Author/Authors :
Bachour, Adel Heart and Lung Centre - Helsinki University Hospital Clinicum - Faculty of Medicine - University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland , Avellan-Hietanen, Heidi Heart and Lung Centre - Helsinki University Hospital Clinicum - Faculty of Medicine - University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland , Palotie, Tuula Helsinki University Hospital and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases - Clinicum Faculty of Medicine - University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland , Virkkula, Paula Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery - University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
Abstract :
While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is an effective first-line therapy for sleep apnea, CPAP fails in one third of
patients mainly due to poor adherence to the CPAP device and masks. (e role of the medical team is to guide the patient in
choosing the best mask, thus insuring good CPAP therapy adherence. Once a suitable mask is found, the brand of the mask does
not affect patient satisfaction or CPAP adherence. For the majority of patients, nasal masks are by far more suitable than oronasal
masks. Orosanal masks are indicated in case of nasal stuffiness or when an air leak manifests through the mouth. Re-evaluation of
the efficacy of CPAP therapy is recommended when switching to oronasal masks.
