title: CPAP interface: satisfaction and side effects.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to evaluate the care receiver's satisfaction with the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) interfaces.
  
  
  METHODS
  A questionnaire with visual analog scales was sent to all our CPAP patients (0 = absolutely unsatisfied, 100 = very satisfied). From the ResMed ResScan program, we obtained the CPAP daily use and air leak values.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We received 730 answers (70 % of participants); females comprised 22 %. A total of 391 patients had ResMed interfaces, 227 had Respironics, 87 had Fisher & Paykel (F&P), and 25 patients had other interfaces. Interfaces were nasal for 79 %, nasal pillows for 9 %, oronasal for 9 %, and unidentified for 3 % of cases. The mean ± SD satisfaction rate was 68 ± 25. No statistically significant differences were found regarding the type or brand of interface, previous interface experience, or the age or gender of the patient. Users of ResMed interfaces had significantly (p < 0.01) fewer cases of disturbing leaks than did users of Respironics or F&P interfaces (60 vs. 70 and 72 %, respectively). The ResMed Ultra Mirage interface had the fewest cases of disturbing leaks. Values for the measured median leaks were a mean of 5.9 ± 7.2 l/min, and those for the maximum leaks were 39.3 ± 22.2 l/min with no differences between brands. The users of F&P interfaces experienced significantly (p < 0.01) more comfort and used the CPAP device significantly (p < 0.007) more than did users of ResMed or Respironics interfaces (88 % of cases vs. 65 and 57 % and 6.2 ± 2.6 vs. 5.3 ± 2.8 or 5.8 ± 2.8 h/day, respectively).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The majority of patients consider the use of the CPAP interface disturbing even though the satisfaction rate is good with no differences between brands.
authors: Sleep Unit, Pulmonary Department, Helsinki University Hospital, P.O. Box 160, Helsinki 00029, Finland. adel.bachour@hus.fi
authors: Adel
authors: A
authors: Bachour
authors: Pirjo
authors: P
authors: Vitikainen
authors: Paula
authors: P
authors: Virkkula
authors: Paula
authors: P
authors: Maasilta
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D045422:Continuous Positive Airway Pressure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000523:psychology; D004867:Equipment Design; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult