In this educational activity, we will review the importance of the CPAP interface in achieving success in obstructive sleep apnea treatment. We will discuss the evolution of mask technology and mask fitting approaches, including virtual apps. Side effects and outcomes will be compared between nasal and oronasal masks. Evaluation of nasal symptoms, indications for clinical and surgical treatment for nasal obstruction and outcomes of nasal surgency on CPAP use will be discussed. The excessive use of oronasal masks and rationale for choosing nasal masks as first-line options for CPAP treatment will be presented. The mechanisms involved in the better outcomes of nasal masks and of potential ineffectiveness of oronasal CPAP treatment will be reviewed. Detection and management strategies of excessive mouth leak during nasal CPAP will be proposed.
Target Audience
This activity is intended for healthcare professionals involved in the management of obstructive sleep apnea that include Pulmonologists, Pneumologists, Respirologists, Respiratory Physiotherapists, Respiratory Therapists (Hospital, Home), Neurologists, Pediatricians, Otorhinolaryngologists, Sleep Technicians, Home Healthcare Providers, Critical Care Medicine Specialists, Internal Medicine Specialists, Primary Care Physicians (General and Family Practitioners), Advanced Practice Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Physicians Assistants, Managed Care Medical Directors, and other Practitioners and Payers.
Learning Objectives
After completing this activity, the participant should be better able to:
- Discuss the evolution of mask technology and fitting.
- Compare side effects of nasal and oronasal masks for CPAP treatment.
- Define importance of a patent nasal airway.
- Analyze clinical and surgical intervention outcomes on PAP acceptance & adherence.
- Summarize potential ineffectiveness of oronasal CPAP for OSA patients.
- Describe longitudinal treatment of OSA with nasal CPAP as first line option, including management of excessive oral leak.
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Pedro Genta, MD |
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Jennifer Newitt, MD |
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Olivier M. Vanderveken, MD, PhD
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European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME)
EACCME Accreditation Statement
EACCME Accreditation is pending
EACCME Term Offering
Pending
American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) Accreditation
AARC Designation Statement
This Non-traditional program has been approved for 1.75 contact hour Continuing Respiratory Care Education (CRCE) credit by the American Association for Respiratory Care; 9425 N. MacArthur Boulevard, Suite 100, Irving TX 75063.
Term Offering
This activity was released on August 25, 2025 and is valid for two years. Requests for credit must be made no later than August 25, 2027.
Educational Grant
This educational activity is independently produced and is financially supported with an unrestricted educational grant by Philips Respironics.
