Health and Well Being Looks at Sleep Apnea
Health and Welness Exams CPAP Supplies
When it comes to CPAP supplies (i.e. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure devices), there are literally several types and categories. But there are really just three essential pieces of equipment you need in order to receive CPAP therapy. They are the CPAP mask, the CPAP machine, and the hose that connects them together.
While each item has a key role in your overall health and well being treatment, the CPAP mask is the most personal of the three and as such can make or break your treatment regimen. Masks come in three basic forms, a nasal pillow mask that fits to your nostrils, a regular nasal mask that fits around your nose, and a full facial mask that encompasses both the nose and mouth.
For your therapy to be successful, your mask must be fitted properly. If it’s too tight, your skin will become irritated and if it’s too loose, it will leak and your therapy will be less than effective. Finding the right style for your comfort and having it fitted by a professional are extremely important, if your sleep apnea therapy is to succeed.
Of course the CPAP machine is important too. It needs to be reliable because it’s going to be running night after night for a long time. It also needs to be as quiet as possible so it won’t be a hindrance to your sleep. Early machines were little more than noisy pumps in a plastic housing but today’s CPAP machines boast several options and even some intelligence.
The connection hose is often overlooked but it plays a big role in your therapy’s success. Hoses must be and stay flexible to be effective. Once they become stiff, they are more prone to cracking and thus leaking. Leaks, even tiny ones, subtract from your treatment’s effectiveness. Also, hoses need to be a length that you can be comfortable with – they need to reach from wherever you place your machine to wherever you feel the most comfortable sleeping. Oh and make sure to have a spare, just in case.
Those are the basic CPAP supplies – the bare minimum you need to successfully treat your sleep apnea.
