Researchers Develop New Seal-Less CPAP Mask

Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, is a condition in which soft tissues in the upper airway slacken during sleep, causing repeated episodes of stopped or shallow breathing. Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source This sleep disorder is estimated to affect up to 22% of adults in the U.S. Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source Untreated sleep apnea contributes to daytime sleepiness and can have long-term effects on cardiovascular health.

The gold standard treatment for OSA is a CPAP machine, which works by blowing a continuous stream of pressurized air into the sleeper’s airway to prevent it from closing. Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source Unfortunately, many people find it difficult to tolerate CPAP therapy. 

Experts estimate that nearly 50% of people prescribed CPAP therapy do not use it on a regular basis. Not only does this reduce the effectiveness of treatment, but failure to use the device for at least four hours per night can also void a person’s insurance coverage.

Breaking the Seal Requirement

Part of the reason some people have trouble adjusting to CPAP therapy is because it requires a snug-fitting mask, which can feel claustrophobic. A poorly fitting CPAP mask can also cause pressure sores or allow unwanted air leaks, leading to an increase in sleep apnea symptoms. 

While different types of CPAP masks may help mitigate some of these side effects, all of the existing designs — including less bulky nasal masks and nasal pillow masks — require an airtight seal. That’s why the researchers from the University of Cincinnati decided to team up with a sleep medicine specialist to approach the problem from a different angle.

Using principles from aerospace engineering, the team designed a device and mask based on vortical airflow. Whereas traditional CPAP therapy delivers a steady stream of air, the VortexPAP is designed to deliver air in a spiral shape. This design better directs the airflow toward the nostrils and allows the mask to keep the airway open without requiring such a tight fit.

A ‘Game-Changing Innovation’

The new device has a low-profile interface with thin tubes that fit inside each nostril. Crucially, this design doesn’t need to form a seal against the user’s face, and the vortex airflow may also help protect against excessive air swallowing. In preliminary studies, participants reported that this mask is more comfortable than a standard CPAP mask. 

Liran Oren, Ph.D., part of the team behind the VortexPAP device, says, “This game-changing innovation will make CPAP therapy more comfortable, better tolerated and may increase patient compliance.”

It should be noted that the mask isn’t the only uncomfortable part of CPAP therapy. Discomfort from the pressurized airflow and irritated nasal passages have also been cited as reasons why people may stop using their CPAP machine. However, if the VortexPAP technology reaches the commercial stage, it has the potential to deliver effective sleep apnea therapy at lower, more comfortable pressure levels.