CPAP Mask Reviews

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines are popular health care machines, used for treating patients suffering from sleep apnea. This machine basically consists of two components, one is a electronic assembly, while the other is a mask. Wearing this mask during sleep is quite discomforting and hence, it is necessary that a patient is aware of the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) mask reviews before he/she buys a CPAP machine.

Sleep apnea and CPAP
Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder, where the person may suddenly wake up in the night due to inability to breathe. In these patients, the airway gets narrow due to pressure and the person is unable to breathe for few seconds or minutes. Not just sleep apnea, these machines are also used to treat heart and coronary artery disease patients. However, they are more commonly used for obstructive sleep apnea. Other two types of sleep apnea are central and mixed. The CPAP machine inserts pressure in the airway through the pipe and the mask. This pressure avoids the collapse of the airway and thereby, avoids the sudden breathing problem. Sleep apnea patients need to wear this mask while sleeping. CPAP therapy has helped number of sleep apnea patients.

CPAP Mask Reviews
After knowing the need of CPAP machines for sleep apnea patients, it is necessary to know the products available in the market. Respironics, Resmed, Sleep Net, Fisher and Paykel, Viasys, etc. are some of the leading manufacturers of CPAP machines. They have come up with variety of CPAP masks with different assemblies. ComfortGel, ComfortLite, ComfortFull, ComfortCurve, ComfortSelect and ComfortClassic are some of the popular ranges of CPAP masks produced by Respironics, which is a part of Philips. Many of these masks have headgears and cushions attached to the mask. Before choosing the mask it is necessary to know some benefits and demerits of CPAP masks. Given below is a generalized CPAP mask review of masks produced by different manufacturers.

Benefits of CPAP Mask: A number of patients suffering from sleep apnea have enjoyed the benefits of CPAP machines. Wearing the CPAP mask has helped them to relieve the symptoms of sleep apnea. This mask makes breathing easy and also increases the sleeping quality. Moreover, it also reduces snoring while sleeping. Patients suffering from coronary heart disease have also been benefited with the use of CPAP mask. Other symptoms of sleep apnea like daytime sleepiness, lack of concentration, headaches and fatigue in the morning are also reduced due to wearing of CPAP mask. These masks are available in different forms. Some masks cover both mouth and nose, while some cover just the nose. One can choose the one which will comfort him/her.

Problems with CPAP Mask: As mentioned earlier, this mask creates a lot of discomfort. Since, all of us are used to breathe with open nose and mouth, breathing with any mask will create irritation. It has been observed that every CPAP mask user has different opinions about the mask. Some people have high tolerance towards irritation and discomfort caused due to the mask and hence, they continue with the CPAP therapy. While some people stop the CPAP therapy soon after 2-3 initial days of wearing the mask, just because of the discomfort caused. Sleep interruption and irritation are some of the chief disadvantages of a CPAP mask. Some people become claustrophobic due to the closed mouth and nose. Given below are some of the initial problems caused due to wearing of CPAP mask.

• Headache
• Dry mouth and nose
• Swelling in abdomen
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Face skin and eye irritation
• Nose bleeding

Read more on, CPAP mask problems.

Overcoming CPAP Problems
Though these were some CPAP side effects, overcoming CPAP problems can help one to reduce the side effects. One may find it difficult to adjust with the CPAP mask initially. But practice can easily help one to get used to the CPAP mask. Be patient, try to breathe with the CPAP mask in the daytime. Try this for short interval of times. This will make it easy for you to breathe during sleep. CPAP nasal masks cause less discomfort and hence, are quite popular as compared to the mask that covers both the nose and the mouth. Thus, go for such nasal masks. To avoid the CPAP side effects like dry mouth, nose and stuffy nose, use humidifier.

These were some CPAP mask reviews, that one should know before buying a CPAP machine. Many of the CPAP sellers provide the customers the CPAP masks on rent for trials. You can try different CPAP masks of various manufacturers and find out which one is the best option for you. Your physician can be the best guide to tell you about the CPAP mask reviews. Talk with people who use CPAP masks and discuss with them about the problems of CPAP masks and their solutions. Check out on the Internet and find out the CPAP mask reviews of CPAP masks produced by different manufacturers.