.

Choosing the CPAP Machine

Selecting a sleep apnea machine is not much of an issue. It is important though that you get one that provides good airflow pressure for your type of sleep apnea. The hose should be flexible and the mask should be comfortable enough. The entire treatment package contains all of these so check each item carefully.

The interface or the mask, should feel comfortable on your face. There are at least for now, three types of CPAP masks available. You can test the full face mask, nasal mask, and nasal pillow. However, just because everybody is saying that the full face mask is uncomfortable or a nasal pillow mask seems barely there at all, check it out. Try it on to be able note the differences and their separate pros and cons.

Do not rush. Since sleep apnea machines and masks come in one kit, you can test each model at home by renting the kit. Testing the CPAP machine at home gives you more flexibility when making a choice about your purchase. Of course, none of the interface or masks are 100 percent comfortable; you have been sleeping all those years without a gadget glued to your face so you might feel a tickle here, discomfort on the pressure points of your face, or discover you develop allergies to the materials used.

If you suspect you have sleep apnea seek medical evaluation immediately because your heart is at stake. That CPA machine can save your poor heart.

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Contact: 1-877-430-CPAP(2727) or info@CPAPClinic.ca

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Tips for Eliminating CPAP Discomfort and Common Problems

There are many instances when new CPAP machine and mask users complain about certain feelings of discomfort that they encounter every now and then as they use their machines and their mask. Due to the new sensation of having these devices worn on the face and the pressure of the air up the nose, these feelings become problematic. However, when prescribed with CPAP use, it is essential to understand the fact that the use of these masks are pretty much a requirement in every sleeping time, whether it be a long night's sleep or just a nap.

There are many forms of discomfort that new users are experiencing every now and then. From the actual use, to the fitting up to the feeling they get when the air is pushed up the nose, there are a lot of issues that need to be dealt with and understood by many new users. Here are some tips to solve the most common CPAP problems out there:

(1) Poor Mask Fitting

One of the most common problems is with the mask. This is due to the fact that this is the part of the machine which makes direct contact with the CPAP user. There are many kinds of CPAP masks and they are classified into three. The most common is the Full Face Mask, then there's the Nasal Mask and the Pillow Mask. Each is designed to cater to the comfort needs of many different people. The straps are also adjustable as well as customizable. There are many options to choose from. Fit your mask accordingly and adjust them if needed.

(2)Runny Nose

Due to the nature of the machine, that is, using air pressure up the nasal cavity in order to aid in achieving a regular breathing rate, many complain about getting runny nose as they use the mask and the machine. Many attest to the effectiveness of heated humidifiers when it comes to eliminating this problem. Try using a heated humidifier instead of the normal one and see how it works out for you.

(3)Machine Noise

While the machines may already be pretty silent, some people are still bothered by the very little noise that it makes. One of the most common techniques to avert this is to place the machine under your bed or in a nearby drawer that could drown the noise easily.

Make yourself comfortable with your machine in order to maximize the benefits that it brings forth.

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Explore The Fine Variety Of Resmed CPAP Mask

When you buy Resmed CPAP Mask, you will certainly be amazed by their fine variety. You can choose from variable product ranges which are made exclusively for both men and women. All the masks have utility features and have a perfect mechanism to counter respiratory sleep disorders. They are also affordable and can be bought from medical stores and online.

There are different varieties of Resmed CPAP Mask which are available in the market. They come with a variety of features and have multiple utility to tackle sleep disorder. The Resmed brand is also internationally recognized and provides the consumers with excellent utility as far as facial masks are concerned. These masks undergo comprehensive research before their production and are well equipped to tackle the tackle the problem of sleep disorder.

When you are exploring the variety of Resmed CPAP Mask, you can find different classifications like nasal pillows, non vented masks, vented masks, full face and even hospital. Each of the product range have specialized names so that you can easily recognize them as a consumer.

Some of the Resmed CPAP Mask are exclusively designed for women as their biological and physical pattern are different from men. In the category of nasal pillows which is one of the popular product range, you can go for the Swift FX which has been especially made for all you out there. If you are a woman and have been suffering from the symptoms, this nasal pillow can provide you with the desired comfort.

You may just experience extensive respiratory disorder during the tenure of your sleep, but this fine Resmed CPAP Mask can reduce it to a great degree. The pillow mask comes in a variety of colors like black, blue or gray which makes them look attractive indeed.

While scouting for Resmed CPAP Mask, you can also take your pick from the vented ones which are available in the market. Among these the Mirage Activa can be one of the premier choices which you can go for. When you experience nasal and respiratory related disorders, you tend to witness pressure changes within your nose. This gets reduced when you put on this mask. They also come in a variety of small sizes and fit you appropriately as an user. The masks are also extremely lightweight and do not provide you with any sort of discomfort at all.

When you are looking for the variety of Resmed CPAP mask, you can also for the full face options which are extremely beneficial. The mask is very helpful as it provides you with easy fitting applications. The mask is also well sealed from all directions which prevents the entrance of dusts. You also get a utility headgear along with the mask. The masks are also affordable and available to be bought online.

Learn more about Respironics CPAP masks.

BiPAP Machines and CPAP Machines - Find Which One is More Comfortable

BiPAP and CPAP Machines are medical device designed to fight the effects and risks of sleep apnea. BiPAP Machines stands for Bi-level Positive Air Pressure Machines, where as CPAP Machines stands for Constant Positive Airway Pressure Machines.

BiPAP machines are more suitable for treating obstructive sleep apnea as it contains a more sophisticated compressor than CPAP Machines, enabling them to provide two levels of air pressure to the patient while they are sleeping. Many patients find this to be more comfortable than the constant pressure provided by CPAP machines.

To make you better understand CPAP Machines provides one constant pressure to the patient where as BiPAP Machines provides two levels of pressure: one for inhalation and a lower pressure during exhalation.

Both are the electric device containing a compressor connected to a long tube and a nasal mask (or nasal pillows) which are worn by the patient during the sleep. The machine delivers air with a predetermined amount of pressure to the patient's airway through a nasal mask keeping the airway open and free of obstructions while the patient is sleeping which allows sufficient amount of air to enter the lungs and preventing apnea.

Although both BiPAP Machines and CPAP Machines are proved helpful, it should not be forgotten that it is a palliative measure, not a permanent cure. Though undoubtedly it is an effective treatment for treating snoring and sleep apnea, but we cannot always rely on machines. Also before purchasing the machine must consult your doctor about what features you will require for your unique sleep apnea.

Supplier of CPAP machines, CPAP Masks, headgear, humidifiers and other BiPAP CPAP Equipments from Respironics, ResMed, Invacare, EVO, Puritian Bennet, Fisher Paykel. Call Toll-free: 1-877-501-2111 & get the best quote.