Patient Involvement in Product Development

[MichaelNd]

Hi, I am an Industrial Design student from Australia. For my final year thesis I have chosen to study the usability of cpap devices. I am looking for user feedback and recommendation on their experiences with any CPAP device (ventilators, humidifiers, masks, even the tube/hose). This will allow me to produce a product that will be more user-focused, and tailored to the individual. There is nothing specific as to what I will produce at this stage. It is up to the research as to the direction.

Cheers,

Michael

[blarg]

Welcome.

You'll find for the most part, by far the hardest part of CPAP therapy to get right is the mask. There are many many cheap masks that work for a few, but most patients aren't told there are other options. The mask is often selected due to price, not fit, and then what works for one person may or may not work for another. Faces are shaped so differently, yet there are often only 3 sizes of a particular mask to choose from.

Machines have evolved a lot and have gotten to the point where if you're willing to spend a bit of money, then you can have quite comfortable therapy. Again, however, DMEs select the machine based on lowest cost, which is often not in the best interests of the patient.

So anyway, to answer your question, the biggest part that needs improving is the mask area.

[Rabid1]

blarg is correct. Patient interface is THE biggest hurdle most CPAP'ers face. I would consider the current mask design as nearly medieval.

[Snoredog]

Now had Respironics done this they wouldn't have come out with such a dud machine with the M series.

I'll start my list and will modify it as I go or if I think of others (in my order of importance):

1. Very Quiet, must state dB level at 20cm.
2. SD memory card slot that uses any off-the-shelf SD memory card (not of that proprietary SmartCard technology crap they now use.
3. USB port, so can use any off-the-shelf A-B USB cable to download data to your PC for reporting.
4. Recording of all sleep details to either internal memory or to SD card in an ASCII format so patient can either print the daily record or import the data into Excel for Reporting purposes. Data collection should include all sleep data including snore. Breakdown of all information should be: daily, weekly, monthly.
5. Backlit LCD, with letters large enough to see (you can't see you are 50).
6. Settable internal "real time clock chip", none of this GMT offset crap.
7. AutoRamp, allows lower pressure than Minimum set pressure for xx period of time.
8. Hose connection that comes out the "front".
9. 12VDC operation using standard plug.
10. Heated Hose.
11. Ability to adjust "command on apnea" parameter.
12. Ability to adjust "command on Flow Limitation" parameter.
13. Ability to "limit" any snore response parameter.
14. Mask Alert with a volume control you can hear (control level of alarm).
15. Ability to "disable" the blue LED's so it doesn't appear you are at a Giants game while trying to sleep.
16. I'll be back.

Humidifier:

1. Integrated in the machine controls, turn on the CPAP, it turns on the Humidifier and controls it using same buttons.
2. Under machine design humidifier so it takes up the smallest footprint.

Travel Bag:

1. Use any color you want as long as it is black.
2. All pockets are zippered (none of this velcro crap).
3. Bag should be designed to carry the machine, humidifier, hose, power supply and cord and 1 nasal mask.

Nearly all the Xpap manufacturers have proven they don't know how to write reporting software. If you can't do it yourself, don't prevent others from doing it right.

[rested gal]

Something about that post from MichaelNd rang a distant bell. I did a Search on this board for "industrial and design and student". Interesting result from back in 2005:

viewtopic.php?t=1233

Mon Feb 07, 2005 11:02 am Post subject: Mask Design Questions

I am an Industrial Design student who is currently working on a project that I have chosen to focus towards apnea -- specifically CPAP machines/masks. The design process is really aided by direct feedback from users and I was hoping to get some input from CPAP users.

What do you consider to be the biggest flaw in most masks--what would make them more comfortable and more functional? Of the masks that are out there now, what are the best features of them? What major problems that you have with your machines?

[Snoredog]

Something about that post from MichaelNd rang a distant bell. I did a Search on this board for "industrial and design and student". Interesting result from back in 2005:

viewtopic.php?t=1233

Mon Feb 07, 2005 11:02 am Post subject: Mask Design Questions

I am an Industrial Design student who is currently working on a project that I have chosen to focus towards apnea -- specifically CPAP machines/masks. The design process is really aided by direct feedback from users and I was hoping to get some input from CPAP users.

What do you consider to be the biggest flaw in most masks--what would make them more comfortable and more functional? Of the masks that are out there now, what are the best features of them? What major problems that you have with your machines?

Yeah but this time he's a member Hey, I've seen it take a lot of students 5 and 6 years to graduate

So what you are really saying is:

What have you designed for me lately?

wow, memory like an elephant, find that old post, nothing gets by you hehehe

[Slinky]

Nothing less than fully data capable xPAP machines!!!!! These compliance data only machines are a crock of horsepuckies.

I whole-heartedly agree w/SnoreDog regarding "universal" data card AND reader cable. These proprietary cards & cables are a crock. My ONLY brand name computer was an old Compaq Portable (about the size of a portable sewing machine).

I also agree on an ASCII format and also suggest less in number but more easily understood graphs. Leak, pressure and "events" NOT in bar graphs but rather line graphs.

It would be nice to be able to expand or compress the line graphs in time periods.

Good size LED screen w/large enough characters to read.

LED screen, EASILY accessible AHI, AI, HI, Leak, Pressure, Hours used that night. None of this plugging, unplugging bit.

Option of LED Screen and buttons being lit or not lit when the machine is running and NOT running.

Mask fit feature for mask leakage (Resmed has this).

Leak alarm you can adjust to your hearing capacity.
-----------------------------
DARK colored (black, burgundy, navy, brown, green; as long as the color is DARK) carry bags adequate to carry ALL needed accessories. xPAP, humidifier, hose, card, mask, funnel.
------------------------------
ADEQUATE integrated humidifiers for cold climate indoor heating. And easy to fill, empty and clean.

Under the machine design (WITHOUT LEAKAGE) an excellent idea from SnoreDog!

------------------------------------
Ahh, the masks. More size options. Petite sizes.

Interchangeable cushion sizes rather than so many mask sizes. (Like the Swift & ComfortLite 2)

LIGHTWEIGHT!!!!

"Skin" over the cushion that isn't so short it digs into tender nose skin or at least round the edges instead of the raw cut edges.

Adjustable angle from forehead to bridge of nose to base of nose.

Adjustable length from forehead to base of nose (or chin if a full face mask)

No headgear at the top of the head that thins hair and irritates the hair follicles w/minor slippage over time.

Easy on, easy off mask and headgear

Easy on, easy off hose

Velcro headgrear adjustments, NOT buckles!

"Skin" over the cushion that isn't so short it digs into tender nose skin or at least round the edges instead of the raw cut edges.

[Moby]

something less industrial looking. something that looks like it belongs in a bedroom.
(talking about the mask and headgear here. not a lot you can do with the elephant tubing except cover it).
good luck!
Di

[Guest]

By the time you add up all the money we spend on masks that don't fit, I bet we could afford a mask that is custom designed for each person based on a computerized reading of our face.

Of course it still has to be designed so as to flow with a moveable face, but getting the basic relationship of the nose, bridge of the nose, where the check bones are, the chin, etc. is individual enough that to start with something that generally fit the contours of MY face would be a help.

[OwlCreekObserver]

By the time you add up all the money we spend on masks that don't fit, I bet we could afford a mask that is custom designed for each person based on a computerized reading of our face.

Of course it still has to be designed so as to flow with a moveable face, but getting the basic relationship of the nose, bridge of the nose, where the check bones are, the chin, etc. is individual enough that to start with something that generally fit the contours of MY face would be a help.

I mentioned something like this a while back. I'd like to see the development of a cost-effective way for mapping the head and facial features and then producing a mask that would closely match those measurements.

We routinely produce custom made corrective lenses and dentures and don't consider it at all unusual. The same logic that produces only two or three sizes of masks would provide us with only two or three prescriptions for lenses/contacts, dental crowns, bridges, etc.

Yes, I know that facial contours can change due to weight gain or loss, fluid retention, muscle relaxation during sleep, etc., but a well designed mask would allow for those subtle changes. And just as we routinely have our eyes checked every year or two, those initial measurements could be reexamined on a periodic basis.

The process of establishing industry standards for measurement and the manufacturing process itself would be considerable, but the long-term result would be the widespread availability of masks that actually fit and function as they should. The same type of basic hand-held calculator that I paid a small fortune for back in the 1970s is now sold for just a few dollars. I think the same thing could happen to masks.

OCO

[Catnapper]

I really like the idea that OCO has about individualizing masks.

A few years ago I was involved in helping with a study that used photography to measure facial characteristics. An anthropologist did the work that included measuring various points on the person's head and the facial photos from several angles. Rather than tell what the study accomplished, I will have to look it up to keep from giving incorrect info from my memory. The result was an interesting graphic that could give exact measurements of the face. I know I am not explaining it well, but my point is that the technology already exists to measure faces.

Anyway, that technique could work to map the face for fitting a mask that actually was custom fitted for individual characteristics. Lots of people have faces that are not symmetrical. Most masks just can't adjust to variation across the diversity of characteristics. I have the most trouble with full face masks. What works best for me is a mask that does not need to fit more than just my nose.

[Wulfman]

Something about that post from MichaelNd rang a distant bell. I did a Search on this board for "industrial and design and student". Interesting result from back in 2005:

viewtopic.php?t=1233

Mon Feb 07, 2005 11:02 am Post subject: Mask Design Questions

I am an Industrial Design student who is currently working on a project that I have chosen to focus towards apnea -- specifically CPAP machines/masks. The design process is really aided by direct feedback from users and I was hoping to get some input from CPAP users.

What do you consider to be the biggest flaw in most masks--what would make them more comfortable and more functional? Of the masks that are out there now, what are the best features of them? What major problems that you have with your machines?

If you do a Search on the word "thesis", you'll snag at least a couple more.

Den

[DreamStalker]

While the wish list for better PAP machines is nice, for a student project (even at the grad level) I would think limiting the wish list to something as simple and crucial as a mask interface would be better.

Perhaps separating the list(s) into 3 for: pillow interfaces, nasal cushions, and FF masks. Remember it seems to just be a semester project.

As I recall, the other student never got back to us with his final project results ... too bad

[Wistful]

Yes - masks, what an ordeal it is to get a mask. I agree, some way to get a customized fit would be perfect. All nasal and FF masks leak into my left eye - being able to customise would make a huge difference!!!!!

[lvwildcat]

Actually I agree and blarg and others. I have said since I started therapy-the mask can make you or break you. Look at me-I took a chance tried the Oracle which I love but about 98%of people who have tried the Oracle HATE it!!