One treatment for sleep apnea, a sleep disorder with frequent pauses in breathing during sleep, is the CPAP or continuous positive airway pressure. CPAP machines push a controlled stream of air from a medical pump through a flexible tube into the patient's mouth via a sleep apnea mask, which allows air to gently blow into the back of the throat, keeping the airway open.

The sleep apnea mask must both make a seal and be comfortable to wear. If the sleep apnea mask is too big, the straps may need to be overly tight, causing skin irritations or sores. If the sleep apnea mask is too small, it will not seal properly, allowing air to leak out through the edges. To help achieve a proper fit the sleep apnea mask comes in three different types:

1. Nasal Mask: This mask covers only the nose and is the most common CPAP sleep apnea mask.

2. Full Facemask: This sleep apnea mask covers both the nose and the mouth. This type of mask helps when leaks are experienced using the nasal mask.

3. Nasal Pillows: This system uses soft silicone tubes that fit directly into the nostrils. It can also help eliminate air leaks found when using other sleep apnea masks, and may provide a greater sense of freedom.

Most sleep apnea masks are triangular, with adjustable straps that wrap around the head to keep the sleep apnea mask in place. Headgear straps must be snug enough for a good fit in all sleeping positions (back, side and front). Either ?quick-release? clips attach to the straps at the front of the sleep apnea mask, or the strap hooks to one part of the mask. Both allow for easy removal, and for one-time adjustment of the straps.

Sleep apnea masks consist of a hard plastic body and a softer silicone seal. The seal may inflate once the machine starts, so the straps do not have to be as tight. Some sleep apnea masks do not cover the nose's bridge, so glasses can be worn. Some sleep apnea masks have a foam-like material inside the silicone that ?memorizes? the facial contours. Mouth breathers can use a specially designed sleep apnea mask, or add a chinstrap to help keep the mouth closed. One type of sleep apnea mask includes sound-absorbing material in a piece of plastic over its exhalation port, muffling and dissipating sound and exhalation flow that may bother a bed-partner. Still other sleep apnea masks have two tube openings, allowing oxygen to be administered along with pressurized air.

For those allergic to silicone, several sleep apnea masks are made of synthetic rubber or vinyl. Additionally, some sleep apnea masks contain a gel-like material, which more easily molds to the face, alleviating pressure points.

The health care provider will work to insure the sleep apnea mask is a proper fit. Often, a trial period is required to determine which sleep apnea mask fits the best, is the most comfortable and is the most effective.