There is a lack of knowledge regarding the impact of CPAP on the nasal cavity for patients with OSA. There is a significant need for evidence-based recommendations regarding CPAP’s appropriate use following endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery.

This study aims to translate a previously developed cadaveric model for evaluating CPAP pressures in the sinonasal cavity by showing safety in vivo and quantifying the effect of positive pressurized airflow on the nasal cavity of healthy individuals where physiologic effects are at play.

A previously validated cadaveric model using intracranial sensor catheters has proved to be a reliable technique for measuring sinonasal pressures. These sensors were placed in the nasal cavity of 18 healthy individuals. Stress within the nose was recorded at increasing levels of CPAP.

The study concluded that only 85% of the pressure delivered by CPAP is transmitted to the nasal cavity. Higher CPAP pressures returned a more significant percentage of pressurized air to the nasal cavity floor. Our results are comparable to the cadaver model, which demonstrated similar pressure delivery even in the absence of anatomic factors such as lung compliance, nasal secretions, and edema.

Reference: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1945892420908749

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