A new nasal mask for nocturnal home ventilation in chronic neuromuscular disorders.

A new nasal mask for nocturnal, intermittent positive pressure ventilation was used by patients with symptomatic sleep hypoventilation due to chronic neuromuscular disorders. The custom-fabricated mask is cast in visible light curing acrylic from a plaster model. Air is delivered through plastic tubes cast in the mask. The treatment was introduced through close cooperation between a physiotherapist and a technician. Evaluation was performed after 4-34 months' regular use. The mask was well tolerated. All patients reported comfortable sleep and symptom relief. The effectiveness was confirmed by whole-night measurements of oxygen saturation and end-tidal carbon dioxide.