Develop the Asian Specified Tight-Sealing Facial Mask by CFD (I)

CPAP is the standard treatment for patients of OSA. Hundreds of researches proved CPAP could reduce blood pressure about 2 mmHg (Arch Intern Med 2007), improve day time vigilance and cognitive function(Terry Weaver ), and decrease cardiovascular morbidity(Chest 2007). But Weaver et al. also proved that the improvement of the morbidity in patients of OSA is closely related to the compliance of CPAP. Many factors are related to the compliance of CPAP. The families support, educational status, economic factors , severity of disease and the physician’s experience were factors that may influence on the acceptance of CPAP. But the major factor determined the acceptance of CPAP is the Mask. Mask is the interface between the therapeutic blower and patients. A well sealed mask could allow a small flow generate enough pressure and guarantee the delivery of the pressure to the collapsed site. Researchers have proved that the cranial facial structure of Asian population is different from the Caucasians. The facial profile of Asian population is more flatten and wide, the nose ridge is not as high and the nasal alar is wider than Caucasians. Since the manufacturer of CPAP machine is in wetern country. The mask associated with CPAP machine is mostly designed from the facial profile of Caucasian population. Non-fit facial mask not only decrease the acceptance but also the effectiveness of CPAP treatment. So, it is worthwhile to established a well designed cohort data in Taiwan. By using this data bank, we can collect OSA patients and reconstruct the CT and facial picture into a facial three dimension structure. Important reference points, width and distance between the facial structures will be measured during the first years. Several mask prototype will be designed on the year and then these mask will be tested on patients for the objective and subjective issue include leakage, facial pressure, flow and pressure delivery to the nasal airway, and comfort etc.

Project ID:PC10106-0039
External Project ID:NSC101-2325-B182A-008