Sleep Apnea Mouth Guard

There is much more into choosing a breathing mask than just walking into a drug store and asking for one. If all you want is a mask that will make your quest for a sound sleep a reality, then taking time to shop for the device is the price you will have to pay. To make the whole process a downhill task, consider the following tips.

• Prioritize durability

Book an appointment with a reputable medical equipment supplier. They always stock quality breathing masks, so choosing one that will offer you value for money should not be a problem. Durability is crucial mainly because it saves patients from the inconvenience of shopping for the masks time and again. You might also want to verify beforehand if your medical insurance covers purchase of such equipment.

• Choose the right mask

There are so many types of breathing masks available in medical equipment stores. They range from mask meant for sports to masks meant for curing sleep apnea. Speaking of sports, always remember that a breathing mask for sleep apnea is different from a breathing mask for running or boxing.

As your doctor may have already told you, there are breathing masks for people who tend to breathe through their mouths. In such cases, a sleep apnea mouth guard can easily save the night. Other models are somehow sophisticated and often cover the entire face, providing a continuous flow of air into the nostrils and mouth regions. Whatever you choose, make sure that your sleep apnea breathing mask:

• has a silicon lining
• fits you well

• Choose the right brand

Think of it like buying shoes. You’ll want to buy the best brand that will last for long. Your doctor will help you understand more about the best brands available and where to get them. A good breathing mask from a reputable brand may cost you a fortune but like you’ll realize, it will be worth it at the end of the day. Of course other things such as color and design matter, but ask yourself this; between aesthetic value and functionality of your device, what really matters?

• Check on your mask’s material

You could be allergic to the material used to make your sleep apnea or cold weather breathing mask. Should that be the case, mention it to your doctor as well as your medical equipment supplier. You’ll be thankful to yourself latter that you raised that concern.

• Ask what you don’t understand

Don’t assume anything. The manual might be clear but other things such as warranty may not be that clear. You may also find it hard to use the device if you are using it for the first time. Swallow your pride and ask your doctor for clarification.

• Take good care of your device

For starters, keep it far away from children. They will get curious and want to use it just like you do. This could be dangerous and may lead to suffocation, so just keep the device away from children as much as possible. Then remember to wash it often, and while at it, use mild soaps and detergents to wash the mask. Regular detergents will only wear off its silicon lining which is essential to the comfort the device offers.

Conclusion

You don’t have to know much about breathing masks when shopping for one. You only need to look out for what your doctor recommends. That should be easy if you do your homework and read just a little bit about the best breathing mask available. In the process, you’ll learn interesting things about sleep apnea and other treatment options that could be what you ultimately need.

Millions of Americans today live with different breathing problems. Sadly, the numbers are increasing by the day, so there is no doubt at all that the condition is here to stay; at least until people stick to healthy habits that can suppress the condition and seek treatment on time. That said, just how much do you know about breathing problems?

Is it really enough to go for a breathing treatment or buy a sleep apnea mouth guard and ignore the other treatment options available? It all starts by understanding different breathing disorder treatments that are available. Doing so will help you learn more about the different options available, so you can widen your scope and be more aware of each treatment.

• Surgery

Surgical intervention may or may not be a viable option depending on your condition. The reason is simple; no surgical procedure is 100 % perfect or universally successful. Then again, every patient has a different shaped throat and nose. That’s why before surgery is considered, your maxillofacial and oral surgeon must measure your airway passage at specific points to look for any abnormal flow of air from your nose to your lungs. It is because of such precision that surgery is an ideal breathing treatment for bronchitis as well as severe sleep apnea. It offers long lasting solutions but like you may have already guessed, it is costly. Note that there are several surgery procedures for breathing problems. Some of the most common procedures include:

• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)
• Hyoid Suspension Genioglossus Advancement (GGA)
• Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA)
• Exercise

It’s hard to think of exercising as an effective breathing treatment option, but it is. You should however be extremely careful with the work out plan you choose because some intense physical activity can be detrimental to people with breathing problems. To be on the safe side, always ask your doctor before starting any work out plan. Different breathing exercises can improve your condition by:

• Strengthening your diaphragm
• Bringing up deep seated mucus
• Keeping your chest wall and lungs mobile
• Getting enough air into your lungs

Most hospitals with respiratory units run lung and airway rehabilitation courses. Check out for such courses in your hospital, which should be at least twice a week for six to seven months. The courses may use holistic approaches such as:

• Occupational therapy
• Physiotherapy
• Monitored use of treadmills
• Tailored work out routines
• Lectures by respiratory physicians

Breathing Tests

Doctors often diagnose breathing problems by:

• Performing a physical exam
• Using different tests
• Taking a patients history
• Taking X-rays

All these factors will help your doctor to understand your condition well. They could reveal underlying conditions such as bronchitis or asthma, which always makes one’s breathing hard. That is why consulting your doctor as soon as you have difficulties breathing is recommended. Just be on the lookout for anything strange, even if it seems extremely trivial or subtle.

Breathing Machines

First things first; your breathing machine for sleep apnea or inhaler for asthma is not a cure. It is just but a breathing treatment method. That means that it is more or less like a prescription. You have to use it daily for better results. You also have to take care of your breathing device well. Read its instruction label and find out from your medical equipment supplier or doctor how to go about washing your device.

Living with breathing disorders is not the end of the world. With just a few tips on how to live with the condition you should be fine. Go for regular checkups, stick to your breathing treatment medications and most importantly, follow what your doctor tells you. Then if you have a portable breathing treatment machine, always carry it with you when travelling and remember to clean it or replace it after some time.

You have no control whatsoever over the size of your airway or jaw or the shape of your face. There are, however, things you can control with ease that can help suppress your sleep apnea. Of course you’ll need a breathing machine or a sleep apnea mouth guard. But like you’ll find out later, such treatment options only work well if you watch your habits. You can control the following:

• Your weight
• Your diet
• The kind of medications you take
• How much you smoke
• The amount of alcohol you consume

Maintaining a healthy diet or quitting alcohol may seem like an uphill task. Try your best all the same. Then consider the following tips regarding your breathing machine and how to use it properly.

Basic guides about your machine

• Use It every night

Treat your breathing device like a prescription. It may be uncomfortable but like you will find out later, you just can’t do without it if all you need is some sound sleep. Think of it this way; the continuous air stops your 300 plus breathing cessations, which keeps you from sleeping well. With your breathing device, this won’t happen at all. The bottom line therefore is simple; you just can’t do without your breathing device if you want to sleep like a toddler.

• Give it time

You will have some difficulties getting used to wearing your breathing mask. After some time, however, you will sleep sound soundly that you won’t even feel it. Don’t worry, one way or the other, you will get the hang of it and wrap your head around the fact that you really can’t do without the device. If for any reason you still find your breathing machine uncomfortable after two or three weeks, talk to your sleep specialist or your doctor. It is their job to ensure that your breathing device works well for you. Just don’t give up and ditch it. Eventually, you’ll find that once the initial bugs are worked out and fixed, your device will provide more comfort than discomfort.

• Clean the mask, filter, straps and reservoir

Be careful when cleaning your device. Soak the reservoirs well in bleach regularly to prevent bacteria from building up, then rinse it thoroughly before using. Do not use strong detergents to clean your breathing machine for sleep apnea. Instead, use disinfectant wipes to clean the straps and mask. Remember to allow your device to dry well under cool conditions. Blow off dust from the filter and other areas to prevent anything that can trigger allergies. Speaking of allergies, treat your sleep apnea device like you would your breathing machine for asthma.

• Be careful with the head gear

Always adjust the straps of your head gear properly, so as to create a comfortable seal around your face. In other words, air should not escape from the mask. You’ll know this is happening should the mask start hissing. Have your device fitted by a specialist before going home with it. If you need to readjust it, be careful or seek assistance from a specialist. This is simply because the straps won’t fit correctly if the mask is adjusted regularly.

More tips to consider

Apart from breathing devices and complicated treatment options, there is always something you can do to improve your sleep apnea condition. Work out, eat well and divorce unhealthy habits. Before you know it, you won’t need that breathing machine as much.

This may happen as a result of you outgrowing your condition and religiously using it, whether it’s a breathing machine for kids or adults alike. Remember that you really have to be patient with your machine, if you want to use it to your advantage. Don’t just give up on it on the first or second week.