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[Strapparatus]

Hello,
I have attempted to correct some of the basic errors concerning the website and the presentation of the headgear for those whose corrected me in the usage of terms concerning masks.
Thank you for bringing this to my attention.
In addition, based upon the fact I'm not an actual user of any of this equipment, but merely a professional observer with a clinical interest in improving a product that sometimes malfunctions.
The company, is a start-up venture, with no "big business" attitude.
For everyone's information, this project was offered to some of the "big medical company" reps, and was turned down, apparently they have little complaint from the users of the equipment. FYI, to show this product at the AARC national convention costs 3,100.00. To attend would cost 700.00 for an airplane ticket.
Everywhere I look, its money out- no money in. The above is 3800.00 excluding a hotel room and meals.
There are 6000 "major" national members attending this meeting in Anaheim,CA in December.
I have over 400 headstraps , that might be available by October.
When a sample was sent to each AARC state's president last month, I received 2 replies from 50 mailed out. Now how's that for a "supportive" association? No wonder small businesses fail in this country.
Apparently, there is a conflict of interest concerning "corporate sponsorship" within the AARC prohibiting them from commenting on an AARC members competitive product. I wonder if that falls into "unfair"?
Well, life's unfair.
If anyone has suggestions for marking down the headgear I have ready to mail out it would be appreciated.
I am willing to sell each one for a marked down cost from the store as an introductory offer. I would set up a code to do this for any forum member interested. Please respond to the POLL: and be honest as obviously some of these listed prices are disclosing pure-tee disinterest.
Thank you all for your consideration and comments.

[bdp522]

I think you may have done better if you had given the headgear to xpap users instead of professionals. I would be much more likely to try something with a positive review on the forum, than something my RT said to try(he hasn't been right about anything yet). Especially on this forum, the members will give detailed information on products tried. Some will also give recommendations for improvement. Both sleepguy and Padacheek have run trials here many times, with great success.
I agree that it is a shame that it takes so much money to start a business, but it's not going to change. Maybe offer a trial for say 12 users. Give them the headgear and await the reports. I think if you get alot of positive response from the trial, you'll get sales.

Brenda

[Guest]

I don't use a compatible mask, but thought I would toss some been there, done that small business advice your way. I agree with Brenda that word of mouth will be your best advertising. Getting your product into the hands of a sampling of users is the best start, then ask them to spread the word. I bought a PapCap and PurSleep on the basis of word of mouth.

Another thing, you have to spend it to make it. I own a small business and while the convention fees make me green at the gills, it's a necessary expense. That's not to say that you need to go to a convention (I don't think a professional organization is the way to go for your product at all). There are always financial growing pains. I did not start to see any profit until my 2nd year in business and the economy has killed my 3rd year (I design and sell scrapbook/homeschool t-shirts). This year is to the point that I don't know if I will survive another, it's all been barely break even.

I wish you all the best (and if I ever switch masks...I'll be a customer!)

[sleepycarol]

I agree with Brenda.

My mask is not compatible with your product so, for myself, I am not interested no matter the cost.

I think you would have been better off offering members your free product and having them post their recommendations and feedback. You sent 50 out and only recieved 2 feedback -- on the forum I bet you would do a lot better than that and actually have potential customers.

This is a large forum with many members you could be surprised what would happen.

[RipVW]

Why not place your product on the cpapauction.com? I sell my chinstrap there with great success. And, I sell even more on Ebay. Ebay has a CPAP/Sleep Apnea category now, so many CPAP'ers are finding non-prescription CPAP items there. Good luck!

[Strapparatus]

0

[billbolton]

I do use a compatible mask, but the design looks somewhat risky in terms of potential pressure masks etc, but on the other hand it may solve some other "fit" issues with standard F&P headgear.... so on that basis I'd be prepared to go $20 to try one.

It would also be helpful if you provided some guidance on sizing.... small to extra large isn't very meaningful by itself.

Cheers,

Bill

[bdp522]

More sizing info in this thread;

viewtopic/t34573/Nasal-MaskFull-Face-Ma ... ratus.html

Brenda

[DreamDiver]

bap40 has a point. (Next post.) I've been hasty.
For that reason, I have removed my ignorant reaction
and will wait for a proper review.

[bap40]

I am trialing his headgear right now.

I have to say that it is the most comfortable headgear I have ever used? There are no wires involved and the plastic looking side straps are not hard on the face at all.

We are right now trying to get a better fit for me via the different measurements involved in all the parts. James has been working hard to provide me with a perfect fit as his gear is as individual as each of our heads are.

So be patient and I will be posting updates as we go along. So far so good!!

[Strapparatus]

0

[bap40]

I am looking forward to trying out the re-vamped headgear!

[ww]

Hello,
I have attempted to correct some of the basic errors concerning the website and the presentation of the headgear for those whose corrected me in the usage of terms concerning masks.
Thank you for bringing this to my attention.
In addition, based upon the fact I'm not an actual user of any of this equipment, but merely a professional observer with a clinical interest in improving a product that sometimes malfunctions.
The company, is a start-up venture, with no "big business" attitude.
For everyone's information, this project was offered to some of the "big medical company" reps, and was turned down, apparently they have little complaint from the users of the equipment. FYI, to show this product at the AARC national convention costs 3,100.00. To attend would cost 700.00 for an airplane ticket.
Everywhere I look, its money out- no money in. The above is 3800.00 excluding a hotel room and meals.
There are 6000 "major" national members attending this meeting in Anaheim,CA in December.
I have over 400 headstraps , that might be available by October.
When a sample was sent to each AARC state's president last month, I received 2 replies from 50 mailed out. Now how's that for a "supportive" association? No wonder small businesses fail in this country.
Apparently, there is a conflict of interest concerning "corporate sponsorship" within the AARC prohibiting them from commenting on an AARC members competitive product. I wonder if that falls into "unfair"?
Well, life's unfair.
If anyone has suggestions for marking down the headgear I have ready to mail out it would be appreciated.
I am willing to sell each one for a marked down cost from the store as an introductory offer. I would set up a code to do this for any forum member interested. Please respond to the POLL: and be honest as obviously some of these listed prices are disclosing pure-tee disinterest.
Thank you all for your consideration and comments.

I spent many years as a Director of Engineering, so I know what you are going through. I was interested in trying one of your headgear, but after looking at the odds with 30 and only 10 selected, I did nothing. It was not clear to me the advantages over other headgear. I have a large head and wear 7 3/8 hat, so finding good headgear is not easy. I bought the Slumbergear headgear, which was over priced and certainly not worth the cost, but all other headgear has settled for whatever came with the mask and then had to make padding straps to be able to use them nightly.

Headgear is a mess and you are to be commended for trying to come up with a better solution. I have the ResMed UMFF in a small size, the Hybrid, Comfortgel in a Medium, ResMed Swift II, Nasal Aire II all of which I purchased out of pocket, but so far the UMFF performs better for me. The headgear doesn't fit well, but works sort of - anyway.

You would probably get your moneys worth in reviews if you sent 50 masks out to those that had a mask that you could try them with. It is a big imposition on users since the mask does not come with the correct ends, and this must be taken from headgear that is already adjusted to the individual and the headgear is not really usable until the user buys another set of the correct ends for their masks. Most users are quite honest and would do a review for you for getting the headgear. Good Luck.

[Slinky]

Good luck, Strapparatus!! I use the old Respironics Simplicity simple nasal cushion mask so your head gear would not be compatible but I do want you to know I so appreciate an RT such as yourself taking such a great interest in their patients' comfort that you would put forth the effort and forethought to design and produce this headgear!!!

Are you in a large town w/several apnea support groups?? Maybe sharing a few of your headgear w/a couple of their members ... ???