| There are many CPAP users out there who do not | | | | New masks come out constantly. Phillips Respironics |
| use their machines. Much of this is due to the fact that | | | | and Resmed have both come out with changes to the |
| this type of therapy is requires a strong desire by the | | | | masks they offer. Respironics has two new full face |
| user to stick with the therapy. The good news is new | | | | masks. The FullLife mask is a restructuring of typical |
| masks, machines and humidifiers are making this type | | | | full face mask to make it more comfortable as well as |
| of care more comfortable. Several new pieces of | | | | making it lighter. The most unique thing is that it no |
| equipment are being introduced in the next couple of | | | | longer has a forehead pad but has a headgear with a |
| months. | | | | chin strap to adjust the pressure across the bridge of |
| A new machine is being introduced by Phillips | | | | the nose. The Total Face Mask is a mask that seals |
| Respironics. This new CPAP, according to the | | | | around the whole face. This allows patients with |
| literature, takes care of many of the issues that users | | | | unusual shaped faces or patients who can not tolerate |
| tend to have. It has CFLEX, a therapy mode that | | | | nasal or full face masks a new option. |
| allows the breath to be delivered similar to a natural | | | | Resmed announced they have added a Softgel |
| breath rather then a machine. This setting also has an | | | | interface to their line of masks. This will allow for a |
| adjustment so that the user can find the flow that is | | | | comfortable fit for patients who need a little more |
| comfortable for their personal breathing pattern. | | | | support to their masks. |
| The equipment is also able to communicate with your | | | | For people who have had their machines for 5 years |
| doctor and medical equipment company. It has a | | | | or longer many insurance companies will replace older |
| program that will allow them to monitor the progress | | | | machines, however they may require you to re-qualify |
| of the person using the machine and if they are having | | | | by having another sleep study to prove you still have |
| any issues they can be corrected in a timely manner | | | | sleep apnea. Mask, hoses, filters and other equipment |
| instead having to wait for a doctor's appointment and | | | | are replaced every 3 to 6 months but most people |
| discussing it with them. All the patient needs to do is | | | | have to call their equipment provider to ask for these |
| make a phone call. The doctor of the equipment | | | | to be replaced. If a CPAP user wants a new mask |
| company can then access the machine and know if it | | | | most likely they will have to ask their doctor for a new |
| is being used, if the user is still have issues with snoring, | | | | prescription. Masks generally are not interchangeable. |
| apneas, or with the mask and they can then change | | | | Once you choose a mask you must get a new |
| the setting to help the person be more comfortable. | | | | prescription to change it. The same is true for a |
| The final issue they have looked at is proper | | | | humidifier. If a person does not get a heated humidifier |
| humidification without the water collecting in the tube. In | | | | when they initially get their machine they must get a |
| the old humidifier the temperature was not controlled | | | | prescription and may even need another sleep study in |
| at the mask. This new machine looks at humidification | | | | order to get one. |
| at the mask so that excess water does not | | | | Once you have started on CPAP therapy staying |
| accumulate in the tubing causing a sloshing sound and | | | | current with the changes in equipment may help in |
| accidentally drenching the patient as they move during | | | | keeping a user compliant with care. |
| the night. | | | | |