If you have been recently diagnosed with sleep apnea, your doctor may have prescribed CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, to help you to get some much-needed sleep. These highly effective systems deliver a steady stream of air through a mask in order to keep your throat tissues from collapsing as you rest. Unfortunately, if you choose the wrong CPAP mask, you might not tolerate your treatment as well. In fact, one study showed that almost half of sleep apnea patients ditched their masks soon after their sleep study. Here are two things to think about before choosing a CPAP mask, so that you can treat your condition successfully:
1: Your Face Shape
Everyone is different, which is why that one-size-fits-all mask that you used at the sleep clinic might not work for your long-term treatment. Here are three different types of CPAP masks, and which face shape they work best for:
After you find the right type of mask, don't be afraid to try different sizes. Some manufacturers at sites like http://www.cornermedical.com make masks that fit ranges of face heights and widths instead of the typical small, medium, and large sizes. The better your mask fits, the more likely you might be to comply with treatment.
2: Your Sleep Habits
Even the best-fitting sleep mask might not help much if you have certain sleeping habits. Here are a few things that might throw off your therapy, and how the right mask can help:
To choose the right mask, talk with your spouse or roommate about your real-life sleeping habits. As you try out different versions, try to simulate your quirks. You might feel silly rubbing your face or chatting loudly with a mask on in the store, but it might help you to find a product you will be happy with down the road.
By choosing the right CPAP mask, you might be able to stay comfortable while getting the sleep that you need.
I used to be skeptical about chiropractic healing. However, that was before I tried it for myself. I was in an accident that did serious damage to my back. I followed all of the doctor’s recommendations, did my physical therapy, and still didn’t feel any better. That was when I finally decided to try going to my friend’s chiropractor. It was such a relief when I finally started to feel better thanks to the great chiropractic care I received. That’s when I decided to start researching chiropractic care and how it could be used to treat different conditions. This blog contains the results of that research. If you’re looking for a way to feel better, you too may benefit from chiropractic healing. These articles will help you learn how.