A CPAP Mask For Children With Sleep Apnea

Adults are not the only ones who can suffer from a sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea. It can affect children as well. When children have sleep apnea they are not getting the sleep that they need to keep them healthy and active during the day.

The treatment of choice for this sleep related breathing disorder is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). This airway pressure is delivered to the patient via a mask that fits over the nose and sometimes the mouth, too. Getting a child to wear CPAP can certainly be a challenge. Luckily, there are masks available now specifically for the younger sufferers of sleep apnea.

A manufacturer of sleep apnea supplies, Resmed, has a CPAP mask available for children aged seven and older, or who weigh at least 40 pounds, called the Mirage Kidsta Nasal Mask. It was designed with a child’s needs in mind and can be used with both CPAP and Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BIPAP). The Mirage Kidsta Nasal Mask does not contain any latex material, so there is no danger for those who are allergic to this material.

If your child snores at night or has periods in which they stop breathing for several seconds at a time, you should take them to see a sleep specialist for an evaluation. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health consequences like high blood pressure and has even been associated with later development of diabetes. A CPAP machine and CPAP mask may be what your child needs to get the quality sleep that they need.