Custom CPAP Mask - User Research

[Boston_Mask_Designer]

Hi Everyone,

I'm a Boston-based entrepreneur and am writing to seek your feedback. I'm working on developing a custom-fit CPAP mask solution, and I'd very much appreciate your input for this work. I'm specifically interested in learning the following:

(1) If you are unhappy with your current mask, which one is it and why? What about it is problematic? How would you improve it?
(2) Would you be interested in a custom-fit mask that is made specially for you?
(3) Any other feedback on this product idea?
(4) May I reach out to you via PM to learn more about your particular circumstance?

Thanks very much!

[LSAT]

Sounds interesting, but, I assume that it would be much more expensive than a stock mask and unless it was purchased through a DME insurance probably would not pay for it. I think it would be a limited market.

[Pugsy]

Which type of mask are you looking to design with a custom fit?

I use a nasal pillow mask...I am pretty good with it and have no real need to "fix" anything.

[49er]

As one limited to full face masks because of my chronic nasal congestion, it is a royal pain in the neck to seal and prevent leaks. Also, because of my facial features which I feel cause the full face masks to pull the jaw back, i am forced to also wear a neck collar to keep my pressure at a reasonable rate with a low AHI. Makes for very uncomfortable sleep.

Well, an individually made mask might cost alot more but if it fit well and lasted for years, it might be cheaper in the long run.

Please PM me with additional questions as I would love to help.

49er

Hi Everyone,

I'm a Boston-based entrepreneur and am writing to seek your feedback. I'm working on developing a custom-fit CPAP mask solution, and I'd very much appreciate your input for this work. I'm specifically interested in learning the following:

(1) If you are unhappy with your current mask, which one is it and why? What about it is problematic? How would you improve it?
(2) Would you be interested in a custom-fit mask that is made specially for you?
(3) Any other feedback on this product idea?
(4) May I reach out to you via PM to learn more about your particular circumstance?

Thanks very much!

[Denial Dave]

from the full face mask aspect, I'd love it if the hard plastic shell part of the mask could be made with something a bit flexible.

Allowing the structure to flex a bit would allow for masks to better conform to the variety of facial features and possibly solve a lot of leak and fit issues

Dave

[chunkyfrog]

Dave; couldn't agree with you more!
1) Also adding "between" sizes of cushions to fit the same mask frame--
as the difference between sizes is outrageous at present.
2) I had thought of making a cushion on the order of an inflatable ring--
adjustable to fit unique facial contours--like the old "pump" basketball shoes.
3) Silicone: does it have to be slick and clammy; why not soft like chamois?

[DeepBreath]

(1) If you are unhappy with your current mask, which one is it and why? What about it is problematic? How would you improve it? Not so much unhappy, but would love more fit options
(2) Would you be interested in a custom-fit mask that is made specially for you? Probably not a mask custom made for me, but rather a mask that allowed for more tweaking for a custom fit
(3) Any other feedback on this product idea?
(4) May I reach out to you via PM to learn more about your particular circumstance? Sure, if you would like

I always thought a better design for a full face would incorporate something similar to the adjustable forehead support of my Quattro in some other locations (make the cheek area?). It’s hard to describe what I mean, but the idea is that you would have a frame that would rest on several more fixed/stable locations on the face (e.g. forehead, cheeks...) with the mask part suspended within the frame. You essentially dial in several locations to adjust the mask portion to the contours of your face while maintaining the stability of the frame. Anyway... my $.02

[cosmo]

i am forced to also wear a neck collar to keep my pressure at a reasonable rate with a low AHI. Makes for very uncomfortable sleep.

Check out this guy's mask below, he has a cool neck collar mask...

Stuck in the hospital... PIC SHARE
viewtopic/t86820/Stuck-in-the-hospital-PIC-SHARE.html

[Gerald?]

There was a company in Australia called Acurest who had a process for making a custom fit mask. They were quite expensive.

However their website seems to have died and the CPAP sellers that used to promote them no longer do so I suspect they have gone out of business.

[herefishy]

Does anybody think maybe be a little cautious about contacting this guy and giving him any personal info?

[DeepBreath]

Does anybody think maybe be a little cautious about contacting this guy and giving him any personal info?

I'd always recommend keeping your brain switched on when sharing any personal information, however the info he's asking about is in most signatures on this forum or available by searching out our posts (e.g. what we don't like).

[49er]

i am forced to also wear a neck collar to keep my pressure at a reasonable rate with a low AHI. Makes for very uncomfortable sleep.

Check out this guy's mask below, he has a cool neck collar mask...

Stuck in the hospital... PIC SHARE
viewtopic/t86820/Stuck-in-the-hospital-PIC-SHARE.html

Thanks Cosmo!

Actually, when I looked at the picture, I thought there is no way I could sleep with that neck collar. Yeah, I know, if there was no other choice, I would have to but it wouldn't be a good situation.

Anyway, I am waiting for a snooze pillow that I ordered that serves the same purpose and seems alot lighter. When I tried not using a neck collar tonight, AHI wasn't horrible at 6.65 with a pressure high of 11. But NRIS (which I assume to be centrals) shot up to 7 per hour including a few that seemed quite long. And I got my usual 3 hour block of sleep on the machine.

I tried putting the neck collar back on to go back to sleep and my body simply rebelled. It makes me wonder if wearing it has led to the restless sleep and short durations on the machine.

Who knows?

Sorry, I think I went off topic as I am obviously beyond frustrated.

49er