Optimizing Mask Selection for OSA Treatment With CPAP

Selecting an appropriate mask is crucial for the success of CPAP. Using a patient-centered approach, the purpose of this narrative review was to provide the clinician with the rationale to support the choice of the most suitable mask for patients with OSA who require CPAP treatment.

Despite the larger studies comparing nasal and oronasal masks being observational and potentially selection biased, they suggest that nasal masks are associated with better objective and patient-reported outcomes. New technologies that use 3-dimensional facial scanning and artificial intelligence have been developed to improve mask selection. Close follow-up combining in-person and telehealth-based models can detect mask-related adverse effects. Excessive leak is a common challenge during CPAP follow-up and may impair treatment adherence.

The distinction between mouth and mask leak allows the use of adequate corrective strategies to control leak that may improve CPAP adherence and avoid unnecessary mask changes.