Abstract
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.
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Data availability
All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article.
References
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Yi Xiao and Yuxin Wang both contributed to the review. Yuxin Wang performed data collection and analysis. Yuxin Wang wrote the first draft of the manuscript, and Yi Xiao revised previous versions. Both of the authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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Wang, Y., Xiao, Y. Potential health risks of sound abatement material in positive airway pressure devices for sleep breathing disorders: a summary of studies to date. Sleep Breath 27, 1925–1927 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11325-022-02763-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11325-022-02763-3