The Right Fit: Why a Comfortable CPAP Mask Is Essential to OSA Treatment

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Currently, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the second most common sleep disorder and affects almost one billion adults globally,¹ causing more patients to turn to CPAP therapy as part of their treatment. However, a poor-fitting CPAP mask can compromise a patient’s OSA therapy, which can lead to discomfort, air leakage, and ultimately, reduced adherence. The challenge for DMEs and healthcare providers is clear: they must be able to efficiently and effectively match patients with the right mask at the start of their CPAP therapy journey.

Resolving CPAP Mask Challenges

Several roadblocks can lead to a patient not receiving the best mask fit for them. Common pain points for DMEs and patients involving CPAP masks include:

• High Patient Volume, Limited Time: Increased callbacks due to initial fit issues.
• Workforce Challenges: New hires often lack sufficient training on proper mask setup.
• Disconnected Care Settings: Limited interoperability between care teams across different settings can restrict communication and disrupt seamless patient support.

To address these CPAP challenges, DMEs and patients need comfortable mask solutions that improve OSA care and enhance sleep quality.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution in CPAP therapy. Every OSA patient has different needs and preferences, and their sleep masks should match their unique characteristics. For DMEs, selecting the best mask for their patients may require trying a few options, but finding a comfortable, well-fitting mask is critical to their OSA care journey. When the patient finds a mask that fits well, it makes it easier for them to adopt CPAP therapy into their daily routine and may even increase their likelihood of adhering to therapy.

Supporting DMEs and Patients at Every Step

When it comes to sleep apnea, the fit of a mask can be the difference between comfort and discomfort throughout the night. Together, Philips helps DMEs provide CPAP therapies that promote a better patient experience. When a patient finds a properly fitting mask, it should be comfortable – making it more likely they’ll get the restful sleep they deserve.

The Philips Patient Interface (PI) Portfolio is designed to help DMEs and HCPs:

• Offer a variety of comfortable mask options.
• Match patients with masks that support their individual needs, like sleep position and breathing pattern.
• Access tools and training via the Philips Learning Connection.
• Reduce setup friction and streamline patient onboarding.

Many OSA patients may not realize the wide variety of mask types and accessories available, or how much the mask set-up could impact their quality of sleep. To help OSA patients start off strong with their CPAP therapy, it is important for DMEs to work directly with patients to understand and identify the best mask option, considering the full range of tube connections and mask styles.

Set-up for a Better Night’s Sleep

With millions of masks and interchangeable cushions sold worldwide, the Philips Respironics DreamWear portfolio has established a strong legacy of delivering the care patients deserve. As Philips Respironics’ most popular mask, DreamWear is trusted by users around the globe for numerous reasons

• Light weight feel: Users report DreamWear masks feel like they’re close to having nothing on their face.²
• Three cushion styles: Prevents red marks, discomfort, or irritation on the nose bridge.
• Sleep how you want: DreamWear masks provide freedom of movement during sleep.²

These options are designed to give patients the freedom of movement during sleep, making it feel like they have close to nothing on their face.² Ultimately, with the right mask, patients can achieve a restful night more quickly in their treatment journey, because that’s what matters most.

Partnering with You, Every Sleep of the Way

Philips Sleep & Respiratory Care is committed to helping you simplify the mask-fitting process and supporting improved patient outcomes. Contact our customer support team for customized support with product selection, training, and driving ongoing therapy success: respironics.homecare.customerservice@philips.com.

^[1] Benjafield, Adam V., et al. "Estimation of the global prevalence and burden of obstructive sleep apnea: a literature-based analysis." The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, vol. 7, no. 8, 2019, pp. 687-698. Elsevier, doi:10.1016/S2213-2600(19)30198-5. Study found here.

^[2] Based on data gathered from three Philips-sponsored clinical trials (N=85, N=81, N=131) assessing subjective patient feedback on the masks. Trials were conducted between August 2017 and August 2020.