The headgear is an important accessory when you use a CPAP machine at night to deal with your sleep apnea. This accessory holds the mask in place over your nose and mouth, allowing you to get a steady supply of oxygen throughout the night. When you shop for CPAP headgear, it's a good idea to thoroughly look at a number of different products so that you can buy the one that will best suit your needs. A salesperson at your local medical equipment supplier can help you to find the right headgear for you. Here are some features that it should offer.
Soft Material
Your CPAP headgear will be sitting against your face for the entirety of the time that you're in bed, so you want it to be comfortable. While adjusting the size of the headgear is important for its overall comfort, don't overlook the material from which this device is made. You want to choose headgear with material that is as soft as possible. If you're shopping in person, make a point of touching a few different products so that you can note the difference in softness. You want to be aware of the headgear as little as possible at night, and soft material will help in this regard.
Magnetic Clips
There are many different ways that CPAP masks connect to headgear, but it's generally a good idea to look for a product that uses magnetic clips. The major benefit of this design is that you'll be able to secure the mask to the headgear in just a short amount of time, rather than have to fiddle with them. This is something that you'll appreciate, given that you'll be using these accessories every night. Additionally, if you find yourself handling your mask and headgear in the dark — perhaps because your partner is already asleep — doing so will be easy with magnetic clips.
No Obstruction
Some CPAP headgear have a piece that runs horizontally across your forehead, just above the eyes. While this piece might not bother you while you're sleeping, it can be an issue if you wish to wear your headgear and mask while you're watching TV in bed. Some people favor doing so in case they fall asleep with the TV on. If you expect to engage in this activity, you'll want to choose headgear that doesn't obstruct your ability to see the TV across the room. Learn more about CPAP headgear by visiting a medical equipment supplier.
