CPAP News Letter - Issue: 13

Where are the new, improved CPAP and Bilevel machines?

In the last two years, very few new positive airway machines have been released. Are we to believe that the current models have reached the pinnacle of technical refinement? The truth is that the struggle for machine dominance is ongoing and intense. Both Resmed and Puritan Bennett will release spectacular machines this fall. New standards for size, weight, noise, durability and breathe-ability will soon be set. Improvements in the Auto CPAP, Bilevel Spontaneous and Spontaneous Timed categories are amazing.

Who builds the quietest Bilevel available today?

While noise can be measured in many ways, both objectively and subjectively, the "Devilbiss RPM -Bilevel CPAP" is, to our ears, much quieter than any machine in the Bilevel Spontaneous class. Bilevels have always been louder than CPAP's. That is not the case with the new Devilbiss Bilevel.

A Second Manufacturer Releases Easy Breathing CPAP Technology

Invacare, the largest manufacturer of durable medical equipment, has been gradually increasing their sleep equipment product line. The Polaris EX CPAP is a new offering that is equipped with a new technology called "SoftX", named after the soft exhalation sensation it creates. Rather than using motor speed to ease exhalation as Respironics does with "C-Flex", Invacare uses a valve to momentarily release the pressure. The machine is available with a snap on heated humidifier. This may be a sign that C-Flex like technology will be available from more manufacturers in the future.

Updated Breeze Nasal Pillow System

Puritan Bennett, developers of the first nasal pillow system, have continued to innovate and will soon release a much improved Breeze Nasal System. It features a nearly unbreakable hose guide (we tried to break it with no success). The halo straps can be moved onto the hose guide for more stability and the foam on the back of the headgear is thicker and more comfortable than the original headgear.

Resmed's Mirage Swift Nasal Pillow System

Now that Puritan Bennett's patent on nasal pillows has expired, we are seeing other manufactures develop new ways to use this proven technology. The Mirage Swift Nasal Pillows System from Resmed is expected to be available in early September. This system weighs only 2.5 ounces. It comes with small, medium, and large nasal pillows (roughly the same size as the Puritan Bennett offerings, but not at all compatible). The tube position can be changed to any of four locations. Set it up or down, left or right.

Viasys's Lyra Nasal Interface

Viasys has released a new nasal prong system called the Lyra CPAP Nasal Interface. Each Lyra is shipped with all four sizes of nasal prongs. The single tube can be worn up or down. It weighs just 2.3 ounces.

Innomed's Nasal-PAP Freestyle

InnoMed Technologies has a new nasal prong system, the Nasal-Pap Freestyle, available in seven sizes. Each includes an optional headgear for stability.

HC407 Nasal Mask

Fisher & Paykel has released the new FlexiFit Series HC407 Nasal Mask. This is a one size fits most design and features a new sealing system and air diffuser with a "Stretchgear" headgear. The biggest difference between it and the HC405 is the more narrow profile of the HC407.

Who Makes the Best Full Face Mask?

Resmed and Respironics have serious full face mask competition from Fisher & Paykels HC431. The mask features an under the chin design to provide stability and is a one size fits most product. Each mask includes both a small and "standard" cushion. We found we could fit a very wide range of patients secessfully. So, who makes the best full face mask? It is very hard to tell.