Designing a new mask - could use some input from users

[Muse-Inc]

Cannot abide nasal masks because they hurt, leak like a sieve, and make ghastly noises when they leak. I think this is because I have a very narrow bridge. Plus, my eyes do not tolerate any air flowing over them.

Eye to mid-chin: 3.5" . . . . . . . EDIT: BRIDGE to mid-chin: 3.5"
Mouth: 2"

Mind you some leaks are caused by headgear that simply doesn't fit our heads; all mfgs offer one size...well, guess what, we have different sized heads . I have a small head and headgear is almost always too large so tensioning the mask is sometimes a challenge; others complain it's too small. Consider that aspect of mask fit. If you design headgear for some 'ideal' head, the straps are not gonna be in the right place when tightening them leading a wearer to declare the mask a bad 'fit' when it's the headgear that's the problem and maybe not the mask itself. I loved the fit of my OptiLife but developed lip leaks so I wear the Hybrid whose headgear is too large, the Velcro overlaps and the lower strap is really down on my neck rather than the lower skull...I will evenutally make my own headgear, now I just live with it tho the straps dig in depending on my head angle while sleeping. Because the lower strap is too low, it's relatively easy for the oral cushion to be dislodged so it's a good thing I seldom move while sleeping.

[BlackSpinner]

As several users have mentioned, the challenge is to accommodate as many facial geometries as possible, balancing comfort with effective sealing.

Well as someone who makes corsets and imitation armour for fun and profit I can tell you right now those 2 dimensions aren't going to do you much good. The only way you will be able to design a good mask is to go around and take casts of real live people of various facial shapes - including small women, (children of course have a totaly different shaping as they grow ) Unless of course you have access to that facial modeling software that forensics uses and a data base of heads.

[5aces]

Whatever happened to this guy?
http://www.customfitcpapmask.com/index.html

I'll take a full suit of armour to go,please...

[Komodo]

4" & 2 1/2"

I hope you're going to use a SOFT gel cushion on your new mask. I'm sure I'm not the only one who tosses and turns in their sleep, and sleep in many positions over the course of the night, including face down on the pillow. Masks with the hard cushions dig into my cheeks leaving painful red marks.
IMO, softer is better!

[Arizona-Willie]

One of the biggest problems with all masks both nasal and full face is that they tend to ride up.

Put a chin strap or chin cup on your mask to prevent that and you will have a great start.

Also, if you could design it so it fits lower on the nose. The pressure from a mask over hours causes many people's nose bridge to hurt like the dickens and they have a Rudolph nose in the morning that lasts for hours. The pain is the worst part. Many people quit using their equipment because of the pain.

I currently have my Quattro pulled down so it is barely on my chin and is on the lower part of my nose. Still hurts but not as bad as when it is where it was designed to be.

Many of us have problems with the mask on our nose bridge, not only pain but when it leaks ( they ALWAYS ) leak the air isn't good for our eyes.

So keeping the thing down away from the eyes as far as possible would be a GOOD THING. Plus the chin strap ... don't forget the chin strap.

[katcw]

j03g29r79 wrote:So again, I greatly appreciate the help and I will take note of those who offer their help for evaluating future prototypes. I am not sure if/under what conditions my company will approve such a trial, but it would be obviously beneficial for me to have unbiased end-users with no previous experience with the product evaluating it "hands-on".

I"ve already sent my measurements . . . would be happy to be part of evaluative trials.

[Slinky]

Yeah, well, may I suggest that less is better? That lighter weight is better. Altho a nasal cushion style, take a look at the old Respironics Simplicity. And, personally, I've found that the really thin, flimsy outer cover over a heavier cushion as in the Resmed Quattro and Resmed Micro just succeeds in providing a cushion cover w/a very sharp cutting edge. And what about fitting slightly below the bridge instead of on the bridge?

[GumbyCT]

1) 4.5
2) 2.5

[dianeabby]

Hi,

3-1/2"
2-1/2"
Age: 53
Female

[spacetoast]

Here are mine:

1. 3-3/4"
2. 2-1/2"

I used to be a design engineer! But it was aerospace stuff for satellites.

[Julie]

A hugely important (to me) problem has been that as a stomach sleeper (with a cut-out little trench in my fat foam topper for the mask to dip into) I've only found a very few masks that do NOT vent out from the right angle bend of the hose attachment (and get blocked by sheets, etc.). The one I use is the Ultra Mirage full face, but it's been a while since I tried others, so can't name them now.

[plumtuckered]

1) 4-3/16th inches
2) 2-1/2 inches

I hope you can find a cushion that will work at low and high pressures. I have a problem with leaks when cpap reaches full pressure (16cm).


Good luck!

[Maple Leaf]

Ahem, I don't think the masks are as much of a problem, I have more of an issue with finding the magical pillow that will not press against the mask.
I'm thinking of designing a foam pillow that straps to the head, shaped similar to that of a football helmet!! The pillow will have cut outs where the mask rests and should follow the patients every move??? I like dreaming....

[pagetc]

Measurement 1 is 5 inches
Measurement 2 is 2.5 inches

Don't know how this limited info can help, but if you have read the various threads, you can probably see that the most common problems are irritation at the bridge of the nose (how can one do a measurement for that?), creases on the cheeks (a good way to look and feel 10 years older), and general leakage especially around the eyes causing dry eye or bothering a sleep partner. At least these are the major problems I have had.
Hope you can come up with a good one.

[Portageegal]

I would like something with some curvature to it. The flat triangle just does not sit right on a human face.