Depending on whether or not you breathe through your mouth at night, a CPAP nasal mask may work effectively in terms of stopping sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder characterized by gaps in breathing, usually lasting at least 10 seconds at a time. Patients who suffer with the disorder experience a slew of side effects, including depression, anxiety, morning headaches and more. The trouble with sleep apnea is that unless you share your bed with some one, you may never know you have it. It's hard to tell whether or not you gasp for air at night when you're sleeping through the whole process. That said, if you suspect sleep apnea is causing you to be tired and cranky during the day, it is relatively easy to diagnose with a simple overnight sleeping exam.
CPAP nasal masks (CPAP is an acronym for continuous positive airway pressure) are connected to tubing that is attached to a CPAP machine that delivers pressurized air, preventing the apneas from occurring. The pressurized air is different for every patient, and only a doctor can prescribe the right pressure for you. In choosing a CPAP nasal mask, you have several different designs to choose from. In fact, if you find it more comfortable, you can get a mask that covers the mouth as well as the nose, ensuring that you're receiving the right amount of pressurized air no matter if you breath through your mouth or your nose.
The trick to ensuring that a CPAP nasal mask is effective is finding the right fit. Masks have headgear attached to them, with straps that go around your head. The straps are adjustable, and the goal is to form a seal between the mask and your face that doesn't allow air to escape. If the straps are too loose or too tight, the mask will be rendered useless.
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