Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) masks come in a range of styles and configurations, with each option catering to a specific set of therapeutic requirements as well as individual patient preferences. Some patients have the option of choosing maskless CPAP therapy, including oral appliances or surgery. These possibilities include: Continue reading to learn more about the treatment alternatives available for sleep apnea that do not need the use of a mask, as well as how to select the most appropriate mask for sleep apnea.
How To Determine The Most Appropriate Sleep Apnea Mask For You?
The best sleep apnea treatment is both a personal and clinical decision that depends on your lifestyle. Begin by talking to your doctor about whether you prefer to sleep through your nose or your mouth. There are many options to meet everyone’s needs.
The Sleep Association identifies three main categories of CPAP masks: travel, nasal, and full-face.
- Nasal pillows and prongs are made to fit into the nostrils of patients
- You can wear a nasal mask while you sleep that wraps around your nose.
- A full-face mask that covers your mouth, nose, and the rest of your face
Here are some benefits that can be associated with each type of CPAP Mask:
Nasal pillows or prongs can be helpful if you have any of the following conditions:
- You should breathe in and out through your nose.
- You need to have a substantial amount of hair on your face.
- Call for pressure settings ranging from low to moderate.
- You may experience discomfort while using larger masks
If any of the following apply to you, it is recommended that you use a nasal mask:
- Does the CPAP machine you use need to be adjusted to have a greater air pressure setting?
- While you’re sleeping, ensure that you move around quite a bit.
If any of the following apply to you, you might consider wearing a full-face mask:
- Make sure that your mouth is your primary point of entry and exit for air.
- Suffer from hay fever, asthma, or congested nasal passages
It is recommended that you sleep on your back.
The majority of the companies who make them will offer a selection of sizes to pick from in addition to various cushioning options.
Are There Treatment Options That Do Not Involve The Use Of A Mask?
Although continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is one of the most common treatments for sleep apnea, there are a number of other treatment methods available for sleep apnea that do not entail the use of masks. The following are a few examples of such options:
Oral appliances: “An oral appliance protects your airway from collapsing by either holding the tongue in place or supporting the jaw in a forward position.”
Hypoglossal nerve stimulators: In this therapy procedure, a tiny stimulator is surgically inserted under the skin of the chest in order to stimulate the nerves that control the hypoglossal nerves. It opens the airway by encouraging the tongue to glide forward while the patient is sleeping.
Surgical procedures: “The purpose of surgical procedures is to correct the parts of the airway that collapse and impede your breathing when you are asleep.” During surgery, the tissues in and around your throat may be removed, rigidified, or repositioned.