       
|
 |
|
|
-
The mean rH during nCPAP without humidifier and with a closed mouth measured 60
± 14% and with the mouth open reached an average of 43 ± 12%.
-
Integrated heated humidification significantly increased rH during sleep both
when the mouth is closed (60 to 81%) and during mouth leaks (43 to 64%).
-
Issues that affect compliance due to nasal effects when CPAP is used without
humidification are dryness, burning and congestion.
-
Airway dryness largely accounts for nasal discomfort during nCPAP therapy.
-
Nasal dryness is compounded due to mouth leaks because the mucosa (lining of
the nasal cavity) usually recovers 1/3 of the humidity (water) lost during
inspiration during the expiratory phase.
-
Mouth leaks occurred in approximately 31 ± 27% of total sleep time in these
patients.
-
A clinical consensus has been reached that nCPAP therapy with heated
humidification can prevent or improve mucosal dehydration.
-
A previous study sited reports an increase of daily compliance (from average of
3.0 to 5.5 hours) after the addition of heated humidification in patients with
OSAS complaining of nasal discomfort.
-
When heated humidification in the nasal mask was replaced by attachment of a
face mask to the CPAP apparatus, the rH decrease was totally prevented both
with the mouth closed and during simulation of mouth leaks. The comfort of the
face mask became an issue and possible long term compliance would be
compromised.
|
|
|
