The continuous air pressure is usually applied through a CPAP nasal mask.
The CPAP nasal mask is a device worn over the nose during sleep and - in combination with a CPAP machine - it is used to treat sleep apnea and other sleep disorders.
The nasal cpap mask cover the entire nose and is held in place with headgear, or with straps around the head. It has a silicon cushion in triangular shape, that helps make the fit more comfortable.
When the breathing machine is on, the air is blown at a pressure prescribed by your sleep doctor.
Keep in mind that is very important to have the correct pressure, and the only way to find the correct value is through a sleep study.
The extra air pressure delivered to your airways through your nasal mask keeps these airways open, preventing apnea episodes. Snoring is another disorder that is often much reduced with nasal CPAP masks.
The best way to explain how to adjust a nasal CPAP mask is through a video. I selected for you the video about Respironics EasyLife nasal CPAP mask. I hope it helps:
If you have air leaks problems, it's because the nasal mask is too big, is too old, or it has the wrong style for your face.
Facial hair can also be a cause for air leaking.
I will continue with another video tutorial for you, with the same Respironics EasyLife nasal cpap mask.
First of all, the nasal mask is good for sleep apnea patients with no experience with a CPAP machine. This device is also effective in most situations and are usually indicated if adenotonsillectomy or weight loss fail to treat sleep apnea.
Here are the most common advantages of nasal CPAP:
And another important thing related to nasal CPAP: this is the most common and effective treatment for central sleep apnea.
If you are used to breathe to your mouth, then a nasal mask is not good for you. And there is an explanation to this: if you are using a nasal mask and your mouth is open during sleep, some or even all of the pressurized air may flow out instead of passing through your airways.
But there is a solution to this problem: a chin-strap that can hold your mouth closed during sleep, like Respironics Premium Chin Strap.