JOURNAL OF PROSTHETIC DENTISTRY THE

Vol. 100 No. 2      AUGUST - 2008

ISSN: 0022-3913      UBIC: 171

RESUMEN

Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Airway obstruction is prevented by delivering air at a constant pressure via a nasal mask worn during sleep. Small nares may cause difficulty in wearing even the smallest standard nasal mask, with wear resulting in discomfort and air leaks. This article describes a method for fabricating a custom nasal CPAP mask using maxillofacial prosthodontic laboratory techniques. (J Prosthet Dent 2008; 100:147-152)

SUMMARY

The custom nasal CPAP mask demonstrates an intimate adaptation to the internal and external anatomy of the nose and overcomes 3 of the reasons often cited for non compliance with CPAP masks: air leakage from the mask, noise, and discomfort. The customized mask additionally minimizes the side effect of skin abrasion and allows the patient to use the CPAP mach me at a lower positive pressure. Given the high incidence of side effects associated with the CPAP nasal interface and the significant rates of non compliance that have been reported, the need for a customized mask seems evident. The disadvantages of this method are the additional patient appointment time and laboratory expense of the customized mold. Further refinement of the processing technique is necessary to improve cost effectiveness.

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