How should you properly fit a nasal pillow or nasal cushion?

The correct approach to fitting a nasal pillow or nasal cushion involves employing a plastic sizing gauge inserted into each nostril. This method allows for a precise fit that accommodates the anatomical differences between patients' nasal passages. A sizing gauge is designed specifically to determine the optimal size of the nasal interface, ensuring that it provides an effective seal without causing unnecessary discomfort or pressure.

Using a sizing gauge promotes consistency and accuracy in fitting, which is crucial for patient comfort and the effectiveness of noninvasive mechanical ventilation. An appropriate fit helps to reduce the risk of air leaks, skin irritation, and ensures optimal therapeutic benefits from the therapy.

Other methods, such as adjusting straps first, relying solely on patient feedback, or visual inspection alone, may not provide the level of accuracy needed for a proper fit. Adjusting the straps before sizing can lead to further misalignment, patient feedback can be subjective and vary greatly among individuals, and visual inspection lacks the detailed assessment that the sizing gauge provides. Thus, utilizing a plastic sizing gauge stands out as the most effective and reliable method in this context.