By CPAP masks for side sleepers must have a proper fit to ensure proper delivery of air. Suitable CPAP masks for side sleepers have, of necessity, to meet different sleeping conditions from the regular CPAP masks in order to maintain the air seal while you move in bed and possibly bump or press against the bedding.
Continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP is a treatment method that keeps the airways of a person open using mild air pressure. It is used by people who have breathing problems like sleep apnea. It is also used to treat pre-term infants whose lungs are not fully developed and have respiratory distress syndrome. There are three main parts to a CPAP machine. These are the mask, the tube that connects the mask to the motor and the motor that produces the air. Some machines have additional features like heated humidifiers, etc. The CPAP machines are compact, lightweight machines that operate softly.
CPAP Masks Help Snoring And Sleep Apnea
CPAP is also helpful in correcting snoring so that others in the household can sleep well, improving the quality of sleep, relieving symptoms of sleep apnea like daytime sleepiness and preventing high blood pressure. Those who use CPAP report that they are feeling better immediately after the treatment is started. There are varied types of CPAP machines and masks.
CPAP Masks For Side Sleepers Must Fit Properly
It is important to buy the right kind of best CPAP mask for side sleepers who have decided to use CPAP as the treatment for sleep apnea. It is extremely difficult to use the standard masks if you’re used to sleeping on your side. This is because hoses may not allow you to lie on your side, hoses may get entangled when turn to the other side, the mask may exert pressure on your face when you lie on your side and cause irritation, air leak may due to buckling of mask when pressed against the pillow, and you may have headaches in the morning due to straps or headgear pressing on to your head.
Lower profile masks that have minimum contact with the pillows are recommended as CPAP masks for side sleepers. Nasal pillow CPAP masks are generally the smallest and have compact interface than nasal cushion masks. Masks made of cloth are also good for side sleepers. As it is made of fabric, it adjusts its profile and will not dig into the person’s face. Pillow shaped masks made specifically for CPAP users who sleep on their sides have cut out sections to accommodate the mask. Such specially made CPAP masks for side sleepers provide the best comfort and security while sleeping on the side as the masks do not make any contact with the pillow. Full-face-mask users will be the ones who will benefit most from such masks. Other types of CPAP masks for side sleepers include gel cushions, bubble cushions, impact absorbing cushions, gel/bubble combination cushions.
If you’ve been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, CPAP therapy is the standard treatment. CPAP therapy involves the use of a positive airway pressure machine with a mask during sleep. This machine is very effective in maintaining airflow and minimizing pauses in breathing while you sleep. People who suffer from apnea frequently stop using a CPAP machine because the constant flow of air can be uncomfortable when exhaling. Because of this many patients will look for CPAP alternatives in order to find a more comfortable treatment for their sleep apnea.
When it comes to using a PAP machine, one of the biggest challenges has been the compliance of treatment. Often, a patient becomes uncomfortable when using the machine, especially during the initial week of treatment and this type of reluctance typically leads to inconsistent use, or they’ll cease using the machine altogether.
Studies have shown that some patients can use CPAP alternatives that will work just as effectively. Patients have experienced positive results using oral appliance therapy. This type of treatment involves the use of a custom fit mouthpiece that’s placed in the mouth during sleep and is designed to slightly pull the jaw forward, in order to prevent the airway from becoming blocked during sleep.
Patients will need to have a mold created for their mouthpiece, in order to get the best fit. These devices are also considerable cheaper than CPAP, VPAP or BIPAP machines and require little maintenance.
Both types of therapy can result in the significant improvement in a patient’s quality of sleep, in addition to their levels of daytime fatigue. Both of these treatments are also effective in reducing the frequency of interrupted breathing during the night, but physicians have found that CPAP therapy is still the best and most effective treatment option. Typically, for patients who are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, the physician will first prescribe CPAP therapy.
Most physicians will agree that mandibular appliance therapy is more effective in patients who are diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Other CPAP alternatives will include positional therapy. This type of therapy involves tying a sock or other bulky item to the back of the shirt, in order to prevent the patient from sleeping on their back.
Using a sleep apnea pillow can also help. These pillows come in a wedge form and are designed to elevate the head of the patient, which in turn will help to keep their airway open.
Often many of these CPAP alternatives can be used in conjunction, such as sleeping with a sleep apnea pillow while also using an apnea mouthpiece.
Other alternatives will include surgery, which can be more effective than CPAP therapy, but will require several weeks of recovery time. Therefore CPAP mask is a feasible option and you can learn more about it at TheReviewGurus.
