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But what is a sleep apnea mask?

What is sleep apnea?

Woman wearing sleep apnea mask

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by interrupted breathing.

In both cases, CPAP machines and sleep masks are often recommended as treatment.

Researchestimates close to a billion people worldwide experience OSA, in mild to severe forms.

A man with sleep apnea wears a CPAP machine while sleeping

What is a sleep apnea mask?

Dr. Nunez describes CPAP machines as the “gold standard” in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

However, many sleep apnea masks are designed with comfortandbreathing relief in mind.

The image shows a man sleeping on his back with his mouth open and his arm above his head

How do sleep apnea masks help relieve symptoms?

Sleep apnea masks work to reduce these symptoms by regulating breathing with the use of pressurized air.

The CPAP machine uses an air filter to purify air before pressurizing it.

A woman laying on her side in bed wearing a sleep apnea mask and white pyjamas

CPAP machines aren’t acure for sleep apnea, but they can minimize its impact on your sleep health.

4 signs you need a sleep apnea mask

1.

From dust mites to alcohol, there are plenty of things that cause you to snore.

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Dont let snoring drive a wedge between you and your loved ones.

In short, alack of sleep can make you sad.

Were all familiar with how minor stressors can feel ten times worse on days we feel more tired.

A woman applying a white nasal strip in the mirror

Hence, when sleep apnea is leading tosleep deprivation, your mental health can take a hit.

In these cases your doctor may recommend you use a sleep apnea mask.

But if youre worried your sleep apnea is causing any of these conditions, you must seek medical advice.

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When to consult a doctor about sleep apnea masks?

Before buying a sleep apnea mask, your doctor needs to be in the loop.

Dr. Nunez echoes the importance of medical professional interference.

A woman wearing blue and white stripy pyjamas lays on her side on the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress

But you’re unlikely to receive a sleep apnea diagnosis and CPAP machine straight away.

They work by pulling on the nasal walls to reduce resistance in the nasal passages and improve airflow.

However, it is important to note nose strips are not a one-size-fits-all treatment for sleep apnea.

A woman wearing a pink eye mask tries mouth taping to cure her sleep apnea.

Mouthguards can be purchased over the counter or personalized to fit your own mouth.

While nasal strips work to hold the nasal passages open, mouthguards help keep the throat and mouth clear.

Studieshave repeatedly shown a correlation between sleep apnea and alcohol consumption.

man laying on white pillow

Positional therapy

Simply switching your sleeping position can help with sleep apnea.

On the other hand, back sleeping is often identified as the worst position for sleep apnea.

Lying on your back, however, exacerbates the issue.

A couple in adjustable smart bed with white bedsheets and raised head position to help sleep apnea

Side sleeping helps keep your airways open to reduce the number of breathing disruptions you experience.

Therefore, reducing symptoms of sleep apnea.

It can be hard to make the switch to side sleeping, but positional devices can aid the change.

A man places a sleep apnea CPAP machine mask on his face, a Tom�s Guide Sleep Week 2025 graphic (right)

There are several benefits of nasal pillows.

Hence identifying symptoms and treating it early is important.

Thats why talking to your doctor and learning to recognize the symptoms of sleep apnea are important.

A woman lies in bed with her hands covering her face, looking upset due to sleep deprivation. A Tom�s Guide Sleep Week 2025 graphic, bottom left

A woman with hay fever wipes stuffy nose in bed

A woman with dark hair lies in bed yawning because she is so tired and ready to sleep

A woman is sat on the end of her bed with her head in her hands as she can�t sleep because of nighttime anxiety

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