Equivalence of nasal and nasal pillow masks during initial CPAP titration night for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients.

Abstract

Introduction: Nasal masks are usually the first choice interface on CPAP titration. Limited data exists regarding the effectiveness of nasal pillow during CPAP titration. Aims and objectives: To compare polysomnography outcomes during CPAP titration for nasal and nasal pillow masks and assess whether patient characteristics differed between groups. Methods: We prospectively analyzed CPAP titration studies for three months. CPAP pressures were manually titrated. Anthropometric data (age, sex, body mass index, neck and waist circumference) and OSA severity were documented. Patients completed a questionnaire that measures nasal obstruction (NOSE scale). Prior to CPAP study, the mask types were introduced and the preferred mask was chosen by patients. Results: Nasal masks were used in 54.7% (n=86) and nasal pillow in 45.2% (n=72). Baseline AHI was higher for nasal masks (49.5/h x 41.5/h, p Conclusions: nasal pillow masks seem to be equally effective to nasal masks and could be considered as the initial choice for CPAP titration.