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Finding A Comfortable CPAP Mask
Problems with mask fit often lead to patients stopping CPAP therapy. A diagnosis of Sleep Apnea will usually end up in a CPAP titration and a prescription for a CPAP machine. Finding the most comfortable CPAP mask can be a daunting task. 60% of all patients prescribed CPAP stop CPAP therapy entirely due to problems related to mask fit is sited as a primary reason.
The inappropriate size or style of mask is a regular problem with CPAP. Masks may be the full face covering the mouth and nose with tie-on over various areas of the face. These make the majority of patients feel claustrophobic. Other masks have nasal pillows that under and into your nose but still require straps to hold them in place. Masks come in various sizes that vary by manufacturer and mask style. Most CPAP masks are customizable.
The choice of a mask is essential to CPAP compliance. 60% of patients stop CPAP, and many forgo treatment altogether. It is crucial to treat sleep apnea. CPAP is the most effective treatment available, but inadequate compliance has always been a problem.
Patients who are overly obese should usually be prescribed with CPAP as a first choice because they frequently disappoint in other therapies such as oral appliances. Even the morbidly obese are better off with selective treatment with an oral appliance than with no treatment.
The reason for such a wide variety of masks is due to the wide array of issues patients have with their masks. There is an enormous variety of comfortable machines, masks, hoses humidifiers, and other equipment to increase the comfort of CPAP treatment.
Regardless of all these choices, a recent study showed 60% of patients stop CPAP treatment and that patients that utilize their CPAP average only 4-5 hours a day, not the recommended 7-8 hours of use. About 1 in four patients have no hustle adapting to CPAP and love it from the initiation of treatment. A smaller group of patients try to comply with CPAP, mostly not wearing the CPAP long enough to be therapeutic. 60% quit CPAP and need alternate treatment.
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Oral Appliances and Dental Sleep remedies are a first-choice treatment alternative to CPAP. Surgery is not viewed as a first-line treatment of sleep apnea but can be very eventful. Patients should usually shun surgery to the soft palate that has been shown ineffective in finishing sleep apnea, very painful, and carrying a high risk of morbidity.
Oral Appliances are considered a first selection treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea and alternative therapy for extreme apnea when CPAP is not desired or tolerated.
Issues from masks include air leaks that can cause dry eyes, acne from the mask, facial ulcers, and sore from the masks, facial indentations, or distortions. By finding a CPAP repair shop Near you can continue Progressively with treatment.