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?
Mask Design Questions
Re: Mask Design Questions
You will have so many answers you won't know where to start. I am a ''new'' Cpap'er. I use the Mirage Swift nasal pillows. It's not that comfortable. Chin strap must be worn to prevent mouth from flopping open. They are even more uncomfortable. As far as the nasal or full masks, others can answer your questions. Big problem is bridge on nose, skin problems, red marks, you name it. Many people allergic to silicone. Latex forget it.
Rainout in htd.humidifier hoses, I just ran into last night. It means lowering humidity thus drying out nasal psgs all night, throat, mouth, dryness, too high a humidity like a jungle in nose. Too much moisture, on and on. As far as the CPAP machine, I have the 420E APAP and it's nice size, lightwt. I am waiting for the software, that I hear 50/50 is not the easiest to interpret.
Biggest complaint, LET US SET OUR OWN D___ MACHINES. Why should some DME dolly come, rip off ins. for more $, just to push a few buttons. It's ridiculous.
Rainout in htd.humidifier hoses, I just ran into last night. It means lowering humidity thus drying out nasal psgs all night, throat, mouth, dryness, too high a humidity like a jungle in nose. Too much moisture, on and on. As far as the CPAP machine, I have the 420E APAP and it's nice size, lightwt. I am waiting for the software, that I hear 50/50 is not the easiest to interpret.
Biggest complaint, LET US SET OUR OWN D___ MACHINES. Why should some DME dolly come, rip off ins. for more $, just to push a few buttons. It's ridiculous.
Desinger wrote: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?
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rested gal
- Posts: 12881
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 10:14 pm
- Location: Tennessee
Designer, get a Mirage Activa nasal mask by ResMed and study it inside out. That's the most leakproof, most comfortable mask of any nasal (covers the nose) mask, imho. The cushions of the ResMed masks in general are the best, I think.
Get a Breeze with nasal pillows, a Swift (also nasal pillows) and a Nasal Aire II (nasal "prongs"). Study those. Figure out why there are noise issues with the Swift and even more so with the Nasal Aire II.
Good luck.
Get a Breeze with nasal pillows, a Swift (also nasal pillows) and a Nasal Aire II (nasal "prongs"). Study those. Figure out why there are noise issues with the Swift and even more so with the Nasal Aire II.
Good luck.
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UKnowWhatInSeattle
- Posts: 148
- Joined: Tue Nov 16, 2004 7:20 pm
- Location: Seattle, Merica, Earth...
Thanks for your interest in this area! I think you're on a very hot career path.
"Quiet" is a very important word for many of us and those who share our beds. Even when a mask is properly functioning (sealing well, that is), there are many "opportunities" for noise as the column of air changes between the machine, down the hose, in the user's sinus cavities, and through the CO2 exhaust mechanism. Some of the noise is "internal" and some is "external". The obvious externnal noises are from the exhaust port and any areas of seal-leak. The more subtle internal noises seem to me to be related to turbulance in the air column and how it interacts with the sinus cavities.
Of the masks I've tried, the quietest have been (in order):
F&P HC 407
ResMed UltraMirage nasal mask
ResMed Mirage Activa nasal mask
The first one is very quiet but the fit is not adjustable and it simply doesn't fit the contour of my face.
The two ResMed masks are pretty quiet as far as "internal" noise is concerned. The Activa has a higher "white-noise" hiss than the UltraMirage as far as "external" noise is considered.
The nasal pillows interfaces tend to have a bit more internal noise. The Breeze (as mentioned by our pal Rested Gal) is quieter than the new ResMed Swift system as observed by many. Both are found to be much more comfortable than nasal masks by many people.
This forum and a few others like it are very good places to monitor the successes and failures of various products available as seen through the eyes of end-users.
Good luck, and THANKS FOR ASKING!!
"Quiet" is a very important word for many of us and those who share our beds. Even when a mask is properly functioning (sealing well, that is), there are many "opportunities" for noise as the column of air changes between the machine, down the hose, in the user's sinus cavities, and through the CO2 exhaust mechanism. Some of the noise is "internal" and some is "external". The obvious externnal noises are from the exhaust port and any areas of seal-leak. The more subtle internal noises seem to me to be related to turbulance in the air column and how it interacts with the sinus cavities.
Of the masks I've tried, the quietest have been (in order):
F&P HC 407
ResMed UltraMirage nasal mask
ResMed Mirage Activa nasal mask
The first one is very quiet but the fit is not adjustable and it simply doesn't fit the contour of my face.
The two ResMed masks are pretty quiet as far as "internal" noise is concerned. The Activa has a higher "white-noise" hiss than the UltraMirage as far as "external" noise is considered.
The nasal pillows interfaces tend to have a bit more internal noise. The Breeze (as mentioned by our pal Rested Gal) is quieter than the new ResMed Swift system as observed by many. Both are found to be much more comfortable than nasal masks by many people.
This forum and a few others like it are very good places to monitor the successes and failures of various products available as seen through the eyes of end-users.
Good luck, and THANKS FOR ASKING!!
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-- Apnea and Snore Free since April '04
-- Support US Farmers; Switch to Biodiesel!
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-- Apnea and Snore Free since April '04
-- Support US Farmers; Switch to Biodiesel!
--
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Guest
This is IllinoisRRT posting. I know this is off topic, but I want to reiterate that WE DO NOT GET PAID TO RESET YOUR MACHINE! I am not ripping off an insurance company by coming to your house to "push a few buttons". And I'm not "some dolly", thankyouverymuch. I am a very well-educated person, not a trained monkey.Biggest complaint, LET US SET OUR OWN D___ MACHINES. Why should some DME dolly come, rip off ins. for more $, just to push a few buttons. It's ridiculous.
Mask Design
Hi Designer,
What a great project! I think you should be congratulated on doing a project on something that can attribute to people having a better life.
I have been using cpap for about 3 weeks now. I use an activa mask, which I really like, however there are a couple of weaknesses I have found with the whole process of finding a mask.
Firstly girls faces can quite often be smaller than boys. Even in the smaller sizes I still find the mask either sits on my lip or right up between my eyes blowing air all over the place, not to mention making my eyes look really puffy.
Secondly my thoughts arose around the perfect fit. I often find that I move the mask around as I switch sides during the night as I get leaks whenever I do this. I also wear a mouthguard (just a sports one as I chew through them every three months, so I am not spending $300 for the dentist ones at a pop). When fitiing this mouthgaurd I get to mould it to the contours of my teeth. For me I would like to try a mask where I could mould it to my face so it fit me perfectly. (Without the dipping in boiling water first). I know you can get a custom made mask, but my understanding this is a time-consuming and costly process. Maybe something like this could be worth investigating.
Lastly my other thought about mask designing is what if you had a function to tape it to your face, not have the over the head straps thing. This is probably hard to explain what I am trying to describe what is in my head, but what if there was a mask that you could attatch skin friendly tape to. That way it would ensure there are no leaks. I am not sure of the consequences of something like this and trying to get it off in an emergency?
Just thought I would share my thoughts, but trust me I am no designer, just a girl who likes to think about things a bit too much!!
What a great project! I think you should be congratulated on doing a project on something that can attribute to people having a better life.
I have been using cpap for about 3 weeks now. I use an activa mask, which I really like, however there are a couple of weaknesses I have found with the whole process of finding a mask.
Firstly girls faces can quite often be smaller than boys. Even in the smaller sizes I still find the mask either sits on my lip or right up between my eyes blowing air all over the place, not to mention making my eyes look really puffy.
Secondly my thoughts arose around the perfect fit. I often find that I move the mask around as I switch sides during the night as I get leaks whenever I do this. I also wear a mouthguard (just a sports one as I chew through them every three months, so I am not spending $300 for the dentist ones at a pop). When fitiing this mouthgaurd I get to mould it to the contours of my teeth. For me I would like to try a mask where I could mould it to my face so it fit me perfectly. (Without the dipping in boiling water first). I know you can get a custom made mask, but my understanding this is a time-consuming and costly process. Maybe something like this could be worth investigating.
Lastly my other thought about mask designing is what if you had a function to tape it to your face, not have the over the head straps thing. This is probably hard to explain what I am trying to describe what is in my head, but what if there was a mask that you could attatch skin friendly tape to. That way it would ensure there are no leaks. I am not sure of the consequences of something like this and trying to get it off in an emergency?
Just thought I would share my thoughts, but trust me I am no designer, just a girl who likes to think about things a bit too much!!
Ready And Waiting To Sleepgirl
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wading thru the muck!
- Posts: 2799
- Joined: Tue Oct 19, 2004 11:42 am
Link to evil DME post
IllinoisRRT, check out the above post and you will see why some folks get a little hot under the collar and start refering to their RT as "some dolly." Try not to take offense. It's not meant to refer to you. Just keep in mind that their are some BAD dudes in your line of work and they pray on those looking to them for assistance.
IllinoisRRT, check out the above post and you will see why some folks get a little hot under the collar and start refering to their RT as "some dolly." Try not to take offense. It's not meant to refer to you. Just keep in mind that their are some BAD dudes in your line of work and they pray on those looking to them for assistance.
Sincerely,
wading thru the muck of the sleep study/DME/Insurance money pit!
wading thru the muck of the sleep study/DME/Insurance money pit!
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Georgia Hosehead
- Posts: 30
- Joined: Sun Dec 05, 2004 10:27 am
- Location: Commerce, GA
Mask Design
If you are able, check out the Hans Rudolph V-Series "full face mask". It is well designed and includes an optional nose piece for smaller noses, a chin support to help keep the mouth closed, and a vent for when there is no pressure from the CPAP. It also has an abomination of a head gear and "quick release" head gear clips that are difficult to engage or disengage. Like all "full face " masks, it's difficult to maintain a seal. With all that said, it's a beautiful design.IMHO, but not done by someone who uses it. Good luck with your project. Georgia Hosehead
CPAP is wonderful until a cure is found!
It can be hard to adjust the straps on many masks. If they are a little too loose, the mask leaks. If they are a little too tight, there is no leak, but they are uncomfortable. If you tilt your head on some of them the length required changes and it becomes too loose or too tight.
The ideal strap would maintain the same pressure on the face no matter how long it was. No matter what size your face, you could put it on and it would retract until the proper pressure on the face was achieved. If you turned your head, the strap would be longer or shorter, but the pressure on the face would remain the same.
Personally I prefer the Mirage Vista because I tend to be a little claustrophobic and there is less of it touching my face. There is no pad touching my forehead. It's also lighter than the Activa. The down side is that it leaks more than the Activa.
If I could design the ideal mask it would have no-leak properties of the Activa. It would have the light weight of the Mirage. It would be as small as the Mirage with minimal stuff touching the face.
The ideal strap would maintain the same pressure on the face no matter how long it was. No matter what size your face, you could put it on and it would retract until the proper pressure on the face was achieved. If you turned your head, the strap would be longer or shorter, but the pressure on the face would remain the same.
Personally I prefer the Mirage Vista because I tend to be a little claustrophobic and there is less of it touching my face. There is no pad touching my forehead. It's also lighter than the Activa. The down side is that it leaks more than the Activa.
If I could design the ideal mask it would have no-leak properties of the Activa. It would have the light weight of the Mirage. It would be as small as the Mirage with minimal stuff touching the face.
Adding to what Georgia said. Quick release clips are very important. The best I've seen are on the Mirage Activa and Vista. When you wake up you don't want to struggle with those. When you're already a little claustrophobic like me, the last thing you want to do is wake up because your feeling claustophobic and be unable to get the thing off.
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Designer
Designer,
This is going to get expensive, but this is my best suggestion. You can't really understand someone's problem unless you have walked a mile in their shoes!
Get someone to help you (a doctor) get a prescription for a machine and try the masks that are out there. You may be able to demo things at a local sleep center -- the one in Pomona Valley Hospital (California) has some to try on, touch and feel. They may be able to loan you machines and/or masks. Sleep in them for several nights (at least). When you are done with the experimenting, then design your own. Again, sleep with it and continue to tweak it. When you have it nice and comfy for you, then figure out how to make it adjustable to fit a wide variety of faces -- go to a train station, amusement park airport or other public place and look at peoples faces. Round up friends and family for guinea pigs. Try the mask on them. Don't forget the claustrophobics, people with sensitive skin and other issues out there! The local chapter of A.W.A.K.E. or other organization for sleep disorders may be able to assist you with some or all of the above. I think that one of the reasons that there are so many masks and headgear are that people come in all shapes and sizes and it is not natural to strap stuff on your head to sleep, so anything that makes it more comfortable and less obtrusive is a plus. Read the posts on this and other forums. You will probably get more input than you can process at first! Many folks have modified their setups to suit them -- you can read about the modifications on this and other forums.
Good luck and what a great idea. You will have the gratitude of many, as well as the satisfaction of improving others lives and the satisfaction of a job well done.
Thank you,
Jane
This is going to get expensive, but this is my best suggestion. You can't really understand someone's problem unless you have walked a mile in their shoes!
Get someone to help you (a doctor) get a prescription for a machine and try the masks that are out there. You may be able to demo things at a local sleep center -- the one in Pomona Valley Hospital (California) has some to try on, touch and feel. They may be able to loan you machines and/or masks. Sleep in them for several nights (at least). When you are done with the experimenting, then design your own. Again, sleep with it and continue to tweak it. When you have it nice and comfy for you, then figure out how to make it adjustable to fit a wide variety of faces -- go to a train station, amusement park airport or other public place and look at peoples faces. Round up friends and family for guinea pigs. Try the mask on them. Don't forget the claustrophobics, people with sensitive skin and other issues out there! The local chapter of A.W.A.K.E. or other organization for sleep disorders may be able to assist you with some or all of the above. I think that one of the reasons that there are so many masks and headgear are that people come in all shapes and sizes and it is not natural to strap stuff on your head to sleep, so anything that makes it more comfortable and less obtrusive is a plus. Read the posts on this and other forums. You will probably get more input than you can process at first! Many folks have modified their setups to suit them -- you can read about the modifications on this and other forums.
Good luck and what a great idea. You will have the gratitude of many, as well as the satisfaction of improving others lives and the satisfaction of a job well done.
Thank you,
Jane
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seanconnery
- Posts: 120
- Joined: Sun Jan 09, 2005 7:48 pm
- Location: British Columbia, Canada
Mask Design Questions
As a fellow designer, sometimes one needs to question the question. Much like being asked to design a garbage can, one needs to ask deeper questions such as, "Gee if we got rid of the garbage, and thereby perpetuating the problem, what if we got rid of the garbage". Similarly, if your project is to redesign the mask as an object, then you are not a designer, but rather a technician, assuming that someones resolution is corrrect. It is easy to design "objects", objects that are sexy, but you may want to think about what the real problem is that you need to solve. There have been great suggestions such trying as many masks as possible so that you have a greater empathy and understanding. By penetrating this 'culture' you are in a better position to solve the problem rather than redesign an object.
As a final suggestion, you may to look at:
http://www.sleepup.com/home.asp
...as a way to look at a problem differently....
...sorry for lecturing, but your project has such huge potential for this wave of baby boomers and in solving this growing problem in a more innovative way, you will have helped millions....and probably will make millions......good luck.
As a final suggestion, you may to look at:
http://www.sleepup.com/home.asp
...as a way to look at a problem differently....
...sorry for lecturing, but your project has such huge potential for this wave of baby boomers and in solving this growing problem in a more innovative way, you will have helped millions....and probably will make millions......good luck.