title: Evaluation of a new pediatric positive airway pressure mask.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The choice and variety of pediatric masks for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is limited in the US. Therefore, clinicians often prescribe modified adult masks. Until recently a mask for children aged < 7 years was not available. This study evaluated apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) equivalence and acceptability of a new pediatric CPAP mask for children aged 2-7 years (Pixi; ResMed Ltd, Sydney, Australia).
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients aged 2-7 years were enrolled and underwent in-lab baseline polysomnography (PSG) using their previous mask, then used their previous mask and the VPAP III ST-A flow generator for ≥ 10 nights at home. Thereafter, patients switched to the Pixi mask for ≥ 2 nights before returning for a PSG during PAP therapy via the Pixi mask. Patients then used the Pixi mask at home for ≥ 21 nights. Patients and their parents/guardians returned to the clinic for follow-up and provided feedback on the Pixi mask versus their previous mask.
  
  
  RESULTS
  AHI with the Pixi mask was 1.1 ± 1.5/h vs 2.6 ± 5.4/h with the previous mask (p = 0.3538). Parents rated the Pixi mask positively for: restfulness of the child's sleep, trouble in getting the child to sleep, and trouble in having the child stay asleep. The Pixi mask was also rated highly for leaving fewer or no marks on the upper lip and under the child's ears, and being easy to remove.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Pixi mask is suitable for children aged 2-7 years and provides an alternative to other masks available for PAP therapy in this age group.
authors.forename: Clete A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Kushida
authors.forename: Ann C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Halbower
authors.forename: Meir H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Kryger
authors.forename: Rafael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pelayo
authors.forename: Valerie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Assalone
authors.forename: Chia-Yu
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Cardell
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Huston
authors.forename: Leslee
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Willes
authors.forename: Alison J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Wimms
authors.forename: June
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mendoza
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D045422:Continuous Positive Airway Pressure / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008397:Masks; D017286:Polysomnography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: children; patient interface; positive airway pressure; sleep disordered breathing