The most common treatment for sleep apnea is CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, therapy. A CPAP machine is usually about the size of a shoebox but may be smaller. A flexible tube connects the machine with a mask that is worn over the nose and/or mouth. CPAP works by pushing air through the airway passage at a pressure high enough to prevent apneas. The pressure is set according to the patient´s sleep apnea.

Once you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and have been prescribed CPAP therapy, you may be able to choose one machine among the many offered. A CPAP, typically covered by the Social Security or insurance as a durable medical equipment benefit, is most often rented through a homecare provider. Bilevel machines with two different pressures -one for inhalation and a lower pressure for exhalation- are also available. CPAP and Bilevel may also be purchased from MEDIPRO.

In addition to the CPAP or Bilevel, you will need a mask. Mask fit is very critical to you. Talk to your doctor and homecare provider about what mask they recommend and keep in mind that the mask may be manufactured by a different company than the CPAP. Again, contact MEDIPRO to know what mask suits you best.

The Soft Series mask is recognized by both doctors and patients as one of the best masks ever made. It has gained the confidence of thousand of patients because it is simple, does not do harm to the skin, is durable and easy to clean.

Nasal Aire II CPAP interface by Innomed is the best mask in the world. It can be worn for any duration without discomfort; patient can sleep in any position; it is virtually leak-free --does not chill the nose; it has a built-in swivel and, because it has minimal parts, is easy to assemble and clean. It comes in six sizes: XSmall, Small, Medium, Medium-Plus, Large and XLarge.