Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the influence of different masks, ventilator settings and body positions on the pressure exerted on the nasal bridge by the mask and subjective comfort during noninvasive ventilation (NIV).
We measured the pressure over the nasal bridge in 20 healthy participants receiving NIV via four different NIV masks (three oronasal masks, one nasal mask) at three different ventilator settings and in the seated or supine position. Objective pressure measurements were obtained with an I-Scan pressure-mapping system. Subjective comfort of the mask fit was assessed with a visual analogue scale.
The masks exerted mean pressures between 47.6±29 mmHg and 91.9±42.4 mmHg on the nasal bridge. In the supine position, the pressure was lower in all masks (57.1±31.9 mmHg supine, 63.9±37.3 mmHg seated; p<0.001). With oronasal masks, a change of inspiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP) did not influence the objective pressure over the nasal bridge. Subjective discomfort was associated with higher IPAP and positively correlated with the pressure on the skin.
Objective measurement of pressure on the skin during mask fitting might be helpful for mask selection. Mask fitting in the supine position should be considered in the clinical routine.
Abstract
The pressure exerted by NIV masks on the nasal bridge is lower in the supine position and not influenced by the IPAP http://ow.ly/8nkE30iI6Kd
Footnotes
Conflict of interest: A-K. Brill reports having been the recipient of a European Respiratory Society Fellowship during the conduct of the study.
Conflict of interest: M.J. Morrell reports being the principal investigator on a multicentre trial for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea funded by ResMed.
Support statement: A-K. Brill is the recipient of a European Respiratory Society/European Lung Foundation Fellowship (LTRF 2013–1798). Funding for the equipment for this project was provided by Brompton Breathers (Royal Brompton & Harefield Charitable Trust). Funding information for this article has been deposited with the Crossref Funder Registry.
- Received December 20, 2017.
- Accepted February 23, 2018.
- Copyright ©ERS 2018
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