CPAP Masks: Strengths and Weaknesses

The CPAP mask is every sleep apnea sufferer’s Holy Grail. It is the second most important factor in the treatment of sleep apnea, after the CPAP machine. You can’t sleep with something cumbersome on your face, right? But you can sleep to the low hum of machines. That is why CPAP masks should be chosen for a comfortable fit.

Strengths of the CPAP Mask

A huge strength of CPAP masks is their versatility. These are designed for different sizes and are available in different interface configurations to suit the small, medium, and large facial contours and sizes. When trying on the CPAP masks in Toronto shops, it is not enough. You should try them on at home at bedtime to find out if the bridge of the nose is bruised or if your movements are restricted by the CPAP mask; in short, check it out for pluses and minuses.

Here the plus factors of the masks – the newer models are made from soft material and are lightweight. These are cheaper than invasive procedures that guarantee little and work excellently to provide regular air pressure to the upper air passageway to the lungs and thanks to the makers of CPAP; sleep apnea patients don’t have to glue CPAP masks to their faces anymore.

CPAP masks are also portable. Sleep apnea patients can travel anytime and take along their sleek CPAP machines and their mask. These can be slipped into travel bags without fuss. Upon arrival at their destination, they simply plug the device into a power outlet, and they’re ready for the long night ahead. Dealers of CPAP masks in Toronto can provide the travel cases for your CPAP machine and other accessories you might need for your CPAP system.

The Weaknesses

Things can go wrong with your mask. If it does not have a proper fit, it can get dislodged during sleep, preventing the steady supply of pressurized air into the airways. If it is held in place by tight straps, you cannot sleep well. However, this is a minor problem; dealers of CPAP in Toronto can show you different straps with Velcro instead of straps with bulky buckles.

A CPAP mask must be comfortable in whatever sleeping position you have. You should not have bruises or expect any discomfort. Do not go for the line to ‘expect some discomfort’ because that’s not the way CPAP should be.

Although CPAP machines and masks can be transported during travels, you need to have a power outlet to make the machine work. Sleeping outdoors shouldn’t be on the travel map of sleep apnea patients, but this is just a minor nuisance.

If you have a full beard, there should not be a problem even if you are going for a full-face mask. That is if you don’t mind the nightly ritual of applying lanolin on your beard before putting on the CPAP. Again, this is a minor nuisance.

Check out the stores selling CPAP masks in Toronto and ask for a trial before making that important investment. Once bought, you cannot return your mask or your machine. Live with the pluses of your CPAP mask, not its minuses and you will be okay.

Different Types of CPAP Masks

To read about the different kinds of CPAP Masks, click here: