mask choices than ever. There have always been different sizes for individual masks. However, the number and style of CPAP masks has grown exponentially in the last few years. In particular, both the nasal pillow and full face mask categories have had significant upgrades. With manufacturers continuing to add innovative products, this should make more CPAP patients happy and compliant.Success for Swift FX for Her and Quattro FXOne of the industry leaders, ResMed, seemed to start the gender specific design trend with Swift FX for Her. Though the pink headgear is customized to attract a women CPAP user, this nasal pillow mask also provides smaller pillows, soft wrap headstraps and is very lightweight in order to give women the customization and comfort they have been requesting. For the full face CPAP mask category, ResMed has designed a CPAP mask patients can use while reading or watching TV. The new Quattro FX was designed without the forehead T-bar to give people a clear line of sight. Both of these masks have consistently received high marks from a customer base. Not only has the Swift FX for Her and the Quattro FX remained popular, they have shown to be very effective and comfortable.The New GoLife for MenPhilips Respironics newest release was aimed at the largest sector of CPAP mask market. The GoLife for Men was designed to appeal to men who have felt frustrated with past nasal pillow masks. The GoLife was designed specifically to conform to the contours of male facial features which are typically larger than females. This new nasal pillow mask also offers menalways works."In contrast, the success rates for surgeries to eliminate sleep apnea are roughly around 30%. To compound the problem, people with the most dangerous sleep apnea symptoms seem to get the least benefit from any surgical procedure. In fact, many ear, nose and throat doctors will recommend to patients that they first use a CPAP machine for a minimum of 6 months and up to a year before they can even be considered for surgery.Chance for ReoccurrenceWith surgery, there is a chance that the sleep apnea will be temporarily alleviated or reduced. However, there is a high occurrence of sleep apnea returning. Some patients have gone through extensive procedures such as removing both the uvula and tonsils, cutting on the soft palate and working on the septum only to find that the sleep apnea reoccurs in a few months. With CPAP machines, the patient merely has to use a CPAP machine and wear a CPAP mask each night in order to properly treat the condition. There is certainly a level of frustration especially initially when using a CPAP machine but the alternative is even less appealing.Extreme DiscomfortAlthough the idea of surgery sounds quick and simple, most of the time it is not the case. When a child has a tonsillectomy, they get to stay home from school, eat ice cream and get pampered. They usually have a sore throat and then are back to normal in a week. The case for adults is quite different.Just removing the tonsils without the other extensive procedures can be a significant ordeal. The recovery time is much longer which means time away from work a