ArticleEuropean archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery2026
A new method using pointing area diagrams to characterize and compare ventilation masks used in continuous positive airway pressure treatment for apneic patients.
Article in European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
purposeMask choice is a key parameter in the adaptation of continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP) treatment. Two indicators used to evaluate poor mask tolerance are cutaneous overpressure and unintentional leaks. The main aim of this study was to characterize each mask, thanks to a feedback harvesting method using pointing area diagrams.
methodsDiagrams showing a face scheme were submitted to 70 health professionals who install masks. They pointed out the areas of cutaneous overpressure and of unintentional leaks for 6 different masks (2 of each type: facial, nasal, pillow). Areas on the face with the highest concentration of points were determined to compare masks, regarding pressure and leak points.
resultsOut of the 396 analyzed diagrams, the nasal bridge was the area with highest pressure points concentration: 33% and 30%, for facial and nasal masks, respectively. Internal canthus was the area with highest leak points concentration: respectively 27% and 41%. On the nasal bridge, there was no significant difference between facial and nasal masks regarding pressure points (74%, 76%, 72%, and 63%). On internal canthus, 31% indicated a leak point for the F20, 40% for the Quattro Air without significant difference whereas the report was increased for the Soft nasal in comparison to the other nasal mask the Mirage FX (61% vs 33% respectively, p < 0.05).
conclusionThis method could help decision-making of physicians, health professionals and could be useful for manufacturers in the improvement of their products. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: #20240510.
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