Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2025

Effects of Surgical Masks on Cardiopulmonary Function in Healthy Subjects
Published on: February 12, 2021
Impact of posture and CPAP on nasal airflow
Ahmad T Hamdan1, Sarin Rungmanee2, Nithita Sattaratpaijit2
1Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Marquette University & The Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.
Abstract:
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients who use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) often complain of nasal dryness and nasal obstruction as side effects of CPAP. The physiological mechanisms by which CPAP may cause nasal dryness and nasal obstruction remain poorly understood. It has been hypothesized that CPAP interferes with the nasal cycle, abolishing the resting phase of the cycle and leading to nasal dryness. We performed rhinomanometry measurements in 31 OSA patients sitting, laid supine, and supine after 10 min of CPAP at 10 cmH2O. A posture change from sitting to supine led to more symmetric airflow partitioning between the left and right nostrils in the supine position. CPAP did not have a significant impact on nasal resistance, unilateral airflows, or airflow partitioning. Our results suggest that airflow partitioning becomes more symmetric immediately after changing to a supine position, while CPAP had no effect on nasal airflow, thus preserving the nearly symmetric airflow partitioning achieved after the posture change.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation...
Administering Oxygen by Nasal Cannula
Nasal Cannulas
A nasal cannula is a lightweight tube split into two prongs placed in the nostrils,...
Sleep Apnea
The condition is more prevalent among...
Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway
Equipment Required
Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Nursing Management
Assessment

