Colorful CPAP Masks Personalize Sleep Apnea
By HospiMedica International staff writers
Posted on 03 Jun 2010
Stylish soft cloth continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) nasal masks and headgear offer colorful alternatives to hard masks. Posted on 03 Jun 2010
The SleepWeaver Advance mask and headgear feature an elastic cloth seal designed to fit more comfortably over the user's nose. The lightweight seal reduces air leakage, and helps to ensure a better night's sleep for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. Unlike traditional hard plastic masks, the SleepWeaver mask inflates like a balloon, softly conforming to the patient's face and creating an intimate seal. The air pressure pushes the wall of the balloon until the tension in the walls causes an equilibration, and all points inside the balloon are at the same pressure. When this is achieved, the pressure being applied to the patient for their CPAP therapy is the same pressure that pushes the mask against the patient's skin. This creates a good seal between the cloth of the mask and the skin of the patient.
Image: The SleepWeaver Advance Leopard nasal Mask and Headgear (photo courtesy Circadiance).
There are several advantages of this method over conventional CPAP masks. The cloth in the mask conforms to the features of the patient's face, so the mask forms a very good seal. There is no additional pressure required to hold the mask onto the patient's face, so there is no need for excess tension in the straps. In addition, the pressure exerted by the mask is the same at all points, so there are no localized pressure points that could create pressure sores. The SleepWeaver masks are a product of Circadiance (Export, PA, USA), and are now also available in the wilderness dream series colors of camouflage and leopard tones.
"When it comes to devices, people want 'accessory' choices,” said David Groll, CEO of Circadiance. "Sleep apnea masks are no different. That's why we're developing a full line of colors - starting with camouflage and leopard - that help people match a mask to their lifestyle.”
Related Links:
Circadiance