Mouthpiece and mask discomfort – get a better fit with a custom made mask

Whether as a sleep apnea sufferer you wear a mouthpiece or use a continuous positive airway pressure machine (CPAP), there can be issues around discomfort from badly fitting equipment. As a mouthpiece fits over the teeth and is designed to reposition the jaw or tongue, users can suffer from serious discomfort while using this invasive option. Alternatively, a CPAP machine is a ventilator which provides continuous mild air pressure to keep the airways open, via a CPAP mask, throughout the sleep cycle and is non-invasive. ApneaSeal’s custom-fit masks are designed to ensure maximum comfort and a superior fit to help you get a good night’s sleep.

Potential issues with mouthpieces

A range of unwanted side effects can arise from using a mouthpiece to treat sleep apnea. These include the wearer waking with an unpleasantly dry mouth, or alternatively producing excessive saliva. Mouth ulcers can also develop, caused by rubbing of an ill-fitting mouthpiece against the gums and cheek. More serious issues can include temporomandibular joint disorder, where problems develop in the hinge joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull, leading to pain and discomfort. A badly fitting mouthpiece can also lead to problems with teeth becoming loose or repositioned.

Alleviating discomfort with a custom-made CPAP mask

An alternative solution for sufferers of sleep apnea is to use a CPAP machine. CPAP mask wearers can experience discomfort through using a general, rather than fitted, mask such as skin discomfort, slipping of the mask, and mask markings on the face. This means that many patients abandon CPAP therapy as they find it too uncomfortable to continue.

However, ApneaSeal’s custom fit masks can ensure that your mask is specially designed to fit the contours of your face. The optimised fit is achieved through using facial mapping software, which captures over 20,000 data points of the nose. This information is then used to 3D print a custom mask that uniquely fits over your nose. This superior fit means that the mask is light and comfortable on your face and that there is less face marking due to lower headgear strap tension.