Call For Votes: Product Challenge 10 - Pick the Battle

[johnnygoodman]

Howdy CPAPtalkers,

To celebrate our 10th Product Challenge, we're turning things over to the people who make it all happen: CPAP users. We want to know which Challenge is relevant to you. Pick your battle and we'll host it!

This is a bit different, I know, but there have been more than a few exciting changes around here. I'd like to introduce our new team member Katherine Fulmer (CPAPtalk handle katherinefulmer). She will be running our Product Challenge efforts moving forward.

During APSS 2009, our team met with many manufacturers. Most of them "get" Product Challenge and are making efforts to incorporate it into their product development strategies. We also talked to many sleep doctors, sleep technicians, and DMEs. They are excited about this new resource and are interested in what products are "really better". We collected their feedback and the voting options listed above are what was most requested.

We have heard from many customers who have benefited directly from the incredible Product Challenge feedback. They've used it to make smart equipment buying decisions and are grateful that is available to them.

All these signs are encouraging! Manufacturers can make better products, doctors and technicians can provide better care, and CPAP users get a better night's sleep. This is all due to CPAP users driving the process of identifying quality products. The next logical step is to have the community decide which challenges are relevant and important to them.

Here are some disclaimers on our PC 10 vote:

1. This is a trial run. If it is successful, Katherine will post for votes for future Challenges.

2. Any registered CPAPtalk member can vote, before 4 PM (CST) Saturday, July 4th.

3. Although each registered user gets only one vote by system default, we're watching for vote stuffing, IP spoofing and other shenanigans. Please follow the golden rule.

4. As you call it Challenges are "on our dime", we reserve the right to reject a Challenge that is cost prohibitive.

5. We also reserve the right to hold a Challenge we deem important in the future without vote.

6. If you'd like to see a Challenge not listed above, email katherine.fulmer@CPAPtalk.com and let her know what you want to see and why.

Even with these changes, manufacturers still have the opportunity to schedule and sponsor a Challenge if they want to put their product into the ring. The rules are unchanged: they provide the product and we post the results, win or loose.

The CPAPtalk Product Challenge has changed product development, traditional patient care and CPAP user experiences for the better. It is gaining traction in the industry and we intend to keep pushing it because we know that your voice should be the standard for product quality.

The Product Challenge has been built for your benefit and needs your support. Please help by scrolling up to the top of this thread and cast your vote. Together, we can make sure CPAP user voices are heard.

Again, voting ends 4 PM (CST) Saturday, July 4th.

Johnny

[JimIllinois]

This ought to be interesting.

Face shapes are so different that I wonder if the shape, rather than features, make the biggest different. If it leaks all over, does anyone care about anything else?

I wait with bated breath...

[Slinky]

Whilst my favorite mask remains the Respironics Simplicity simple nasal cushion I was recently trying out both the Swift LT and the OptiLife. Unfortunately, I didn't get more than a couple of nights on each before we started messing w/my bi-level pressure settings so these two mask try outs have been put on hold. I just saw an Opus for the first time at our last apnea support meeting and its another that has aroused my interest.

[Kiralynx]

6. If you'd like to see a Challenge not listed above, email katherinefulmer@CPAPtalk.com and let her know what you want to see and why.

Email bounced to this address....

[johnnygoodman]

Howdy,

Katherine's email address is katherine.fulmer@CPAPtalk.com. I've updated the original post to include the dot.

Sorry for causing the bounce.

Johnny

[Issac]

Why bother with Hybrid and Liberty.
Hybrid is light years better.

I would have like to have seen Nasal Aire II against the Opus, Swift or one of the others

[deglorious]

Quattro Quattro Quattro!!!! Deglorious

[birdshell]

Why bother with Hybrid and Liberty.

Gee, I thought the same thing...

Hybrid is light years better.

but would vote for the Liberty being FAR superior to the Hybrid.


Karen,
Who has used both

[DNAClone]

Liberty vs Hybrid Showdown!

[TheDreamer]

According to twitter, the pick has been decided? And, it'll be Opus 360 vs Swift LT.

Wonder if I can (and will) partake in this challenge. I had previously tried Opus 360 (and OptiLife) before settling on ComfortLite II. But, haven't tried Swift LT (have thought of trying other Nasal Pillow masks on occasion....as well as trying Nasal Masks and full face masks....as it has been 6 months, so I could get a different new mask from DME.)

The Dreamer.

[wrenn]

Nasal pillows

[LSAT]

It's interesting that the majority...43% want the nasal mask test, but, 55% (combined) want a FF mask test.

[Muse-Inc]

...would vote for the Liberty being FAR superior to the Hybrid....

Why? How? Am caught between choosing 1 or the other to stop mouth leaks...taping? AAAIIIEEEEeeeeeee NO

[DreamStalker]

I didn't get to vote cuz da poll period was way too short .... so I pick the pillow mask battle.

[Raj]

I'm also very interested in comparing the Swift and Opus. So far, the LT is the best I've found, but if the Opus is better....