Individualized nasal mask fabrication for positive pressure ventilation using dental methods.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to develop a simple technique to manufacture individualized ventilatory nasal masks for pediatric patients using materials and procedures commonly applied in dentistry.


METHODS
Three cases of pediatric patients who met with severe difficulties in their adaptation to commercially available nasal masks are described: one premature infant, one child diagnosed with achondroplasia, and one child with congenital central hypoventilation syndrome.


RESULTS
In each case, a light nasal mask was designed with two independent parts that become perfectly adapted to the patient's nose: one soft for the skin contact, and another rigid for dimensional stability. In all patients, adequate levels of ventilation were reached.


CONCLUSIONS
This easy, inexpensive nasal mask fabrication technique can be used in a great number of patients, increasing the efficacy of individualized masks.
Limeres
Jacobo
J
Special Needs Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Santiago de Compostela University, Spain. jacobolp@usc.es
Diz
Pedro
P
Vilaboa
Carlos
C
Tomás
Inmaculada
I
Feijoo
Javier F
JF
D000130:Achondroplasia / Q000628:therapy; D000180:Acrylic Resins; D002648:Child; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007040:Hypoventilation / Q000151:congenital / Q000628:therapy; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008397:Masks; D009666:Nose; D009969:Orthodontic Wires; D011145:Polyvinyls; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000628:therapy*; D012828:Silicones; D013577:Syndrome
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D011145:Polyvinyls; D012828:Silicones