A 3D registration methodology to evaluate the goodness of fit at the individual-respiratory mask interface

Abstract

Respiratory masks are used to deliver non-invasive ventilation for cardiorespiratory pathologies. Masks must minimize skin tissue compression while maintaining a seal at the interface. Ill-fitting masks or those applied too tightly are implicated in pressure ulcer formation. This study aimed to analyse respiratory mask goodness of fit in a cohort of face shapes. A number of parameters were identified and analysed with a novel registration protocol. In the majority of cases, mask indentation exceeded the thickness of the interface material and significant gapping was observed. The size range was most appropriate for males, with only one size suitable for females.

Keywords:

• Pressure ulcers
• medical device-related pressure ulcers
• 3D face scans
• respiratory mask design
• image registration

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Dr. Joshua Steer from Radii Devices for his suggestions regarding the changes made to Ampscan and to Professor Cees Oomens, who facilitated a long-standing productive collaboration between our two universities before his retirement.

Disclosure statement

There were no conflicts of interest in this study.

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the EPSRC-NIHR Medical Device and Vulnerable Skin’ Network and NetworkPLUS (Refs. EP/M000303/1 and EP/N02723X/1), as well as the Fonds Internatial Experience of Eindhoven University of Technology

. Support was also provided from the EU Marie Curie Integrated Training Network 'Skin Tissue INTegrity under Shear' (Ref 811965).