Oronasal versus Nasal Masks for Non-Invasive Ventilation in COPD: A Randomized Crossover Trial.

Purpose: The impact of oronasal and nasal masks on the quality of nocturnal non-invasive ventilation (NIV) needs to be clarified. This trial was designed to compare the impact of oronasal and nasal masks on the objective quality and subjective acceptance of nocturnal NIV in COPD-patients.

Patients And Methods: In a randomized crossover trial, 30 COPD-patients with well-established high-intensity NIV (mean inspiratory/expiratory positive airway pressure 26±3/5±1 cmHO, mean respiratory back-up rate 17±1/min) were ventilated for two consecutive nights on oronasal and nasal masks, respectively.