Impact of CPAP with humidification on the skin/mask interface microclimate and inflammatory response

Alqahtani, Jaber, Worsley, Peter and Voegeli, David (2017) Impact of CPAP with humidification on the skin/mask interface microclimate and inflammatory response. European Respiratory Journal, 50 (supplement 61), [PA2173]. (doi:10.1183/1393003.congress-2017.pa2173).

Abstract

Background: Excessive humidity increases the possibility of skin damage from shear, due to the increase in the skin's coefficient of friction. Aims and objectives: This study examined the effects of humidified and non-humidified CPAP on interface microclimate and inflammatory response at the skin surface. Methods: A crossover cohort design was used in this study, with 15 healthy volunteers serving as their own controls, in a random order assigned for both 10 cmH2O of CPAP with humidification, and without through an oronasal mask. Pre- and post-CPAP measurements of device-skin microclimate (humidity and temperature) were collected at the bridge of the nose and both cheeks. The pro-inflammatory cytokine Interleukin 1α (IL-1α) released by skin was collected from the bridge of the nose pre-and post-CPAP application using Sebutape. Results: There were statistically significant differences in skin humidity between the two conditions (p<0.02) (see figure 1), with no significant differences were found in skin temperature. There were higher mean ratios of IL-1α concentrations between baseline and post-CPAP values in the humidified CPAP compared to non-humidified condition (1.87 ±2.16; 1.29 ±1.28). Conclusion: These findings show that humidification use with CPAP is associated with significant changes in skin humidity with higher mean ratios of IL-1α released by skin.

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Contributors

Author: David Voegeli

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