When choosing a sleep apnea mask, there are many things to take into consideration. Learn about the different styles of sleep apnea masks and the benefits of each before you purchase.

1. A Sleep Apnea Mask = Better Sleep
When people refer to a sleep apnea mask they are talking about Positive
Airway Pressure (PAP) devices. The most commonly known of these is the
CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine.
Since sleep apnea is caused from a
blockage in the airways (the tongue, soft
palate, excess tissue etc), the flow of
continuous air clears the blockages and
allows the user to breathe normally
during the night.
For more information about what sleep
apnea is, check out sleeping apnea.
PAP devices basically consist of a motor with a fan connected to a tube,
which is then connected to some type of breathing device such as a mask.
While sleeping, a patient wears the mask, which is connected to the motor
or machine with a hose. The machine pumps air into the airways of the
patient through the hose - at relatively high pressures - in order to keep the
throat clear of any blockages.

2. The apnea masks now come in a variety of sizes and styles.
There are 3 main types of sleep apnea 'masks' available.
1. Full Face Sleep Apnea Mask - the full face mask is probably what
you'd expect, a mask that covers both the nose and the mouth of the
user.
2. Nasal Sleep Apnea Mask - the nasal mask is still a mask but it is
much smaller and less intrusive than the full face mask. The nasal
mask, as you may have guessed from its name, is just worn over the
user's nose, leaving the mouth free.
3. Nasal Pillows - Nasal pillows are not masks per se but rather tubes
that are inserted slightly into the users nostrils.
Each of the apnea masks come equipped with some type of headgear that
keeps the mask or nasal pillow in place throughout the night. These straps
have to be fitted perfectly since the patient will not feel comfortable if
straps are too tight and if the straps are too loose, it will cause leakage.
Among the remedies for sleep apnea, the sleep apnea mask has proven to
be the most effective in combating sleep apnea and snoring. Although there
are no side effects like you would have when taking prescription drugs,

3. there are a host of complaints that users have about sleeping with an apnea
masks. These include:
being uncomfortable - inability to sleep with the apnea mask on
loose fitting mask causing air leakage, rendering the device
ineffectual
tossing and turning during sleep causing the mask to come off
straps holding the sleep mask are too tight resulting in headaches
and an inability to sleep well
straps holding the mask are too loose causing the mask to come off
during sleep
rash or abrasions caused by the mask rubbing against the skin
dry mouth during sleep caused by the constant flow of air
In addition to the above list, some people also complain that they can't
sleep with Positive Airway Pressure devices because of the sound the
machine makes. It should be noted that in
this area, PAP machines have come a long
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Since every person sleeps differently, you'll need to test out different PAP
machines to see which one is a perfect fit for you. Some people swear by the
full face masks, yet others complain they are uncomfortable and prefer the
nasal pillows. The most important thing is to find the one that fits you best.
Talk to your doctor and try on different sleep apnea masks to find the one
that you're comfortable sharing your bed with. Check out other types of
sleep apnea equipment.

4. Not being able to get to sleep at night can be
a horrible experience - at night as well as
throughout the following day. But it doesn't
have to be that way - sometimes all it takes is
a few lifestyle adjustments. Learn what you
need to know to instantly fall asleep each
night in the sleep ebook,
Get to Sleep Now! 39 Ways to Guarantee Your ZZZs.