How important is the Expiratory Resistance Level in the Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure (EPAP) Mask? - Abstract
EPAP masks have been found to be effective in patients with snoring and obstructive sleep apnea and are FDA cleared for such purpose. EPAP masks are not always effective, but the reason for lack of effectiveness in some patients is not well understood. EPAP masks offer different levels of expiratory resistance, but it is not clear if such difference in expiratory resistance makes one mask more effective than another mask. Intuitively it is reasonable to think that more expiratory resistance would provide more pressure and therefore maybe more effective. That may not be so. We offer evidence that shows why expiratory resistance may not be an important factor that determines the effectiveness of the mask. Regardless of how much expiratory resistance, all EPAP masks work comparable to a low level of CPAP therapy and are more suitable for use in patients with snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Having more expiratory resistance does not necessarily mean a more effective mask. A user should not worry too much about how much resistance a mask has and focus
more on how comfortable is the mask and if they get better and quieter sleep.