If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you are probably using a CPAP machine to treat it. CPAP therapy is the most common way to treat sleep apnea because it can be very effective. However, there are some critical factors to consider that allow CPAP therapy to work for you. One of those factors is getting the proper CPAP mask. There are a few types of CPAP masks, and it is essential that you choose the one that works best for you. The right mask is vital to your CPAP therapy. Learn more about the types of masks below and how to choose the right one.
Type of CPAP Masks
There are three different types of CPAP masks, and you have to choose the one that functions best for you.
- Nasal Mask – A nasal CPAP mask covers the nose to the upper lip area. It delivers an indirect airflow through the nasal cavity. This mask is good for people who use higher pressure settings on their CPAP machine. The nasal mask is less bulky than the full-face mask, but it is slightly larger than the nasal pillow mask. The nasal mask is ideal for people who move around in their sleep a lot and for those who prefer a more natural airflow.
- Nasal Pillows – This type of CPAP mask is the most lightweight and compact option. Nasal pillows have minimal contact with the face making them an excellent choice for people who breathe through their nose and experience claustrophobia with a larger mask. However, because the nasal pillows are so lightweight, they are not as effective with high-pressure settings. If you have low to medium pressure, the nasal pillows could work great for you.
- Full Face Mask – The last option for your CPAP mask is a full-face mask. This option covers both the mouth and nose. This mask option is ideal for people who breathe mostly through their mouth. It is also appropriate for people that need a high-pressure CPAP setting and for those that sleep on their back and don’t move around a lot.
As you can see, there are various options when it comes to CPAP masks, and your doctor can help you determine which mask is right for you. Your doctor will also help make sure your CPAP mask is fitted correctly so that it can function at peak efficiency. Finding the right CPAP mask for you doesn’t have to be a challenge as long as you consult a professional. They will help you to get the proper mask and treat your sleep apnea.
Cleaning Your CPAP Mask and Machine with VirtuCLEAN
Whatever type of CPAP mask works best for you, you need to be sure to keep your mask and your machine clean. If your CPAP machine and mask don’t stay clean, they can collect germs and bacteria that can be harmful to you, and make you sick. You can get a sore throat, airway irritation, a runny nose, and more from a dirty CPAP machine, so it is essential to keep your machine clean.
You can clean your CPAP machine with soap and water, or you can clean it with vinegar. However, there is an easier way to clean your CPAP machine. A CPAP cleaning device will clean your CPAP machine for you, and it will do a great job. The VirtuCLEAN CPAP cleaning device cleans your CPAP machine in just 30 minutes and gets rid of 99.9% of germs and bacteria.
How does VirtuCLEAN work? All you have to do is hook up the VirtuCLEAN machine to your CPAP tubing, place your mask in the VirtuCLEAN bag, and turn on the VirtuCLEAN device. The device does all the work of cleaning your CPAP mask and machine for you. VirtuCLEAN uses ozone to kill off the germs and bacteria that grow in your CPAP machine so that you don’t have to worry about them causing illness.
Getting a CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea can seem like a daunting task. You have to find the mask that fits perfectly and works for you, and you have to get used to using your CPAP machine on a nightly basis. You also have to clean and maintain your CPAP machine. It can seem overwhelming, but if you take it one step at a time, you can treat your sleep apnea and feel better in no time. You can also get a CPAP cleaning device to make it faster and easier to clean your CPAP machine.