A Custom Fitted Mask in Your Future.

[M.D.Hosehead]

This topic has been discussed in other threads.

And some members, in particular RestedGal, are on record as skeptical about the possibility.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=59334&p=557693#p557693

I’m raising the subject again because the cover story in the current (Feb 12) issue of Economist deals with the transformative impact on manufacturing of 3D printing.

http://www.economist.com/node/18114221

Current 3D printers (called “fabricators”) can be had for the price of a laserprinter in the 1980’s. They use the digital description of an object to fabricate the object on the spot in a few minutes. An optometrist might print out your glasses while you wait. Similarly a dentist can fabricate a dental crown (that's already being done). The Economist cover shows a working (plastic) violin that was printed from digital data. Coupled with a laser surface scanner, a fabricator could easily print out the rigid frame of a custom CPAP mask.

One of RestedGal’s reasons for skepticism is that the custom mask may not be able to change its conformation as a person moves around. But plausibly the rigid frame of the mask needs to conform only to the bony structure of the face. Soft tissues can then be accommodated by silicone linings.

Computer fabrication already happening, and Economist predicts it will be another transformative revolution. The hardware and software is commercially available and will get cheaper rapidly. The only question is which entrepreneurial bioengineer will seize the prize.

[Janknitz]

That certainly would be cool if they can do it!

When I was a kid, I used to love looking at the toy section in the Sears Wish Book catalog. We lived on a military base on the island of Okinawa, and the toy section at the PX was very limited (plus, it was not like my parents were going to buy me many toys anyway ). I used to dream that you could cut the pictures of toys out, put them in a machine and presto, the toy would pop out the other end. Maybe some day that will really happen

Too bad I'm too old for toys!

[BernieRay]

I've been interested in 3D printers since I first saw one on Discovery Channel a few years ago. Personally, I'll wait for Custom Fitted Mask Version 2, where the headgear and mask are custom fitted. I'll jump up and do a dance when those arrive. I don't have much trouble with mask fit, but keeping it in place when I move during sleep is a whole different animal. None of the tricks, including hook-side velcro, have worked as well as I would like.

[roster]

Thinking beyond CPAP, maybe this technology could custom fit a "full mouth appliance" that would keep the tongue and soft palate from collapsing without triggering the gag reflex?

[Tip10]

I've always wondered why you can get custom fitted orthodontics, custom fitted arch supports, custom fitted braces for most anything and everything, custom fitted eyeglasses, just about anything else custom fitted but are expected to use basically a one size fits all Mask for CPAP.... And this is supposed to make sense somehow? I'd love to have a custom fit mask.

To those who are skeptical I ask, have you ever come across one mask (or one size) that fit the bridge of your nose but leaked at the bottom?
How about one that fit the bottom but leaked at the nose?
I think most of us have -- wouldn't it be nice to be able to combine them??

The manufacturers are doing "okay" with giving us the different sizes but let's face it -- if you have a small nose bridge and a long face and need a full face you are likely in trouble, or if your nose bridge is wide but your face is narrow or short -- same story.

Now if you could mold the hard plastic shield to your face and then add a simple silicone bead type seal I think you'd have a winner.
Or even if you could select from a nose fit and a different bottom and then have a hard shell that combined those profiles and added a seal I still think you'd have a winner. Custom fit doesn't have to be infinitely variable -- just far more variable than "here take this thing that was made to some generic perfect profile and try and figure out how to seal it to your face".


Just my 2 cents worth....

[BlackSpinner]

You could get your face scanned as you lie down relaxed and then get your mask printed as you wait. The technology is there. It just needs to be combined and the connections worked out. And of course FDA approval.

[Janknitz]

I bet one of the reasons we don't have custom fitted masks already is that our insurance companies (and us!) would not be happy paying $1000 to $2000 per mask!

[Kahfree]

I bet one of the reasons we don't have custom fitted masks already is that our insurance companies (and us!) would not be happy paying $1000 to $2000 per mask!

As with anything new, those costs would be high. However, as time went on and the demand to purchase went up then the volume of orders would eventually lower the price. It was like that with computers, phones, etc. I just wonder how long it would take for the price to drop.

[LinkC]

I don't think it's possible to make a custom-fit FF mask that works. Your facial shape changes too much thru the night.

That's why you get better leak rates from nasals and hybrids. They address a smaller, more stable facial footprint.

Note that ComfortGel makes a customizable NASAL--but not a FF. If they could make it work in a FF, don't you think they would?

[OutaSync]

I bet one of the reasons we don't have custom fitted masks already is that our insurance companies (and us!) would not be happy paying $1000 to $2000 per mask!

I've already paid that much out of pocket for masks that don't even come close to fitting.

[rested gal]

This topic has been discussed in other threads.

And some members, in particular RestedGal, are on record as skeptical about the possibility.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=59334&p=557693#p557693

------

One of RestedGal’s reasons for skepticism is that the custom mask may not be able to change its conformation as a person moves around. But plausibly the rigid frame of the mask needs to conform only to the bony structure of the face. Soft tissues can then be accommodated by silicone linings.

M.D.Hosehead knows me well!

[Acurest]

See this thread for information about a custom-made mask that is guaranteed to fit comfortably and seal effectively AND IS NOW AVAILABLE IN THE USA!
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=61979

There are plenty of sceptics out there, concerned about the cost and the effectiveness of a custom-made mask. These concerns are valid, but our experience tells us that users of our TrueFIT Custom Mask settle in to therapy without the normal mask problems.

Mask issues are the primary impediment to getting and staying comfortable with CPAP. A mask that is made to fit your face perfectly is the only reliable way to get around the "normal" issues. On top of that, our mask is quiet, leak-free, it doesn't produce a jet of air from the exhaust ports, is easy to clean, does not require replacement parts and allows full freedom of movement during sleep.

It was designed and developed by CPAP users to address all of the common issues with masks. And it works.

In terms of cost, when viewed over the three year normal life of the TrueFIT mask, the costs really do stack up against buying a maintaining standard masks. Each individual user will decide on the value to them of a mask that performs reliably without discomfort. It's not for everyone, sure. But it can be the salvation for the many who are sick of suffering on the CPAP mask merry-go-round.

Please look at our website for more information: http://www.acurest.com.au