Fisher & Paykel Opus Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask Interview
Product Overview
Introduction To The Opus
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The Opus is a light weight nasal pillows system that works right out of the box and comes with all three sized pillows included. It includes a proprietary ball and socket anchoring system which provides mask stability and anatomically shaped nasal pillows to ensure ease of fitting and a tight seal. The Opus headgear is facially contoured and the 'slim line' design allows for comfortable side sleeping.
cpap.com's Fisher & Paykel Opus Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask Product Page
Fisher & Paykel Introduction and Background
History and Innovations
Fisher and Paykel Healthcare pioneered heated humidification in CPAP therapy with their HC100 Heated Humidifier and continue to lead the industry in heated humidification innovation. Most recently they introduced the comfort feature ThermoSmart on their premium SleepStyle 600 CPAP product line. ThermoSmart technology incorporates a heated breathing circuit, allowing for higher, customized levels of humidification without the complication of rainout.
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare has become very well known for their Innovation in mask design the Flexi Fit concept which is incorporated into their very successful full face mask and nasal mask products has catapulted the company into a strong player in this market offering a full range of desirable CPAP masks.
Fisher & Paykel Home Page
The Interview
Concept, Design and Market Pull
Q: We would like to know more about the creative process behind the Opus. Can you please tell us how this nasal pillows mask came to be?
A: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare developed the Opus largely in response to market demand. The market has been looking for an interface that is lightweight, quiet, simple-to-use and allows the flexibility to choose tubing positions. All of these design concepts were taken into account when developing the Opus Nasal Pillows Mask.
Q: Fisher and Paykel Healthcare has a proud history of engineering and manufacturing excellence. How does this history manifest itself in the Opus?
A: The Opus design continues our tradition of innovative features that deliver enhanced patients benefits over other masks. The continued aim with any of our mask design projects is to design features which make the mask easy to fit and easy to use for the patient, while ensuring maximum comfort.
Q: How does the Opus fit in your product line? Will any masks be discontinued or phased out in favor of the Opus?
A: The Opus interface address a very popular and growing pillows segment of the market place and compliments our other products well. We do not see this replacing other models.
Q: What patient demographic is the Opus targeting?
A: I don't think that any specific patient demographic is being targeted with the Opus Nasal Pillows Mask. As you know, everybody's faces are different and so is what they find comfortable to wear for hours each night. While some people prefer a nasal mask, others prefer a pillows mask. I would say that patient preference has more do with it than anything else.
Of course, patients with a mouth leak or mouth breathers will be more comfortable and receive better therapy when using a Full Face Mask and a pillows mask may not be appropriate for them.
Competition
Q: Why is the Opus better than competing nasal pillow systems?
A: The Opus Nasal Pillows Mask has many unique features not seen on other interfaces. I would say that there are three primary features that differentiate the Opus.
First and foremost would be the tube anchoring system...this is really unique. The Opus incorporates a 360 degree swivel that allows users to choose one of four tubing positions: either side of the face, over the top or left free to track.
Next would be the contoured headgear design...it conforms naturally to the user's face providing comfort and support. Its slim line design allows for side sleepers to use the mask without discomfort.
Weight is another big feature. This is the lightest mask we have ever produced and maybe the lightest in the market. The entire design allows the user to apply the mask easily and provide a very comfortable fit all night long
Q: Which aspects or attributes of the Opus are industry best features and why?
A: The Opus is light, extremely easy to fit and remove and provides a great seal. The multi position tube maybe the best feature. With very few components it is also easy to assemble and disassemble for cleaning. Keeping things simple is a key benefit for the user.
Product Questions, By Component
Q: How are the nasal pillows anatomically designed?
A: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare uses a database of facial shapes, sizes and contours in an effort to identify the best design and sizing distribution for our interfaces.
Q: Can someone with "slotted nares" use the Opus successfully? Why or why not?
A: I'm not aware of any restrictions of using the mask based on shape of the nares. The design of the pillows should be able to accommodate different shapes and sizes.
Q: How do the size and shape of the Opus pillows compare with the Swift, Breeze and OptiLife pillows?
A: Each manufacturer conducts their own research do determine the best size and shape for their own pillows, but a lot of that has to do with the design of what's actually holding the pillows in place. I'm not quite sure that it is possible to draw comparisons across such a wide spectrum of interfaces.
Q: Will you be developing other cushion attachments for this mask? (Example: Comfort Lite 2 Direct Seal and Simple Cushion)
A: We do not have plans for alternate cushion attachments for the Opus right now.
Q: Can the pillows be moved inward or outward for fitting of those with especially wide or narrow noses?
A: The pillows themselves do not have a mechanism for changing spacing as you've described, however the inherent design should allow the individual pillows to seal to each nare.
Nasal Shell
Q: Is this shell designed to allow for side sleeping? What attributes allow for this?
A: The tube anchoring of the Opus allows for sleeping in virtually any position. Users are able to attach the tubing to the headgear on either side, over the top or left free to track. Users can choose the tubing position that is most comfortable for the way they sleep.
Headgear
Q: How does the ball and swivel joint work? What advantages does the design provide?
A: The ball and swivel joint works by allowing the flextube to rotate around the mask base and headgear. Its what really allows for the flexibility of tubing positions and makes changes very simple without complicated adjustments or the need to disassemble the mask.
Noise and Exhalation Ports
Q: Where are the exhalation ports located on this mask?
A: The exhalation ports are built into the 360-degree swivel on the front of the mask.
Q: Can the direction of the exhalation ports be changes so that they do not bother a bed partner?
A: The direction of the ports cannot be changed, but the design exhaust ports is such that it is quiet and minimizes disturbance to both the user and bed partner.
Usage
Q: What is the expected life of one Opus mask? What parts need to be replaced after this expected life?
A: The materials that make up the mask, e.g. silicone seals, Breathe-O-Prene headgear and polycarbonate frame are the same or similar to those used in all of our interfaces, and most of the industry. Therefore the Opus lifespan should be similar to other masks on the market.
The frequency of replacement parts has a lot to do with how often and how the mask is cared for. A mask that is cleaned regularly and according to manufacturer's instructions will tend to last much longer. However, it is important to replace your mask and components on a regular basis to ensure effective therapy, and immediately if you notice any damage to the mask.
In an effort to help patients learn about caring for their products Fisher & Paykel Healthcare has created a series of educational videos that cover fitting, cleaning and maintenance of our products, including the Opus. These can be viewed on vigor8.com.
Q: Can the Opus be used with all CPAPs, APAPs and Bilevels?
A: I'm not aware of any incompatibles when using the Opus across a wide range of positive pressure devices. As always if you suspect any inconsistencies in your therapy it is best to seek the advice of a trained healthcare professional.
Replacement Parts
Q: What replacement parts will be available for this mask?
A: Mask frame, headgear, silicone seals, tube connection, Velcro tube anchoring strap, and headgear buckle.
Sizing and Fit
Q: What parts of this product are adjustable?
A: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare has a long standing tradition of developing interfaces with minimal moving parts and/or the need for adjustments. This is manifest in our FlexiFit technology across our nasal and full face mask lines. This tradition continues in the Opusâ„¢ where our intent was to design a product that doesn't require adjustments, other that headgear placement and tension. We think this concept leads to an easier to use product.
Q: Does this product come with all sized pillows?
A: Yes. Small, Medium, and Large pillows are packaged in the box.
In The Box
Q: Can you please list all components that will be contained in the Opus package?
A: The Opus Nasal Pillows Mask, alternate silicone seals, spare tube anchoring strap, user's instructions, quick fitting guide, Vigor8 tag.
About The Interview
We are proud to provide the cpaptalk community with a means to communicate with the manufacturers of the newest and most innovative CPAP equipment. We have made an effort to keep questions posted by our community members in as close to their original form as possible, however, some gramatical and structural changes to community questions have been made in an attempt to improve the clarity and capture the spirit of the question. We thank each and every one of you for your involvement in this process and look forward to gathering your questions for future interviews soon!