Home-Use Sleep Mask (Noctura 400) Wear Before and During The COVID-19 Pandemic with its Associated Lockdowns in England

Abstract

Objective: The Researchers looked to determine over a 2-year period whether patients with early diabetic macular oedema (DMO) would wear a mask (Noctura 400) during sleep and maintain a good level of use throughout the study period, with regular follow ups to monitor and discuss use. As the COVID-19 pandemic began during this study, the researchers also had the opportunity to evaluate mask use during lockdown periods in England and while there was massive disruption to hospital ophthalmic services. Methods: A total of 26 patients were recruited for the study and, for each one, regular phone and text support was put in place to help with Noctura 400 wear. In the first year, regular 3 monthly hospital visits were provided whereas in the second year the visits mostly did not take place due to COVID-19 restrictions, though phone calls and texts continued for the entire duration. Results: In a questionnaire at the end of year 1, the vast majority of the patients found the sleep mask comfortable and easy to use. A total of 21 out of 26 completed the whole 2 years of home treatment and none of those who dropped out did so for light mask related reasons. The researchers found with the appropriate level of support and encouragement that a high level of mask wear compliance was achieved (76.1% for the 2 years). The initial compliance was 80.1% that dropped slightly to 76.6% at year-end but was maintained throughout the second year with a final median compliance of 75.1%. Compliance dropped slightly (but not significantly) during the ongoing pandemic that included 3 lockdowns in England and disruption of hospital services such that in the second year 18 of the 21 (85.7%) completing patients had no hospital visits. Conclusion: The Noctura 400 sleep mask was worn effectively for a protracted period of time by the group of patients when appropriately supported even when there was severe hospital service disruption. The need for effective home treatments during these unpredictable times is highlighted.