Nasal symptoms associated with the use of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) can adversely impact on patients' tolerance, acceptance and adherence to nCPAP therapy. Regular use of heated humidification is effective in alleviating these symptoms and improve patient comfort. In a randomised, parallel, double-blinded, controlled study, the present a...

Obstructive sleep apnoea is a chronic condition characterized by repetitive episodes of upper airway collapse during sleep, leading to sleep fragmentation. The management of sleep apnoea consists of general and specific measures. General measures should include weight loss in overweight patients; avoidance of alcohol during the evening hours; avoidance of any hypnotic drug. Specific measures ma...

OBJECTIVE To compare the resistance in vitro of different devices used for the delivery of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) in neonates. DESIGN Flows of 4-8 litres/min were passed through a selection of neonatal NCPAP devices (single prong, Duotube, Argyle prong, Hudson prong, Infant Flow Driver), and the resultant fall in pressure measured using a calibrated pressure transdu...

The demand for diagnostic and therapeutic services for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) showed marked growth during the 1990s. This paper analyses the long-term cost-effectiveness of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) treatment in comparison to conventional null treatment. A Markov model was used to represent the natural history of OSAS based upon published evidence. Util...

BACKGROUND Nasal mask discomfort is a major factor in compliance with treatment by nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) and nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). METHODS A study of skin complications resulting from mask usage, with particular reference to predisposing factors, was carried out in 66 patients by means of a postal questionnaire. An effective means...

Background Infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS) is one of the main causes of serious complications and death in preterm infants. Both Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (NCPAP) and Nasal Intermittent Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV) are known as the most common treatment strategies for IRDS. The present study intended to compare NCPAP and NIPPV in the treatment of preterm inf...