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[C838]Comfortgel Nasal Cpap Mask

by Dhaxel Barqs, Dha

When you have sleep apnea, your doctor will prescribe a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine at some point to relieve the symptoms of the disorder. You have to use it all night, every night! Doing otherwise will only serve to make the symptoms come back, thus, worsening your condition.

Admittedly, this is easier said than done especially with the initially unwieldy CPAP mask. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to live, maybe even love, it. After all, a good night's sleep for everybody after months of the worst of sleep apnea symptoms is good!

Use it Outside the Bedroom

You have to gradually adapt to the feeling of having a CPAP mask on. Thus, wear it around the house as much as you possibly can - while watching television, reading books and newspapers, even writing your letters. This way, you accustom yourself to the feeling of the mask hugging your face albeit without the forced air pressure.

Don't worry if it makes you look like an alien from the far reaches of the universe. It will only ad to your worries if you worry too much about your vanity. The important thing is that you will be relieved of your sleep apnea, which will also bring relief to your family and friends. Yes, it's not just you who is suffering - the people who care about you do, too.

Use it During Naps

Slowly but surely, you must wear the mask with air pressure blowing through it especially during your naps. This way, you get accustomed to the whole setup of the CPAP machine. Of course, the machine itself is relatively quiet so you won't have much difficulty living with it. The CPAP mask is harder to live with because it is plastered unto your face!

When you have gotten used to the mask during short naps, it will be easier to translate it into longer sleep periods at night. Soon, you might even sleep with the mask on as if there's almost nothing there! Emphasis is, of course, on almost.

Use the Right Size and the Right Mask

Some sufferers complain that their masks are either too tight or too loose. This is a minor problem considering that there are many types and sizes of masks available in the market today. The trick is in finding the CPAP that you can live with. Or at least, sleep comfortably with.

Mask styles range from full-face masks to masks with nasal pillows. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages so it's advisable to experiment with the different styles under the guidance of your doctor.

Mask size is very important, too. Often, problems arise not so much from the style of the CPAP mask but from the size of it. As much as possible, fit the mask before purchasing it just to be sure. Or better yet, opt for one with adjustable straps in a size that you know will fit you.

Indeed, living with a CPAP mask can be easy with the right style and size, not to mention the right attitude and approach to its use. Besides, it's better to be alive and breathing with a CPAP machine than being alive but breathing through a respirator, right?

CPAP Clinic - healthcare at your home
We serve Greater Toronto Area in Canada.
Contact: 1-877-430-CPAP(2727) or info@CPAPClinic.ca

Even a veteran CPAP user should consider evaluating the latest models of CPAP masks. Read on to learn how you can test drive a new mask without any risk.
New masks are better in all sorts of ways. New models have improved design features. Perhaps most importantly, they utilize new materials. Ask any respiratory therapist or sleep apnea doctor to compare the CPAP masks of today with the outdated technologies of just a few years ago.
The big manufacturers of CPAP masks (ResMed, Fisher & Paykel, and Respironics) spend millions of dollars each year in developing new CPAP mask technologies. The pace of technology improvement is a lot like the computer industry.
Some people have legitimate concerns about choosing the wrong mask and wasting their time and money. That is why the manufacturers of quality CPAP masks (ResMed, Fisher & Paykel, and Respironics) have authorized dealers to offer patients an exchange program for their masks. This makes it easy and risk free to try out a new mask.
All you have to do is answer 3 simple questions: When, What and Where?
1. When to replace your old mask? Typically a mask needs to be replaced every 3-6 months because of the high risk of bacterial infection. This is due to all the tiny crevices that could hold onto bacteria. It's a common mistake to just order the same old mask without realizing that a better quality mask is available to you.
2. What kind of CPAP mask should you try? When considering a different type of mask, you'll want to think about any recurring or new problems. Choosing a nasal pillow mask can ease the potential for that enclosed feeling from a nasal pillow mask, and vice versa. Some people rather have the coverage of a full face mask to prevent any excessive breathing out of the mouth. It all depends on you.
3. What brand of CPAP mask to try? This depends on you and your preferences. We've found that most users of the full face mask go with either Fisher & Paykel or ResMed. The most popular brand for nasal masks has been from ResMed. Patients that use the nasal pillow mask find the best fit with either a mask from ResMed or Respironics.
4. What model of CPAP mask to try? We generally recommend the very latest models from ResMed, which has recently launched a number of new models. Women should really consider the Swift LT for Her, the first mask specifically designed for women. Men should consider the Swift II or the Activa with new ActiveCell technology. Full face users should consider the Quattro, though the Fisher & Paykel HC431 is an excellent option as well.
5. Where to buy a new mask? Generally, to avoid online scams, you should only buy from a website that is recommended by a leading manufacturer or an organization like the National Apnea Association. More specifically, you should look for a website that offers a mask exchange program that allows you to return a mask that doesnt work for you. MySleepMask.com offers this. Or you can simply google CPAP mask exchange program to find another dealer.

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Both Dhaxel Barqs & Pam Mckee are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Dhaxel Barqs has sinced written about articles on various topics from Computers and The Internet, Sleep Apnea. At CPAPClinic.ca, you can find the best and. Dhaxel Barqs's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.

Pam Mckee has sinced written about articles on various topics from Anger Control. Pam McKee is the director of Clinical Support at MySleepMask.com, a Preferred Internet Provider of CPAP machines, masks and other supplies. She has produced a. Pam Mckee's top article generates over 1300 views. to your Favourites.