The CPAP Sleep Mask

What is a CPAP sleep mask? Is it just for sleeping? How does it help you sleep? Well, let’s begin at the beginning.

CPAP (pronounced “SeePap”) is the abbreviation for the term Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. It describes how air is delivered to your airway during the night to prop it open and prevent the occurrence of sleep apnea. You see, people who suffer from sleep apnea experience stoppages in their breathing during the night. These stoppages are caused by their airways collapsing and becoming obstructed – usually by their own throat tissue. Propping open the airway with CPAP therapy is an effective way to prevent breathing stoppages and promote a restful sleep.

Sleep apnea sufferers experience anything from mild to severe health problems because of their apnea. Just the mere fact that they cycle through these stoppages each night prevents them from getting into a deep sleep and affects their days. They may only feel tired or sleepy during the day, but they may also feel extreme fatigue and have a very difficult time concentrating or focusing on their work. Long-term sleep apnea has even greater health risks as it affects the heart and lungs and can even lead to congestive heart failure.

The CPAP sleep mask itself is a single piece of the CPAP therapy solution. Usually CPAP therapy consists of a CPAP machine, a flexible hose, and the CPAP mask itself. The machine creates the positive airflow and pushes it through the hose which is connected to the mask. Note that sometimes CPAP humidifiers are used to warm and moisten the air as it runs through the hose.  A sleep apnea sufferer wears the mask while they sleep and receives the air which props open their airway. The result is a good night’s sleep because there are no airway obstructions and no breathing stoppages.

Masks are the most personal part of any CPAP therapy. It’s important to find one that fits the shape of your face properly or it won’t form a tight seal which will cause it to leak and ineffective. It’s also important for it to fit comfortably or you will dread wearing it and soon won’t. So a CPAP sleep mask is a vital piece of the CPAP therapy equation.