ResMed has announced what it says is the most patient friendly CPAP mask for sleep apnea patients.
Background
Comfort is the main reason patients quit CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy, the gold standard for treating sleep apnea, which affects more than 100 million people worldwide. Untreated sleep apnea causes sufferers to stop breathing repeatedly throughout the night, unconsciously transitioning between moments of sleep suffocation and jolts of awakening to resume breathing. This may cause dangerous levels of daytime fatigue and raise the risk of developing other fatal conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart failure.
Resmed’s AirTouch F20 full face mask with UltraSoft memory foam mask cushion is being hailed by its maker as a breakthrough in the treatment of sleep apnea. The cushion adapts to the contours of each patient’s face, creating a personalized fit for the ultimate experience in cushion comfort. The mask is designed to reduce facial markings and skin irritation, even when sealed firmly against the skin. Resmed says AirTouch fits 98% of patient faces.
Permeable foam creates a uniquely natural, breathable seal that allows some excess heat and sweat to escape through the cushion without compromising therapy pressure.
AirTouch is compatible with any CPAP, including the world’s smallest CPAP, ResMed’s new AirMini™. It is easy to maintain and designed to seal at a range of therapy pressures, and to fit the same mask frame as the AirFit™ F20, which uses the InfinitySeal™ silicone cushion – so patients can easily try and choose the material they prefer best.
The new product is being made immediately available in the U.S. and Canada. It will be launching in select countries across South America, Europe, and Asia in the coming months.
Physician comments
“It’s very exciting to offer our patients something that’s truly new and different,” said Jared Eardley, clinical supervisor at Norco Inc., a home medical equipment provider in Meridian, Idaho. “Plus, being able to pop the cushion on to a patient’s own AirFit F20 frame will save time and hassle for both the patients and my staff – it’s a real win-win.”
Company comments
“With its unprecedented comfort, the AirTouch F20 is setting a new standard for CPAP therapy,” said Mick Farrell, ResMed CEO. “Since many patients spend all night, every night sleeping with their mask, we want all patients to be as comfortable and happy with their therapy and their sleep as possible. AirTouch takes ResMed’s market-leading mask comfort to the next level.”
Source: PR Newswire
published: May 16, 2017 in: Launches / Withdrawals, Thoracic/Respiratory