Original ArticleThe efficacy of three different mask styles on a PAP titration night

BackgroundThis study compared the efficacy of three different masks, nasal pillows, nasal masks and full face (oronasal) masks, during a single night of titration with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).MethodsFifty five subjects that included men (n = 33) and women (n = 22) were randomly assigned to one of three masks and underwent a routine titration with incremental CPAP applied through the different masks.ResultsCPAP applied through the nasal pillows and nasal mask was equally effective in treating mild, moderate, and severe sleep apnea. However, CPAP applied through the oronasal mask required a significantly higher pressure compared to nasal masks to treat moderately severe (2.8 cm of H2O ± 2.1 SD) and severe (6.0 cm of H2O ± 3.2 SD) obstructive sleep apnea.ConclusionCPAP applied with either nasal mask was effective in treating mild, moderate, and severe sleep apnea. The oronasal mask required significantly higher pressures in subjects with moderate to severe disease. Therefore, when changing from a nasal to an oronasal mask, a repeat titration is required to ensure effective treatment of sleep apnea, especially in patients with moderate to severe disease.