Alternative Methods of Humidification during Use of Nasal CPAP

Abstract

In 13 sleep apnea patients with severe nasal symptoms from the use of nasal CPAP and a consequent humidity deficit in inspired air, we compared the use of an artificial nose and a chin strap to the use of an in-line passover humidifier. METHODS: In a 3-week study, the patients randomly used the chin strap or artificial nose the first week, then switched to the other device the second week, and finally used the in-line humidifier the third week. After each week, they answered questionnaires about ease of use, comfort, and symptoms with each device—and expressed their personal preferences. RESULTS: Most patients had some nasal discomfort or symptoms when using the in-line humidifier, but 8 of the 13 (62%) preferred it to the chin strap or artificial nose. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of these sleep apnea patients preferred the in-line humidifier to the other devices for improving humidification of their inspired air, but it was not uniformly acceptable. Further work should be done to develop a more effective, less expensive, less bulky humidification system for use with nasal CPAP.