Published in:
15-12-2022 | Sleep Apnea | Sleep Breathing Physiology and Disorders • Short Communication
Potential health risks of sound abatement material in positive airway pressure devices for sleep breathing disorders: a summary of studies to date
Published in: Sleep and Breathing | Issue 5/2023
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Purpose
The potential carcinogenic and airway irritation risks of polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) contained in sound-absorbing foam in positive airway pressure (PAP) devices have raised many concerns. We summarize the currently available studies to assess the potential health risks of PE-PUR.
Methods
We searched Pubmed and Web of Science for studies on the safety of PAP devices containing PE-PUF and performed a systematic analysis of the cancer risk.
Results
PE-PUR did not increase the cancer risk (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.99–1.17, I2 = 0%). Patients in the group of PE-PUR devices had increased airway irritation, and they had higher rates of using short-acting beta-agonists and oral corticosteroids (SABA: 9.4% vs. 8.8%, p = 0.047; OCS: 19.7% vs. 17.3%, p < 0.001).
Conclusion
The application of PE-PUF can increase airway irritation, but there is no evidence for its potential carcinogenicity.