CPAP product reviews and other helpful tips for CPAP users!

If you’ve been diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, you should either be seeking treatment or on CPAP therapy already. Let me paint you an all too common scenario - you’ve got your machine and mask purchased and after a couple of weeks on therapy, you stop using it. You see it on your bedside table every day but ignore it. Days turn to weeks and weeks turn into months. Sounds familiar? This scenario happens too often.

What happens if you leave your Apnea untreated?

Surprisingly, a couple of nights off your CPAP is actually okay. The benefits of consistent use persist for a couple of days. For example, if you’re travelling or have a cold and took a couple of nights off, you’ll be happy to know that there is still residual benefit when you are not using it for a few days. Continued therapy reduces swelling of soft tissues during sleep making it easier for you to breathe when you are taking a break. However, danger lurks when it’s left long term.

Some would argue you won't die from Sleep Apnea, but like smoking or AIDS - people won't die from it, but likely from the complications that come from smoking or AIDS. Keep reading to find the effects, risks and possible consequences are if you don’t use your CPAP as directed.

Return of common symptoms

Not using your therapy means the return of the classic symptoms  - constant fatigue, low energy, headaches and lethargy. It's only a matter of time these dreaded symptoms will creep back into your day to day life.  It will affect the way you carry out work and social activities and limit your capabilities and negatively impacting your overall quality of life.  

Risk of sudden death

Untreated Sleep Apnea will increase the risk of sudden death or sudden cardiac arrest and the consequences are not reversible. The sudden death is caused by abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmia which are erratic and disorganized impulses from the heart's ventricles. This means the heart is unable to pump blood and death can occur. 

Risk of premature death

Those who leave their OSA untreated for 10 years or 30 years will lead to shorter lives. Lack of treatment means you'll face more than 3 times the risk of premature death.

Risk of stroke

The low levels of oxygen available to the body and brain and the high blood pressure of the heart working harder put you at 2-3 times higher risk for having a stroke. 

There are endless reasons why doctors prescribe CPAP - they know what they're talking about and it works. No matter how uncomfortable it is, give it a second, third or fourth try. The take-home message here is that untreated OSA produces long term, cumulative exposure to advert effects that is harmful to your health and may cause death.

There are heaping benefits of being on therapy and it shouldn't be ignored. Speak to your health professional for more information or guidance to get the proper care you need to adhere to CPAP therapy.

There is a stigma when people think of full face CPAP masks. Many think they're ugly, bulky, intrusive and the thought of wearing one to bed sounds impossible. However, full face masks are the Holy Grail for many CPAP users; they are designed with specific features and benefits that have made them a go-to mask for millions in the CPAP community. 

How Does A Full Face Mask Differ From Other CPAP Masks?

So, what makes a full face CPAP mask different than the others? A full-face mask covers the nose and the mouth -  like an oxygen mask you might see a fighter pilot wear, but nicer - with straps that are worn over the head with headgear holding it in place. It sounds uncomfortable, but they've made them pretty form-fitting and soft now.

By highlighting the pros of full face masks and giving it a well-deserved spotlight, we hope to break the stigma of how the general public feels about this often demonized and incredibly well-designed CPAP mask.

Advantages Of A Full Face Mask For CPAP Therapy

Below is a list of the top advantages that we feel CPAP users will receive by choosing a full face CPAP mask over other styles. 

1) It's stable & secure: Full face masks tend to be a bit larger, heavier and have more material (straps and thicker headgear) than, say, a nasal pillow style mask. These CPAP  masks cover more of the face which results in better pressure when compared to their nasal or nasal pillow style counterparts. It is an excellent choice for restless or back sleepers - the straps tighten well and offer support to keep their masks in place in different positions at night. 

2) Mouth breathers or nasal obstructions: Full face-style masks are an excellent choice for natural mouth breathers or those who suffer from nasal obstruction or congestion. This style of a mask allows you to get the Sleep Apnea therapy you require either breathing through your mouth or nose. This is also a great style of mask for those who suffer from cold or flu symptoms. No need to lose good sleep, when your nose is stuffed and you need it the most. 

3) Tolerable with higher CPAP pressures: Full face CPAP masks cover more of the face, therefore allowing high pressures to be more tolerable by CPAP users.  The full face mask offers more surface area for the air to move around before entering the airways making the pressure less direct and more comfortable. These masks are beneficial for restless sleepers and popular with users who like to sleep on their backs. 

4) Facial hair:  Got a beard? This style of CPAP mask is popular with users who have facial hair, specifically those who sport a full mustache or a thicker beard. Facial hair can prevent a good seal because the cushion cannot grip the face properly, resulting in leaks and a frustrated user. The full-face style fits tightly around the nasal bridge and the chin providing a better air seal. 

While there are many notable benefits of a full face-style mask, it is not for everyone. All full face masks are not made equal and manufacturers use various materials that may work for one person and not the next. Remember to do your research, ask questions and try on a sample if possible.  Spend at least as much time trying on CPAP masks as you would buying a new pair of jeans! 

Our Best Selling Full Face Masks at CPAPMachines.ca

Here are our top 3, best selling full face CPAP masks. Click on each one to see the design features of each popular full-face style and feel free to comment on your own experience and which full face mask works for you. 

AirFit F20 CPAP Mask

The ResMed AirFit F20 CPAP Mask is a full-face style mask that is considered as being the brand’s most adaptive mask styles. Offering a soft and flexible headgear frame and a reliable seal with InfinitySeal technology, this mask is ideal no matter what your preferred sleeping position is. Many CPAP users have praised this mask for its comfort, reliability and durability. 

Fisher & Paykel Simplus Full Face Mask

The Simplus full face CPAP mask by Fisher & Paykel offers a new convenient design that is aimed at helping you find the perfect fit. With an interchangeable cushion and a built-in air diffuser, you can rest assured knowing that you will get a restful night’s sleep when using this CPAP mask. 

ResMed Mirage Quattro Face Mask

Another best selling full-face mask is the ResMed Mirage Quattro CPAP mask. Offering streamlined design and whisper-quiet performance, this mask is easy to use and offers great comfort levels to CPAP users. With over 20 different ways to adjust forehead support, this has long been a favourite with our loyal customers. 

While they may be given a bad reputation by some, these CPAP masks are anything but effective when it comes to treating Sleep Apnea. If you are interested in purchasing a full face mask, feel free to get in touch with our CPAP equipment experts who will be happy to guide you to the mask that will suit you best.