title: Choosing the right interface for positive airway pressure therapy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Positive airway pressure (PAP) is the standard and most effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It provides a continuous stream of air under positive pressure through the nose, mouth, or both, which prevents collapse of the upper airway. This allows the patient to breathe freely during sleep. The success of PAP therapy depends largely on the selection of the proper interface (mask). The choice and application of the interface in patients with OSA is a great challenge that greatly affects the long-term compliance to PAP therapy.
  
  
  METHODS
  This article discusses the different types of masks that can be used in patients with OSA, including the differences between nasal, oro-nasal, and total face masks, breathing during wakefulness and sleep, and the impact of interface type on upper airway patency and mask fitting. We also discuss the steps to be considered in choosing the proper interface and potential problems that may arise during long-term use.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Current evidence suggests that the nasal mask is better tolerated, requires lower pressure to eliminate obstructive respiratory events, and is associated with a better sleep quality and better PAP therapy compliance. Nevertheless, the best mask is the one that patient will wear.
authors.affiliation: The University Sleep Disorders Center, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Box 225503, Riyadh, 11324, Saudi Arabia. ashammam2@gmail.com.|Strategic Technologies Program of the National Plan for Sciences and Technology and Innovation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. ashammam2@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Ahmed S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: BaHammam
authors.affiliation: Philips, Respironics, Murrysville, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Tripat
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.affiliation: The University Sleep Disorders Center, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Box 225503, Riyadh, 11324, Saudi Arabia.|Strategic Technologies Program of the National Plan for Sciences and Technology and Innovation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Smitha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: George
authors.affiliation: The University Sleep Disorders Center, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Box 225503, Riyadh, 11324, Saudi Arabia.|Strategic Technologies Program of the National Plan for Sciences and Technology and Innovation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Karen Lorraine
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Acosta
authors.affiliation: The University Sleep Disorders Center, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Box 225503, Riyadh, 11324, Saudi Arabia.|Strategic Technologies Program of the National Plan for Sciences and Technology and Innovation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Kashmira
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Barataman
authors.affiliation: The University Sleep Disorders Center, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Box 225503, Riyadh, 11324, Saudi Arabia.|Strategic Technologies Program of the National Plan for Sciences and Technology and Innovation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Divinagracia E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Gacuan
mesh_terms: D045422:Continuous Positive Airway Pressure / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008397:Masks; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012119:Respiration; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*
keywords: CPAP; Interface; Nasal mask; Nasal pillow; Oro-nasal mask; Sleep apnea