CPAP Mask:

Mask fitting is an essential element of an apnea patient's success with continuous or auto CPAP therapy because it affects compliance, treatment efficacy, and possible side effects. Demands on mask stability increase as pressure increases. Higher pressures often result in air leak and patient discomfort, and certain CPAP masks (weather a full mask or a nasal mask) will not perform as well as others.

Most CPAP accessories require tighter CPAP headgear at higher pressures, and tightening may cause pressure sores. Some CPAP accessories such as a nasal mask and full face CPAP masks have become very popular among clinicians and patients because of their stability and comfortable design, which performs well without tight CPAP headgear, even at high pressures.

Titration and Mask Fitting

Titration and mask fitting will greatly affect the patient's comfort. Higher pressures will more likely cause noise disturbances or nasal irritation. These CPAP side effects can be minimized with an appropriate CPAP equipment selection and heated humidification. For patients who do not tolerate CPAP well, bi-level therapy or auto CPAP therapy may be the answer.