CPAP MASK

Those who suffer from sleep apnea are most optimally treated by utilizing a CPAP machine for therapy.  While finding the machine you like best is one challenge, the biggest one could be finding a mask you like.  If you are using a nasal mask and still feel that you are not getting the restful sleep you should, maybe you could benefit from a full face mask.

Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine if you need a full face mask:

1.  Do you awaken in the mornings with a dry mouth or a sore throat?

2.  Are you a mouth breather, rather than one who breathes through your nose?

3.  Do you have allergies?

4.  Do you have hay fever?

5.  Is your nose stopped up during certain seasons?

6.  Has your nose ever been broken?

7.  Have you had nasal surgery?

8.  Do you have a deviated septum, which is when the wall dividing your two nasal cavities leans to one side or the other?

9.  Do you use a nasal CPAP mask at this time?  If so, do you still snore?

10.  If you are currently using a CPAP nasal mask, do you use a chinstrap with it?

Answering yes to one or more of these questions can indicate that you are having a loss of air from your mouth while being on CPAP therapy.  Not only can it be uncomfortable, it can keep you from getting the benefit you should from your CPAP machine.

If this is the case for you, a full face mask might be the answer.  There are many available by such manufacturers as Resmed, Respironics and Fischer Paykel.  These masks may be more expensive than a nasal mask, but well worth the investment to get the therapy you need.

There are many people who find that they need to use a full face mask all the time when they sleep with their CPAP machines.  If you have seasonal allergies or only breathe through your mouth when you have a cold, you may only need a full face mask occasionally.