Date: February 2021.
Source: ERJ Open Research (https://doi.org/10.1183/23120541.00632-2020).
Rationale: Delivery of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children and adults. Treatment adherence is a major challenge as many patients find the CPAP mask uncomfortable. The study aim was to demonstrate the feasibility of delivered CPAP through customized nasal masks by assessing mask leak and comfort of customized masks compared to commercially available CPAP masks.
Materials and Methods: Six healthy adult volunteers participated in a cross-over study including commercial masks in three different sizes (petite, small/medium, and large) from the same supplier and a customized mask fabricated for each subject using 3D facial scanning and modern additive manufacturing processes. Mask leak and comfort were assessed with varying CPAP levels and mask tightness. Leak was measured in real time using an inline low-resistance Pitot tube flow sensor, and each mask was ranked for comfort by the subjects.
Results: Mask leak rates varied directly with CPAP level and inversely with mask tightness. When ranked for comfort, three subjects favoured the customized mask while three favoured a commercial mask. The petite mask yielded the highest mask leaks and was ranked least comfortable by all subjects. Relative mask leaks and comfort rankings for the other commercial and customized masks varied between individuals. Mask leak was comparable when comparing the customized masks with the highest ranked commercial masks.
Conclusions: Customized masks successfully delivered target CPAP settings in all six subjects, demonstrating the feasibility of this approach.
Article: Feasibility of 3-Dimensional Facial Imaging and Printing for Producing Customized Nasal Masks for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.
Authors: Kelvin Duong, Joel Glover, Alexander C Perry, Deborah Olmstead, Mark Ungrin, Pina Colarusso, Joanna E MacLean, Andrew R Martin.