Short of breath at night? Waking up irritable? Struggling with work and concentration? If you are having trouble with your sleep, it is worth taking the time to about sleep apnea and what to do if it is.
Sleep apnea – Where do I start if I think I have it?
If you have not yet been diagnosed, the first step is to talk with your health professional about sleep apnea. Most people that suffer with sleep apnea do not realise they are waking up throughout the night so writing down your symptoms such as gasping for air throughout the night, tiredness and irritability can help your health professional diagnose you early on.
Can I cure sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is not curable, however, there are effective treatments for the condition. CPAP is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy and is successfully used to treat those with Obstructive Sleep Apnea by using a CPAP machine. The machine delivers mild air pressure into your lungs through a mask to keep your airways open to help you breathe.
What types of masks are there?
After receiving a diagnosis, the next step is to consider which mask you will use along with your CPAP machine. While there are many types of masks, the correct one for you will depend on the way you sleep and how you breathe. Regardless of which generic CPAP mask you choose, you may find the mask uncomfortable and it is common for them to take some getting used to.
Are there more comfortable mask solutions?
Considering the number of people who suffer from sleep apnea, most “one-size-fits-all” masks will not fit quite right due to the vast differences between bone and nasal structures. In order to ensure the right fit, patients can opt for custom made, 3D printed masks which groove perfectly with your facial structure and help produce greater results and ensure a comfortable fit from the start.
Of course, the number one goal of CPAP therapy is to ward off the dangers of sleep apnea, however, it is also essential that treatment does not negatively impact your lifestyle, relationships and comfort so take some time to choose the mask that moulds to your life.
Continue reading through our blog for more tips, FAQ’s and information on sleep apnea.