Whether youre a new apnea patient or a veteran CPAP user, you might want to consider evaluating the latest models of CPAP masks. This article will not only explain why but show you how you can test drive a new mask without any risk.
New masks are better in all sorts of ways. New models have improved design features. Perhaps most importantly, they utilize new materials. Ask any respiratory therapist or sleep apnea doctor to compare the CPAP masks of today with the outdated technologies of just a few years ago.
The big manufacturers of CPAP masks (ResMed, Fisher & Paykel, and Respironics) spend millions of dollars each year in developing new CPAP mask technologies. The pace of technology improvement is a lot like the computer industry.
You don't have to worry about the process of trying a new mask or be concerned with wasting your money. The top manufacturers, namely the ones listed above, are making it easy for authorized dealers to let patients try out new models. These dealers provide a mask exchange program that makes it easy for new patients and veterans to try out a new model.
All you need to do is answer 3 simple questions: When, What and Where?
1. When to try a new CPAP mask? You should be getting a new mask every 3-6 months given the risks of bacterial infection. (There are too many nooks and crannies for bacteria to hide, no matter how well you wash your CPAP maskremembering that you should never wash your mask in bleach!) Most people just order their old mask without thinking about trying a new and improved version. Instead of ordering the old Chevy again, consider upgrading to a newer model.
2. What type of CPAP mask to try? You might want to consider a different type of mask. If you have a nasal mask that has been working well but feels a little claustrophobic, then consider a nasal pillow mask. If you have been breathing out of your mouth too much, then consider a full face mask.
3. What brand of CPAP mask to try? This depends. However, weve found that most people whove tried different brands of nasal masks prefer ResMed. For nasal pillow masks, they usually go for either Respironics or ResMed. For full face, many prefer either Fisher & Paykel or ResMed.
4. What model of CPAP mask to try? We generally recommend the very latest models from ResMed, which has recently launched a number of new models. Women should really consider the Swift LT for Her, the first mask specifically designed for women. Men should consider the Swift II or the Activa with new ActiveCell technology. Full face users should consider the Quattro, though the Fisher & Paykel HC431 is an excellent option as well.
5. Where to buy a new mask? Generally, to avoid online scams, you should only buy from a website that is recommended by a leading manufacturer or an organization like the National Apnea Association. More specifically, you should look for a website that offers a mask exchange program that allows you to return a mask that doesnt work for you. MySleepMask.com offers this. Or you can simply google CPAP mask exchange program to find another dealer.
New masks are better in all sorts of ways. New models have improved design features. Perhaps most importantly, they utilize new materials. Ask any respiratory therapist or sleep apnea doctor to compare the CPAP masks of today with the outdated technologies of just a few years ago.
The big manufacturers of CPAP masks (ResMed, Fisher & Paykel, and Respironics) spend millions of dollars each year in developing new CPAP mask technologies. The pace of technology improvement is a lot like the computer industry.
You don't have to worry about the process of trying a new mask or be concerned with wasting your money. The top manufacturers, namely the ones listed above, are making it easy for authorized dealers to let patients try out new models. These dealers provide a mask exchange program that makes it easy for new patients and veterans to try out a new model.
All you need to do is answer 3 simple questions: When, What and Where?
1. When to try a new CPAP mask? You should be getting a new mask every 3-6 months given the risks of bacterial infection. (There are too many nooks and crannies for bacteria to hide, no matter how well you wash your CPAP maskremembering that you should never wash your mask in bleach!) Most people just order their old mask without thinking about trying a new and improved version. Instead of ordering the old Chevy again, consider upgrading to a newer model.
2. What type of CPAP mask to try? You might want to consider a different type of mask. If you have a nasal mask that has been working well but feels a little claustrophobic, then consider a nasal pillow mask. If you have been breathing out of your mouth too much, then consider a full face mask.
3. What brand of CPAP mask to try? This depends. However, weve found that most people whove tried different brands of nasal masks prefer ResMed. For nasal pillow masks, they usually go for either Respironics or ResMed. For full face, many prefer either Fisher & Paykel or ResMed.
4. What model of CPAP mask to try? We generally recommend the very latest models from ResMed, which has recently launched a number of new models. Women should really consider the Swift LT for Her, the first mask specifically designed for women. Men should consider the Swift II or the Activa with new ActiveCell technology. Full face users should consider the Quattro, though the Fisher & Paykel HC431 is an excellent option as well.
5. Where to buy a new mask? Generally, to avoid online scams, you should only buy from a website that is recommended by a leading manufacturer or an organization like the National Apnea Association. More specifically, you should look for a website that offers a mask exchange program that allows you to return a mask that doesnt work for you. MySleepMask.com offers this. Or you can simply google CPAP mask exchange program to find another dealer.
About the Author:
Pam McKee is the director of Clinical Support at MySleepMask.com, a ResMed Preferred Internet Provider of CPAP masks and equipment. She has designed a sleep apnea handbook to help new apnea patients learn the ropes, downloadable for free at MySleepMask.com.
1 comment:
Thanks for your information.Can you tell me how to choose " best cpap mask ".
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