Among the many options of CPAP masks available in the market, how do you determine which ones suit your CPAP therapy? Every patient using a CPAP mask must choose one with maximum comfort and unique preferences. As a professional sleep clinician, Air Liquide ensures you get the proper recommendations from professional consultancy.
We are also experts in educating patients on the latest technology for CPAP mask options. It will help if you avoid uncomfortable situations with the best buy CPAP mask online, such as leaking air. Moreover, CPAP is expensive, and you cannot afford to risk buying one that will not serve value for your money. You may also need a clinic to give you a professional recommendation.
Below are the essential factors to consider when picking the best CPAP masks for your health.
Basic Features of the CPAP Masks
As expected, you will have to check the specifications of the CPAP masks you choose and test their suitability. Below are some essential features of the face CPAP masks that suit your needs.
Hair concerns
Patients with a CPAP mask with rubber headgear can pull the hair on their hair. Therefore, you need to look for CPAP masks with slim straps, such as the P10 by ResMed. Kindly note that silky hairs may still struggle to stay in place, but they will be minimal with these CPAP masks.
Easy to take on and off
You don’t want the trouble of pulling your nasal pillow mask on or off whenever necessary. Just like using a baseball cap, you should be able to quickly wear the nasal mask with a pull stroke over the head. The best CPAP masks, in this case, are the ones with simple straps, not those that struggle with tying and keeping them in shape.
Placement of the hose
There are two common positions that the hose of the CPAP machine can have; either the front or the head. Placing the hose at the top of the head is good for you if you move around a lot at night before you finally sleep. As a result, you will likely not be entangled with the hose while changing your sleeping position. Otherwise, go for the CPAP machine with the hose at the front.
The Size and Face Shape
The best way to determine the best size of the CPAP mask is to measure it with a mask-fitting tool. A professional sleep clinician will have the correct information about using the device. Don’t assume you already know the head size of the CPAP size.
At the same time, the head size may not be precisely the size of the CPAP mask you should use. For instance, the full face mask covers only a part of the face, not the entire head. Therefore, the size and type of CPAP mask you choose to depend on the space between your facial features.
Line of Sight
The line of sight when you wear the CPAP mask, the line of sight is also essential for choosing the best CPAP machine. For instance, if you use a full face mask or a nasal CPAP mask, it covers the space between your eyes or may fit at the bridge of the nose. The resultant effect is that it does not allow patients who may want to use reading glasses or watch TV while trying to sleep. Moreover, using such nasal pillow masks can also hinder people who would like to read by bedtime.
Bed Partner
Conventional CPAP masks produce air discharge from the mask that could disturb your bed partner’s sleep. However, newer models of the CPAP masks, like the ESON2 by Fisher & Paykel, have an in-built diffuser. This feature ensures that the steady stream of air from the CPAP nasal mask does not disturb the person sleeping next to you.
Having claustrophobia or being new to CPAP therapy
If you are new to CPAP therapy, prepare to give yourself the required time to adjust to the treatment. Some people may also have anxiety when the CPAP mask covers the face. As a result, using nasal masks or small masks with minimal face contact can be the way out. These nasal pillow masks are an excellent way to overcome claustrophobia.
However, note that it takes practice with the CPAP masks to get used to using them to overcome sleep apnea. Also, wear a face mask before you go to sleep to transition easily to sleeping mode. You may also need to adjust your last few activities before returning to bed.
Sleeping Position
When choosing the best CPAP most suitable for you, you must consider your favorite sleeping position. For example, if you like to sleep on your side, using a CPAP mask may not be the best choice to overcome sleep apnea. Instead, you may add a unique CPAP pillow to help you overcome this challenge.
Having a nasal mask layered with soft silicon can also help manage this situation better. You may also choose a CPAP mask that allows airflow through the soft silicon frame, such as the Respironics DreamWisp mask. It is an adequate gear to overcome obstructive sleep apnea through better air pressure management.
Maintaining the CPAP Mask
Regular maintenance of your CPAP mask is an integral part of CPAP therapy, but you must do it tightly. For instance, you should learn to wash the mask with suitable materials regularly. The CPAP treatment helps to control the air pressure in the airway to breathe comfortably.
Also, you may want to sterilize it to keep every hidden germ away. Apart from the above, you should change the CPAP cushions once in 6 to 12 months. However, it is not efficient to clean the seal that is made of medical-grade silicon.
Conclusion
Finally, choosing the best CPAP mask requires a level of understanding of the diversity of face masks. For instance, what size works best for you? What are the types of strapping you would expect? Answering all these questions brings you closer to choosing the best CPAP masks for your sleep apnea.
When you feel hesitant about wearing the CPAP mask to sleep, you are not alone in that struggle. Many people find it challenging the first few times they have to wear a facemask to rest to aid their breathing. However, for the benefit of getting some comfortable sleep and better health, they can finally learn to adjust and live healthier lives.
The CPAP masks Australia is part of the CPAP therapy, which helps people living with obtrusive sleep apnea (OSA) to breathe better. This device helps to keep the airway open and prevents it from collapsing while the user is asleep. Otherwise, the collapse may lead to a low oxygen supply and uneasy breathing. Secondarily, the inability to sleep well may lead to other complications and diseases, such as high blood pressure, dizziness, short-term memory loss, edginess, and heart problems.
That is why anyone who feels uncomfortable needs to keep using it. In the end, you get to overcome all the challenges of not sleeping by adjusting the CPAP machines. Unfortunately, some patients even feel claustrophobic, which causes anxiety in confined spaces. As a result, you will need to practice using this remedy.
The CPAP therapy involves using a full face mask or a nasal mask with a comfortable fit for users. When your mask fits, and there is no air leakage, you can expect a sound sleep. Below are helpful tips that can help you optimize the solution that the CPAP brings to your sleep apnea therapy. Then, when you implement them, you can get quality sleep every night.
Practice makes Perfection
You can’t get better at what you avoid doing. The more you do a thing, the better you naturally get at it. This law is also applicable to the use of CPAP machines. It may feel extraordinary for the first time you must wear the face CPAP mask, but if you don’t stop, you can get better at it. It would help if you found a way to get accustomed to it so that you will not continue to have trouble with it. If you get one with a nasal cradle cushion, it can enhance your journey to comfort.
Instead, you will be able to wear it every night before you sleep, and you will wake up healthy and strong. Of course, you also must wear nasal masks consistently and correctly during the day, so your body can quickly adjust to CPAP masks. You can even change to wearing it for a few hours before you finally sleep so you can get faster at mastering the new normal.
Use it every night before sleep
It is important to emphasize that you must be consistent with the use of the CPAP mask for you to get the best results. The first thing many physicians report in patients is the user’s compliance with the machine. Therefore, please don’t start to use the device once and stop using it the next. That way, you will be unable to make the best of it. If you are a regular napper, wear the CPAP mask before you take a nap.
Regardless of how the first time feels, focus on the benefits of using the CPAP machine and be disciplined enough to do what is good for your health. Compliance may also be the most crucial part of adjusting to the regulations of sleep apnea therapy. You can even create a routine for the use, like setting a time of the day when you will use the nasal pillow mask.
Take note that if you are except your naps do not affect your sleep, a beginner must avoid naps when using the CPAP machine. The reason is that the machine can reduce your sleep debt at night, and you may still struggle to sleep well even with the CPAP mask over your face. Meanwhile, it is good to have some sleep debt when adjusting to the CPAP machine usage because you can now find it easier to fall asleep.
When you are learning to use the CPAP machine, try to tweak your use of the CPAP mask every night. The goal is to find the best level of adjustment that works perfectly for you. So, try a couple of things, such as loosening the straps or tightening them up before you sleep. If the CPAP masks are too tight, you may have red marks on your face in the morning. But if the CPAP masks are too loose, they may fall off your face before you wake up.
Even if you get a physical or sleep coach to fix the CPAP mask, it does not mean you cannot still adjust it to suit what you need. Find the comfortable level of usage and the settings of the CPAP mask to get the best results. When making adjustments, ensure you are lying down with the CPAP mask on your face. This posture also ensures that air is not trapped inside the CPAP masks.
Pick a CPAP Mask that is a comfortable fit for you
If you do not struggle with using the CPAP mask, you must pick the one that fits rightly for you. You may start your journey with an online search where you analyze all the available CPAP masks in the market and their peculiar features. Even if you don’t know which is best for you, try them in your preferred sleep position.
Another thing that could help you is to understand your preferences when it comes to sleep. For instance, are you a side sleeper, or do you lie on your back? In terms of breathing, how do you breathe comfortably, from the mouth or the nose? Let your sleep specialist and sleep therapist know all the conditions of your sleep and what your needs are.
Some details may include your sleeping position and whether you leave your mouth open or closed. A suitable CPAP mask should also allow you to watch TV or wear glasses while allowing air pressure to remain constant as needed.
Add a CPAP Humidifier to your CPAP machine
If you notice that your throat or nose is dry, you may add a CPAP humidifier to the system. This component will help to keep your nose and throat moist while you sleep and enhance the oxygen content in the air. At the same time, the air pressure flowing through the channels can also become more humid than what is prevalent in the room where you sleep.
Physical factors such as temperature, humidity, and pressure contribute to sleep quality and therefore are the variables for the CPAP machine. For instance, the humidity of your bedroom can enhance the success of the CPAP device. Thus, modern CPAP machines come with heated humidifiers and tubing. That way, it can customize the right amount of humidity concerning your body. When using these CPAP masks, there is no risk of discomfort.
Conclusion
Above are five critical factors that can enhance your chances of a quality sleeping time with the aid of the CPAP machine. In implementing these tips, don’t despise the help of your sleeping coach or your physician. It also provides the right kind of support in getting the best device for your particular situation. Using CPAP masks ensures that people suffering from obstructive sleep apnea can live a healthy life. Sleep therapy is a sure way for CPAP users to recover from the hazards of sleeplessness.
Sleep apnea is known to be a minor health disorder when it is at a mild level. However, it can become a huge problem when left untreated for a long time. Indeed, severe sleep apnea can pose life-threatening risks to your health and stop you from excellently performing your daily activities.
Therefore, expert health practitioners recommend you go for sleep apnea treatment earlier to restore your overall perfect health. Meanwhile, you don’t necessarily have surgery to treat sleep apnea. Instead, the best treatment option at the mild stage is therapy.
Therapy can be super effective for many sleep disorders, including insomnia. Based on in-depth research, tested and proven therapies are safer for treating sleep apnea as they cannot put you at risk of unpleasant side effects or sustained health complications.
Of course, sleep apnea can tempt you to go for other treatment options like sleeping pills or surgery. Especially when you are desperate to get good sleep, you may even attempt an over-the-counter sleep aid, which can worsen your sleep disorder in the long run.
On the other hand, surgery is mainly recommended for people struggling with central sleep apnea, which has to do with malfunctioning of the brain or inherited narrowed airways. However, for obstructive sleep apnea, you should find sleep apnea therapy to help restore your sound health before the situation gets worse and more complicated.
Finding the Right Sleep Apnea Therapist
Researchers proved that finding the right therapist for your sleep apnea is essential for quick recovery. But, most importantly, the bond between you and your therapist will determine the pace and effectiveness of your sleep apnea treatment.
Finding the right therapist out of the countless sleep apnea therapists practicing in Australia can be somewhat challenging. However, if you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and need a therapist to help you out, we have some tried and true tips to make the search easy and productive.
9 Tips to Find the Right Sleep Apnea Therapist
1. Look through your provider network
Paying your therapist through an insurance plan is good as it is more secure and can help you cut costs substantially. Paying for sleep apnea therapy from your pocket can be expensive and especially in Australia, where professional medical service comes with high costs
So, if you plan to pay through your insurance plan, you should consult your provider directory. Meanwhile, you will also need to know the number of times your insurance plan would allow you to attend sleep apnea therapy sessions in a month and whether it is less expensive to use an out-of-network therapist.
2. Ask a close pal
When looking for sleep apnea therapy, it is always good to ask for referrals from friends, colleagues, or any medical practitioner you can trust. That way, you can be sure your obstructive sleep apnea problem is in a safe hand.
While it is good to ask for a referral, you must also make sure you draw out your goals and needs for sleep apnea therapy before hiring the recommended person. In addition, you must be sure that the recommended person understands how to solve your difficulty sleeping at night, whether it is central sleep apnea or obstructive sleep apnea.
3. Search online
Most Australian licensed sleep apnea therapists maintain a solid online presence. So, the internet might be your reliable friend in your search for the right therapist for your sleep apnea problems.
Aside from that, countless health organizations have built a solid database of licensed therapists for sleep apnea. You can start searching by typing your ZIP code into a long list of credible and specialist therapists for sleep apnea close to you.
4. Explore your local resources
Regardless of your engagement, your local community has a few resources to help you find the right sleep apnea therapist easily. If you are a student, you can approach your school’s counseling center and complain about your sleep disorder to get recommendations.
Formal employees can also involve the human resources team in the search for a list of therapists connected to the company. An employee assistance program can also be of great help.
5. Contact health organizations that specialize in treating sleep apnea
Don’t forget that you are looking for a therapist who can treat sleep apnea, not just a random therapist. Having that in mind, it can be helpful if you find a local therapist through a professional organization, association, or helpline. Most associations have the right resources to help you make the search easy.
6. Determine your needs and goals
It is always good to have written goals and objectives for your therapy before beginning the search in the first place. That will make it easy for you to communicate your needs to any therapist you find.
You must make your therapist understand what you want the therapy to achieve at the end of the day. For instance, it might be to remove the blockage in your airways to allow you to breathe effortlessly or to teach you how to manage your inability to sleep so as not to affect your daily activities.
7. Online therapy apps can help
A number of therapy apps come with features and tools to help you find the right therapist for your sleep apnea problems. Those apps can link you with an experienced therapist licensed and accredited to treat even severe sleep apnea problems via your phone.
From experience, getting sleep apnea solutions online can be more convenient as you wouldn’t have to leave the comfort of your home before your perfect sleep is restored.
8. Ask questions
Before agreeing to work with a therapist, you must ask the essential questions about the things that matter. When you meet with a therapist – whether online or in person –make sure you ask every crucial question.
Of course, a good therapist should ask you a series of questions and allow you to ask questions. During the questioning session, you must be honest and let your therapist understand your feelings. In addition, the questioning will help you know how qualified the therapist is and give you credibility.
9. Ask for evidence
Whether the therapist claim to be a member of a professional body, have several certifications and license to practice, or has success stories of past clients, ask for evidence to back up the claims. Ensure you see every necessary paper or webpages that affirms every claim before you agree to pay.
Conclusion
Your sleep is an essential part of your healthy living. Unfortunately, you can’t afford to take it with levity. You should make every necessary effort to ensure you are working with the right therapist to fix your sleep apnea problems without further complications in your health. The above tips will help you find the right therapist if you strictly adhere.
Hello there! Do you know why some people don’t value a CPAP machine? As a matter of fact, some people don’t like to use CPAP masks because of their shortcomings. Then, I also noticed that people complaining about most CPAP masks did not even know the flaws. People only talk about its benefits.
However, I am not here to stop you from using a CPAP machine. I only want to expose you to the limitations of using this unique device. If the sleep doctor prescribed CPAP machines to treat sleep apnea or other sleep disorder, the fact remains that you don’t have any other options.
So, the essence of this write-up is not to change your understanding of the CPAP machine. Instead, this write-up is an avenue to know the shortcomings or limitations of continuous positive air pressure machines.
But before we proceed, it would be nice to create a piece of background knowledge. Hence, I will discuss the CPAP machine’s meaning before proceeding with its shortcomings. Therefore, you have a role to play. So please do away with all distractions and follow me closely.
What are CPAP machines?
CPAP means Continuous positive air pressure. Due to an obstruction in their upper airway, people with Obstructive Sleep Apnea have trouble breathing while they are asleep.
They snore, gasp, choke, wake up, or stop breathing due to their tongue or airway tissue physically obstructing their breathing passage.
By providing enough pressured air to keep the airway from collapsing, CPAP device help to maintain a clean airway. In addition, the constant flow of air helps to prevent occurrences associated with snoring and sleep apnea.
Furthermore, a mask, a hose, and a machine make up the three essential parts of a CPAP machine. The fan sucks air into it, filtered and purified by the engine. However, you can adjust the machine’s pressure level, expressed in centimeters of water pressure, with the assistance of your doctor. Honestly, CPAP treatment is the best way to solve obstructive sleep apnea.
Also, the machine is connected to a CPAP mask by a short pipe. The hose should be long enough to prevent you from feeling constrained and have a tight seal to both the device and the mask. The mask fits snugly over your mouth, nose, or both depending on the style. From the machine, pressurized air flows through the hose and into the mask, where it enters the airway.
In addition, please make sure you buy a new CPAP machine. Get continuous positive airway pressure that has a nasal pillow mask. Remember, the nasal mask will protect your skin.
Then, you need to get CPAP machines that align with your sleep position. Also, most CPAP masks are made from silicone. CPAP machines have two pressure settings.
Then, there are other options like APAP machines, Bilevel machine, and BiPAP machines. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, you will get a good night’s sleep using a CPAP device. Therefore, please get the right CPAP machine.
What are the shortcomings of using a CPAP machine?
1. Discomfort
One of the shortcomings of a continuous positive air pressure machine is discomfort. This device can make one feel uncomfortable. I don’t know if you’ve seen a CPAP machine before. CPAP machine is not always easy, especially in the early stage of the treatment.
Several people neglected CPAP machines because of this shortcoming. The CPAP machine cannot allow you to do some things. For example, one will not be free even to change positions while sleeping.
Your CPAP machine could be unpleasant, bothersome, or both. When using the tool for the first time, you might experience these issues the most. As a result, it can take some time to adjust. However, you can manage your CPAP discomfort and achieve a restful night’s sleep with a little effort.
2. Difficulty falling asleep
Therapy issues arise most frequently when your CPAP mask doesn’t fit properly. You might find it so hard to fall asleep as quickly as you should if it doesn’t work well when you go to bed. During the day, put on your mask.
Make little changes to establish a good seal and make it comfortable. Can CPAP interfere with sleep?
Although CPAP is intended to treat your sleep apnea and improve your sleep quality, it occasionally fails. In actuality, many individuals, particularly those with mild sleep apnea, frequently report having considerably worse sleep after beginning to use CPAP.
Additionally, it frequently wakes people at night, preventing them from getting the sleep their body requires and likely results in fatigue. Unfortunately, using a CPAP machine can make it harder for some people to fall asleep.
3. Cpap causes nasal congestion
Dry, pressured air passing through the sinuses causes nasal congestion, which can be particularly common in people who have frequent sinus infections. Use a nasal saline spray to moisten your nasal passages for momentary relief. In addition, you should think about utilizing a CPAP humidifier for long-term care.
The air your CPAP machine is forcing into your nasal passages may occasionally be the root of congestion. Even if your mask fits snugly and forms a tight seal, the air can dry out your airways if it is too dry and cold. We’ll talk about an easy fix for this problem later.
4. Nosebleeds
Patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) may experience negative nasal symptoms from nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), such as congestion, which can be lessened by adding warm humidification.
Then, how can you stop a CPAP machine nosebleed? You may get a stuffy nose or even nosebleeds when you use a CPAP. First, check to see if your mask is airtight. Some devices come with a heated humidifier that relieves nasal congestion. Saline spray is another option for treating your problems.
5. Cpap machine can cause skin irritation or sores
The CPAP face mask may itch, and patients with sensitive skin may experience a more severe case of itchiness. Redness, sores, pimples, blisters, and rashes can be painful and itchy.
Furthermore, daily CPAP use by a patient may result in replacing a mask with less than one O3 half-life reduction. So, peri-oral dermatitis can develop due to a reaction between the remaining O3 and the person’s natural skin oils.
6. Cpap mask can cause Claustrophobia
Claustrophobia often marks the initial stages of a patient’s CPAP therapy. While receiving therapy, the patient can appear to have breathing difficulties every night. As a result, the patient’s body begins to produce and circulate stress hormones like adrenaline. So then, how can you Overcome Claustrophobia with a CPAP machine?
You should gradually lengthen the time you keep the mask on. Once you are confident doing this, consider putting the mask on while awake for limited periods. Try watching TV or doing something else to keep yourself occupied during this period.
On a final note
Dear reader, I believe you’ve seen something tangible here. I explained the CPAP machine’s meaning and discussed this device’s six shortcomings. Hence, you can ask questions regarding this topic. Thanks for reading!
In this piece, we’ll look at some crucial CPAP mask recommendations.
Do CPAP masks come in disposable varieties?
In the past, you may have seen an advertising for a company that guaranteed to provide new CPAP masks to customers each month. According to the sales pitch, these masks fit better since they are more recent and flexible, which purportedly allows them to block out the irritating noises often associated with CPAP masks.
Disposable CPAP masks are not yet available, however. By utilizing disposable cpap masks filters, which keep dirt out of your cpap mask, you can breathe clean air instead.
In addition to the lack of a disposable CPAP mask, you also have to deal with cleaning the hoses and numerous compartments on the CPAP mask. If cleaning your CPAP mask makes you unhappy, a new sleep apnea therapy alternative could.
Alternative Sleep Apnea Treatments
Instead of spending 20 minutes every day thoroughly cleaning your CPAP mask, hoses, and filter, use an alternative sleep apnea treatment.
How to Choose a CPAP Mask for Side Sleepers
Having their face so near to the pillow might cause air leakage, skin irritation, and general discomfort for side sleepers. You may prevent these issues and ensure that you are receiving the full benefits of CPAP therapy by finding a CPAP mask that fits tightly and is comfortable enough to use often.
Although it’s generally not recommended for side sleepers to wear full-face masks, certain types could be appropriate if they offer the right features and/or a secure fit.
For instance, full face masks with tubes on top of the head may be advantageous since they are less likely to get clogged and cause leaks. Because they may have extra features to help secure the mask, models made for active sleepers are often more suited for side sleepers.
What to Consider When Purchasing CPAP Masks?
The perfect fit will be determined by a variety of criteria. It’s often a good idea to chat with your doctor before making a CPAP mask purchase as they may be able to provide suggestions based on your medical history. Size, fit, comfort, durability, and machine compatibility are the most important factors to think about when purchasing CPAP masks since they have a significant impact on how well your therapy works.
prescriptions from doctors Your doctor could recommend CPAP masks based on your medical history and preferred sleeping position. You may also be able to be fitted for a mask in a sleep clinic or doctor’s office, which is helpful as masks are often not returnable once opened.
Size & Fit:
Finding the ideal size and fit may need some trying, since a poorly fitting mask may interfere with your CPAP therapy. Since each kind of mask fits differently, your sleeping position and face structure will have a considerable influence on the comfort and security of each.
For side sleepers, a low-profile, basic design that doesn’t prevent your face from touching a cushion usually works well. Nasal pillows are often chosen by side sleepers because they fit under the nose rather than over it and are the least obtrusive kind of mask.
Cushions are used to seal your CPAP mask system and typically available in small, medium, and large sizes. The appropriate cushion size is crucial since it helps prevent air leakage. An ideal cushion would have a snug yet comfortable hole that is right below the nose.
Touch Points:
Side sleepers often react better to straightforward designs like nasal pillows since they have fewer points of contact with the face. Reduced pressure and friction between the face and pillow and reduced surface area of the mask reduce the likelihood of air leakage.
Comfort:
Many people with sleep apnea stop using the therapy because of the difficulty or discomfort of the CPAP masks. Side sleepers often complain that full-face masks are too heavy and difficult to wear. It might be more effective and consistent to use headgear and cushions that fit tightly yet pleasantly.
Make that your new mask is compatible with your CPAP mask. Even though the model uses standard CPAP tubing, it’s a good idea to double-check the manufacturer’s paperwork for compatibility requirements.
Position of the Tube:
The CPAP tube or hose connects your CPAP machine’s mask to it. The material is hollow plastic. The tube will have a swivel connection at the top of your head or the mask’s nasal part. It is important to consider where the tube is placed in relation to the sleeping position since a tangled tube is more prone to cause air leaks.
For combo sleepers, CPAP masks with top-of-head tubes work best since they often stay out of the way while shifting positions. Since nasal tubing doesn’t obstruct the cushion as much, it is ideal for side sleepers.
Included Parts:
Cushions, headgear, tubing, clips, mask frames, and soft cloths are often included with CPAP masks. Depending on the model type, parts differ.
Materials:
It’s important to consider the materials used while purchasing a CPAP mask, especially in terms of comfort and possible allergies. Skin irritation is a common complaint among CPAP masks users, however many CPAP masks employ soft materials like fleece or cotton to lessen pain. More common mask components include vinyl, foam, silicone, rubber, and silicone.
Robustness:
CPAP machines are more durable than masks, however routine maintenance may extend the usable life of the parts. As a general rule, cushions should be replaced every month, and the mask frame and tubing should be done so every three months, however it’s a good idea to check for wear on a regular basis. The headgear and chin strap often last for up to six months.
Cost:
Prices range from $50 to $150 for a standard CPAP mask depending on the design, quality, and materials utilized.
Guarantee:
A 90-day guarantee is often included with CPAP masks to cover any manufacturing problems. When a problem arises during the insurance period, some manufacturers require that you return the damaged mask for inspection before they send a replacement. Other plans, however, will replace your mask right immediately.
Get rid of any preconceived ideas you may have about the CPAP machine!
Most individuals have at least one friend or family member who uses a PAP machine, and they may either love it or detest it. Keep your thoughts as open as you can and avoid letting other people’s experiences shape your own since everyone has a highly unique experience with therapy.
Breathe normally
When using a PAP machine for the first time, you may be tempted to attempt to control your breathing and make an effort to inhale and exhale. But refrain! You can feel panicked and desire to remove the mask and equipment as a result. Breathe normally, and the positive pressure will usually become more comfortable with time.
In PAP treatment, “practice makes perfect” holds true! The machine becomes easier to operate the more you use it. Try your hardest to persevere on evenings when you feel like you’ve had enough of your machine. If you feel the need to walk away from the treatment for a time, go ahead and do it. However, be sure to put the mask and machine back on before going back to sleep for the remainder of the night.
The mask will either make or ruin the procedure.
Make sure you have the correct mask type and size for your method of PAP treatment, your pressure settings, your face structure, and your desired body orientation while you sleep by working closely with our DME professionals. Poor sleep quality using the machine is caused by ill-fitting masks because the airflow might “leak” and create noise and pain.
If you struggle to keep your mask on during the night, try “mask desensitization.” This entails putting on the mask and headgear at least 45 minutes before bedtime in an effort to “normalize” the device and acclimate your body and brain to it before attempting to fall asleep.
Utilize the comfort features on your device.
Remember the following features for maximum comfort, and get in touch with our DME team if you want further help or detailed instructions on how to use or modify the following:
The settings of a humidifier may assist with dry mouth and dry mucosa.
Boost the level to add additional moisture
Ask a DME professional about a heated tube if your tubing is “gurgling” because water is condensing in the tubing or mask as you raise the setting.
Reduce the level to create drier air
By reducing the pressure, RAMP may assist with PAP treatment and aid in sleep.
By pressing the RAMP button, you may reduce the pressure to 4 cm H2O and wait for it to gradually rise to the ultimate recommended pressure over several minutes (i.e. 30 minutes)
Depending on your method of PAP treatment and the brand of your machine, Flex might provide additional comfort whether you inhale, exhale, or do both.
Participate with your sleep medicine team.
Please let us know if you are experiencing trouble utilizing or tolerating your PAP treatment so we can assist!
You will get more used to your machine the more you use it. Be patient with yourself while you adapt. So, persevere, and you’ll soon begin to understand just how much treating your sleep apnea improves both your sleep and quality of life! And you may say good night to sleep once again!
Through the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask attached to a CPAP machine, air will be forced into your lungs while you sleep. The majority of people who get CPAP treatment have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, a potentially fatal sleep disorder that causes people to temporarily stop breathing while they are sleeping.
Is a CPAP treatment beneficial?
Even though it has been shown that CPAP is beneficial, some people may find it difficult to adjust to wearing a nasal mask or even come to terms with the idea of doing so. Since there are currently so many choices accessible, one of them definitely fits your demands.
Before the CPAP therapy may be deemed effective, there is a period of adjustment time required. The thought that the CPAP machine, together with the cpap masks and tubing, would now accompany patients to bed may take some getting used to for the patients. However, patients soon adjust to the gadget and are able to sleep well even when it is on all night.
Comfortable atmosphere for sleeping
Additionally, the CPAP treatment provides a more comfortable atmosphere for sleeping while also considerably reducing the symptoms of sleep apnea. The CPAP masks might, however, sometimes result in slight discomfort with extended use. Blisters, rashes, pressure marks, and acne are just a few examples of the many types of skin irritations that may happen.
These are minor concerns, not big ones, and they may be readily avoided if one knows the proper nasal mask application procedures and suggestions. The most frequent reasons of skin irritability when using CPAP masks are dryness, redness, and itching, all of which are discussed in this blog article.
Discomfort from using CPAP masks
The manufacturer follows all guidelines set out by the government and the medical community while creating full face CPAP masks. They work hard to make the patients’ CPAP masks as comfortable as they can.
Skin irritation
However, every individual has a distinct collection of physical traits, such as the shapes, sizes, and levels of skin sensitivity. As a consequence, manufacturers work hard to make CPAP masks that may be used with a range of face shapes and skin tones. However, some people may have problems, such as itching when using the nasal mask, since no two people’s faces or skin are precisely the same.
One of the most crucial things you can do while using full face CPAP masks to reduce irritation is to try on a range of sizes of CPAP masks and choose the one that has the dimensions that are the most similar to your face. However, there are several circumstances in which CPAP masks could irritate people.
Factors that make wearing a full-Face mask uncomfortable
The cushions on the nasal mask were made of silicone to make wearing it more comfortable. On the other hand, those who already have sensitive skin may experience irritation as a consequence of this. In a similar line, it’s possible that some people have allergies to silicone.
Since these cushions would degrade with time and eventually becoming uncomfortable and abrasive, using them will become more challenging.
The nose, cheeks, chin, and skin may have been put under more pressure as a result of the CPAP mask being too tightly fastened to the face. The CPAP mask may not fit certain people’s faces correctly or appropriately.
Due to the accumulation of skin cells, oil, germs, dust, and several other particles with constant usage, full-face CPAP masks may not be clean and may even be unclean. To discover a CPAP mask that fits their face properly, the patient may need a different size or opt to choose a new kind of CPAP mask entirely.
If the patient has oily skin, it is possible for the CPAP full face mask to come off while they are sleeping at night. The skin could get irritated by this. The humidifier may be the reason why the CPAP mask is leaking. In this situation, the moisture builds up within the tube and sprays out into the face, irritating the skin.
Several Potential Irritant Sources Application of a Nasal Pillow Mask
The nasal pillow CPAP mask can be faulty or the incorrect size. The air going through the CPAP mask tube can also be dry. Last but not least, it’s likely that the nasal cushion was implanted too deeply.
How may CPAP mask irritability be reduced?
Even if you have skin sensitivity when using the CPAP mask, you shouldn’t be alarmed if it happens. Unfortunately, a large percentage of people do in fact experience skin irritation as a direct effect of routine CPAP mask use.
However, there are a number of things you can do at home to reduce these adverse effects and enhance your ability to get a good night’s sleep. A CPAP mask therapy may cause pain, chafing, and irritation. The following should be considered while using CPAP masks to lower the possibility of skin sensitivity:
When searching for CPAP masks, use size templates as a reference to ensure that they are the right size for your face. By measuring the different aspects of your face, you can choose the right size to buy with the help of the templates.
You should always have a backup mask on available in case you find it difficult to get used to the mask you initially bought.
Release the straps holding the CPAP masks’ headgears. The face must be gently covered with the mask while it is worn. It’s crucial to refrain from unduly tightening the CPAP mask.
The frequent cleaning of the CPAP masks using CPAP wipes, water, and soap is advised. This action will result in the eradication of infectious bacteria.
It’s crucial to refrain from inserting the nasal pillows too deeply. The cushion must rest on the nose’s rim in order to function.
If you often feel that your mouth and nose are becoming dry, you may want to use a nasal pillow mask along with a humidifier. The humidifier has added moisture, which is present in the pressurized air that enters your airways as a result of the humidifier. This prevents the lips and nose from fully drying out.
Place the CPAP machine lower than the user’s head while using it while sleeping. By doing this, the CPAP won’t leak. Additionally, you may raise the humidity level in the room by modifying the humidifier’s settings, and lastly, you can wrap a blanket around the tubing to warm the air inside of it.
Make sure that the CPAP supplies are routinely changed in line with the device’s maintenance schedule. For example, you might enroll in a prescription program that would let you regularly get CPAP mask supplies, or you could keep a stock of all the necessary CPAP mask supplies and arrange to have them delivered to you on a regular basis.
Gloucester is awaiting the decision on whether AGL can start fracking 300m from family homes. AGL want to start fracking as soon as possible.
The following list the fines, breaches of license and investigations by the NSW EPA Environmental Protection Agency against coal seam gas company AGL in 2013:
19 December 2013
Exceeding NOx limits
Fined $1,500
9 August 2013
1. failure to maintain and operate equipment; 2. failure to continuously monitor emissions; and 3. failure to meet proper sampling requirements to monitor concentrations of pollutants discharged.
Enforceable Undertaking to address licence non-compliances AGL to pay $150,000 to environmental education and management project in the local area. AGL also paid $10,000 for EPA’s investigation and legal costs. AGL to bring the premises back into compliance with licence requirements.
15 July 2013
Failing to report Air Emission Monitoring data
Fined $1,000
12 March 2013
Exceeding NOx emission limit from onsite gas compressor engines during September, November and December 2012
Fined $1,500 for breaching its licence conditions
1 March 2013
Gas well flooded
No Action
AGL fined for NOx exceedences
19 December 2013 The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has issued AGL operations in Camden with a fine of $1,500 and an official caution for exceeding air pollutant, oxides of nitrogen (NOx) concentrations limits on two occasions in August this year.
The EPA’s Chief Environmental Regulator, Mark Gifford said that AGL had self-reported the two incidents to the EPA.
“AGL holds an Environment Protection Licence (EPL) issued by the EPA for the Rosalind Park Gas Plant which forms part of the Camden Gas Scheme.
“AGL is required to continuously monitor emissions from its three gas compression engines. They are also required to publish emission data on a regular basis.
“Emissions at the Camden site are monitored by three onsite Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) units and routine independent stack testing.
“In August and September this year the EPA received two incident reports from AGL for breaches of NOx concentration limits.
“The first exceedence occurred on 4 August and the second on 13 August. AGL has told the EPA that they were only made aware of the 13 August exceedence on September 6 when they received their monthly report of the CEMS from the company that undertakes the monitoring.
“The EPA has investigated the incidents and has determined that AGL failed to maintain its equipment in a proper and efficient condition as required under the EPL.
“As soon as AGL became aware of the incidents, it reported them immediately to the EPA, investigated the causes of the incidents and took action including the shut-down of equipment.
“AGL has also adopted corrective actions aimed at preventing a recurrence including more frequent verification of monitoring systems used for compliance purposes and the automatic shutdown of a gas compression engine if it goes into fault.
“Whilst the exceedences were small and of short duration and did not cause a significant impact on the environment, the EPA takes all non-compliances seriously”, said Mr Gifford
All details of the AGL licence and non-compliances are published on the EPA public register.
11 September 2013 – The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is investigating potential emissions breaches from the AGL Rosalind Park site in August that were reported to the EPA yesterday.
The incidents relate to three minor exceedences of the nitrogen oxide concentration limits by 1mg, 5mg and 10mg per cubic metre, on August 13 2013 between 5am and 8am.
AGL has told the EPA that they were only made aware of the exceedences on September 6 when they received their monthly report of the Continuous Emissions Monitoring System from the off-site monitoring company.
While it does not appear that exceedences of this type would have resulted in any environmental or health concern, the EPA is very concerned about the AGL control systems which did not activate an alarm in place for immediate awareness of the issue by the company.
The EPA has directed AGL to provide a full written report on the exceedences within 7 days.
The EPA is also investigating a separate nitrogen oxide exceedence that was reported on August 5.
AGL signs an Enforceable Undertaking to address licence non-compliances
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has considered and agreed to a proposal from AGL for an Enforceable Undertaking (EU).
Investigations by the EPA indicated that AGL had not complied with several Environment Protection Licence (EPL) conditions in relation to the continuous monitoring of air emissions between 2009 to 2012.
The EPA’s Chief Environmental Regulator, Mark Gifford said the licence non-compliances were first reported to EPA by AGL in Mid 2012 when the EPA tightened laws which required companies to publicly report all monitoring data collected under an EPL.
The licence non-compliances relate to failure to maintain and operate equipment; failure to continuously monitor emissions; and failure to meet proper sampling requirements to monitor concentrations of pollutants discharged.
The EPA considers an EU is an appropriate enforcement response in this instance rather than prosecution because it will achieve an effective and long term resolution and more directly benefits the environment and community.
AGL holds an Environment Protection Licence issued by the EPA for the Rosalind Park Gas Plant which forms part of the Camden Gas Scheme.
AGL is required to continuously monitor and report on their emissions. Whilst full continuous monitoring for Nitrogen Oxides did not occur between 2009 and 2012, quarterly stack testing was conducted in accordance with the EPL. The quarterly results show compliance with the tight licence limits.
AGL has stated that the cause was due to oversight combined with a lack of understanding by staff. AGL has already implemented various measures to prevent a recurrence.
Whilst the AGL non-compliances with licence conditions did not cause a significant impact on the environment, it is vital that the community and government have accurate and reliable information about its emissions.
The EU is a public and legally binding written agreement to address poor conduct put forward by a Company to the regulator as an alternative to prosecution. The EU recognises that AGL has taken active responsibility for the offence and implemented all necessary measures to address licence breaches.
The EU contains a detailed description of the non-compliances that concerned the EPA, AGL’s acknowledgement of these and the actions taken to address the licence non-compliances. These actions include the installation of new air monitoring equipment, a detailed review of air monitoring requirements and changes to reporting and auditing systems.
The EU requires AGL to pay $150,000 to a “Love Your Lagoons” environmental education and management project in the local area that will be implemented by the University of Western Sydney.
AGL will also pay the EPA’s investigation and legal costs totalling $10,000.
These payments are over and above the costs to AGL to bring the premises back into compliance with licence requirements.
The environmental enhancement component of the EU was proposed by AGL and developed in consultation with the AGL Community Consultative Committee.
The EPA takes all non-compliances seriously and our regulatory decisions are guided by the principles outlined in the EPA Prosecution Guidelines.
AGL fined for failing to report Air Emission Monitoring data
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has fined AGL $1,000 for failing to publish monitoring data under “community right to know” requirements of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997.
The EPA’s Chief Environmental Regulator, Mark Gifford said the intent of these requirements is to improve the public’s access to information about the environmental performance of licensed facilities.
“AGL holds an Environment Protection Licence issued by the EPA for the Rosalind Park Gas Plant which forms part of the Camden Gas Scheme.”
“AGL is required to obtain and publish emission data from its three gas compression engines, from onsite Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) units and routine independent stack testing.
“When EPA reviewed the AGL website on 6 June, the last CEMS data was for the month of January. No CEMS data was published for the months of February, March and April .
“The EPA requires a monthly summary of the CEMS data to be published on the company’s website within 14 days of the last data being obtained for that month. “
“Once notified, AGL immediately published the data. The data indicates that emissions were not above the limits permitted by its Environment Protection Licence.”
The EPA takes all non-compliances seriously and our regulatory decisions are guided by the principles outlined in the EPA Prosecution Guidelines.
AGL fined for breach of Licence
The NSW Environment Protection Authority has fined AGL $1,500 for breaching its licence conditions at its Rosalind Park Gas Treatment Plant after emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) were recorded above limits permitted by its Environment Protection Licence.
The EPA’s Chief Environmental Regulator, Mark Gifford said AGL holds an Environment Protection Licence issued by the EPA for the Rosalind Park Gas Treatment Plant which forms part of the Camden Gas Scheme.
“The licence requires that the concentration of nitrogen oxides that can be emitted from AGL’s gas compressor engines must not exceed 461 mg/m3 at any time (based on an hourly average).
“AGL recorded exceedances of the NOx emission limit from onsite gas compressor engines during September, November and December 2012. The highest hourly average reported for each month was 587 mg/m3 in September, 896 mg/m3 in November and 578mg/m3 in December.
“The EPA does not consider these exceedences caused significant harm to the surrounding community or environment.
“AGL self-reported the incidents to the EPA and the emission monitoring data, including the exceedances, were published on the AGL website as required by the EPA. AGL also investigated the cause of the exceedences and promptly fixed the equipment.”
The EPA takes all non-compliances seriously and our regulatory decisions are guided by the principles outlined in the EPA Prosecution Guidelines.
The EPA is separately investigating AGL at Camden for failing to continuously monitor NOx emissions from its gas compressor engines between 2009 and 2012. This licence breach was reported by AGL to the EPA in July 2012. The EPA’s regulatory response will be made public shortly when the process is complete.
Menangle Park AGL coal seam gas well flooded after recent rains
The NSW Environment Protection Authority’s (EPAs) Chief Environmental Regulator, Mark Gifford, has confirmed that the AGL site at Menangle Park has been again been subjected to heavy rains but the community can be reassured that the flooding does not pose a risk to the environment.
“AGL advised the EPA of the flooding of one of its gas production wells at Menangle Park following heavy rainfall,” Mr Gifford said.
“AGL’s planning approval includes conditions which specifically address flooding due to the wells’ sensitive location, including the requirement for a Flood Management Plan.
“These site management measures require AGL to take precautions to prevent any environmental impacts and to secure the site to prior to flooding occurring.
“AGL’s wells can be shut remotely and are designed to be safe even if submerged underwater.
“The EPA is confident that the AGL Menangle Park site was appropriately secured during flood events, and that no contaminants, including any stored chemicals, could have moved off the site.
“AGL has done the right thing by reporting the flooding to the EPA.
”The EPA will continue to ensure that AGL maintains the environmental performance of its Menangle site to a high standard.
In 2009/2010 the NSW government and the taxpayers were forced to cover a $100 million bill to clean up toxic waste at the former Australian Gas Light Company gasworks site in Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, Sydney city.
AGL Gasworks, 30-38 Hickson Road Millers Point Sydney
Contaminated Land Management Act 1997
Nature of contamination affecting the site:
The EPA believes that the site is contaminated with gasworks waste and particularly waste tar as a result of the previous use of the site as a gasworks plant.
The chemical composition of gasworks waste includes the following substances (“the contaminants”): polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX); total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs); ammonia; phenol and cyanide.
According to state government memos obtained by the SMH, the chemicals have spread into Darling Harbour and to residential blocks and pose a ”serious risk of harm to human health”.
Jemena acquired assets of the former AGL from another entity after 2006, when the current AGL Energy Limited was formed as a separate company not involved in this dispute.
As of December 12, 2013, AGL are waiting NSW State Government approval to recommence stimulation fracking of these same wells …
AGL’s Gloucester coal seam gas wells have already accidentally erupted methane 300m away from the wells
A coal seam gas well currently owned by AGL at Gloucester was shut down in 2004 when several boreholes up to 300 meters away unexpectedly blew off methane gas.
These are the same wells which consumer gas company AGL and federal Resources Minister McFarlane now want to start fracking before Christmas.
These gas wells are located less than 300 metres away from family homes.
However, AGL insists that family homes within 300m of gas wells is not close: “Claims that wells will be close to houses is incorrect. The closest any well will be to a residence is around 300 metres.”
300m is less than the length of 25 school buses or 15 mining trucks and a man ran that distance in less than 31 seconds in 2000.
The NSW Government is currently considering whether AGL should continue fracking operations of these wells, with their announcement expected soon. The community at Gloucester has vowed to stop AGL.
An expert in Workplace Health & Safety said that in assessing the risk of a potentially dangerous industrial operation such as a gas well so close to where people live and work, there are two main considerations: the ‘likelihood’ of an accident, and the ‘consequence’ of that accident.
Looking at the AGL Gloucester gas wells, the likelihood is assessed as ‘high’ as a blow out has happened previously in the same wells. The consequence of as similar accident happening again is ‘extreme’ as multiple deaths of innocent residents may occur.
With families and farmers living and working within 300m of gas wells, the chances of accidental explosion from hot water systems or any flame is of major concern to residents.
COAL BED METHANE HAZARDS IN NEW SOUTH WALES BY C. M. ATKINSON January 2005.
In September 2004, within a fortnight of the beginning of gas testing, a coal bed methane well north of Newcastle, NSW, was shut down as several boreholes up to 300m away began to blow off methane gas.
This was the first reported case of a serious migration of methane gas from coal bed methane operations in New South Wales.
Molopo Australia Limited has a 25% interest with the operating company AJ Lucas Coal technologies Pty. Ltd, in the Stratford gas prospect near Gloucester, approximately 100 kilometres north of Newcastle.
Drill hole LMG-03 was one of two test production drill holes completed by the partners and four coal zones with an aggregate thickness of 16 metres (some announcements quote 23 metres) of coal had been fracture stimulated with sand and water. A 6-12 months testing period began in late August 2004.
However, Molopo announced on 7th September that all tests had been halted after methane had erupted from a number of old boreholes in the area.
At the time a strong gas flow of 280,000 cubic feet/day had been recorded even though the water level was still about 300 metres above the coal seams.
Two and a half months later Molopo Australia Limited announced that test pumping of LMG-03 had resumed.
Three boreholes from an earlier coal exploration had started producing methane, and these along with eight other boreholes had now been sealed with concrete, the company explained.
The project manager explained in November that this accidental methane eruption had shown how good the lateral connections were in the reservoir.
In this case there were apparently no serious injuries and the methane gas migrated into nearby boreholes rather than houses, essential water supplies or livestock areas.
This example shows that even with only a partial withdrawal of the hydrostatic pressure, methane will migrate quickly and in unpredictable directions.
If the drill site conditions laid down by the State Government are similar at Stratford to those elsewhere, the most visible safety precautions would have been a wire fence and a locked gate.
Shares in Molopo Australia Limited (MPO) dropped 8% on 7 September 2004 after the company advised that work on its Coal bed methane project at New South Wales’ Gloucester Basin had been suspended because gas started venting from a number of old boreholes in the area.
Don’t be fooled by the gas industry spin that “fracking has been done safely for decades”. This massive world-wide ‘gas rush’ is happening because George Mitchell figured out how to do it economically in 1998.
George Mitchell is known as the “Father of Fracking” due to his 1998 invention (just over 15 years ago) where he combined the old and uneconomical hydraulic fracturing, with ‘slickwater’ and with ‘horizontal drilling’ … those 3 technologies combined made the process economical and thus fuelled the current world-wide boom in fracking
The industry can no longer simply focus on the benefits of shale gas (The Economist)
Shale Gas Revolution (NY Times)
Yes, hydraulic fracturing or fracking by pumping water down a well was done since 1947 – but it was uneconomical and was rarely done.
“In 1998, with Mr Mitchell approaching his 80s, his team hit on the idea of substituting water for gunky drilling fluids. This drastically cut the cost of drilling and turned the Barnett Shale into a gold mine”.
From the 1970s America’s energy industry reconciled itself to apparently inevitable decline.
Analysts produced charts to show that its oil and gas were running out. The big oil firms globalised in order to survive.
But Mr Mitchell was convinced that immense reserves trapped in shale rock deep beneath the surface could be freed.
He did not discover shale gas and oil: geological surveys had revealed them decades before he started. He did not even invent fracking: it had been in use since the 1940s. But few great entrepreneurs invent something entirely new.
He spent decades perfecting techniques for unlocking them: injecting high-pressure fluids into the ground to fracture the rock and create pathways for the trapped oil and gas (fracking) and drilling down and then sideways to increase each well’s yield (horizontal drilling).
“In 1998, with Mr Mitchell approaching his 80s, his team hit on the idea of substituting water for gunky drilling fluids. This drastically cut the cost of drilling and turned the Barnett Shale into a gold mine”.
George Mitchell fused two technologies – hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling and added a cocktail of chemicals to the fracking process which made the process economical.
The result was a revolution. In an interview with The Economist last year Mr Mitchell said he never had any doubt that fracking might turn the American energy market upside down.
But even he was surprised by the speed of the change. Shale beds now produce more than a quarter of America’s natural gas, compared with just 1% in 2000.
Q. “Are the concerns of environmentalists over fracking justified?
George Mitchell: “As a concerned businessman and philanthropist, I have come to understand that the natural gas industry can no longer simply focus on the benefits of shale gas while failing to address its challenges.
“We know that there are significant impacts on air quality, water consumption, water contamination, and local communities.”
Shale Gas Revolution
November 3, 2011 NYTimes – A few years ago, a business genius named George P. Mitchell helped offer such a gift. As Daniel Yergin writes in “The Quest,” his gripping history of energy innovation, Mitchell fought through waves of skepticism and opposition to extract natural gas from shale.
The method he and his team used to release the trapped gas, called fracking, has paid off in the most immense way.
In 2000, shale gas represented just 1 percent of American natural gas supplies.
