In Vitro Evaluation of Facial Pressure and Air Leak with a Newly Designed Cushion for Non-Invasive Ventilation Masks.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a newly designed foam cushion on the air leakage and pressure when applied to the face. A teaching manikin connected to a bilevel positive airway pressure ventilator attached to four different brands of oronasal masks (Amara, Mirage, Forma, and Wizard) was used. The foam cushions of 5-mm and 10-mm-thickness were attached to the masks, and each mask was tested without a cushion. Six pressure sensors were placed on the manikin's face, and data were recorded. Inspiratory volume and air leak flow from the ventilator were observed. Air leakage was influenced by both the mask brand and the presence of a cushion. The presence of a cushion did not affect the Wizard mask in terms of leakage ( = 0.317) or inspiratory volume ( = 0.726). The Wizard and Amara masks generated the lowest contact pressure on the frontal forehead ( < 0.001) compared to the other five points. Utilisation of a cushion reduces air leakage and maintains greater inspiratory volume regardless of its thickness. The contact pressure varies depending on the brand of the mask, which would require a difference in the thickness of the cushion for pressure reduction.