A small semi-rigid pad produced by T-Tape Company solves typical CPAP mask problems.
T-Tape Company
It matches the shape of any cap mask to a patient's facial contours to avoid leaks, sores and other common problems.
The inventor, Jean-Michel Anthony, a Belgian self-taught engineer, has found an economical way to adapt CPAP nasal cap masks to match any more-expensive tailor-made versions. Using a special low-temperature thermoplastic base and a soft polyolefin foam layer, he offers CPAP users the Stabi-pad — a shielding pad for masks, fitted to the user's facial features.
M. Anthony came up with the idea of a self-adapting interface between the patient’s face and mask after reading extensive studies that showed almost one-half of patients prescribed CPAP therapy give up the procedure in less than 20 days. The primary cause is discomfort, mainly skin irritation, and the sensation of dry eyes due to the mask’s poor sealing.
Jean-Michel Anthony (75), founder and CEO of AM&M Technology BVBA said: “When I saw what some patients endured with their masks, I realised how important a solution to this problem could be. Giving up treatment is a disaster; one has to make sure that nobody ever gives up.
"I asked myself: 'How to create a mask that compresses the facial tissues less and is nevertheless more airtight?' A custom-made mask could be considered, but the cost is rather prohibitive. Thus I conceived a shielding pad and opted for the use of Turbocast, a special low-temperature thermoplastic manufactured by T-Tape Company BV. Turbocast is medical-grade and has proven absolutely safe. I’d like to add that the development of the Stabi-pad owes much to the knowledge and experience accumulated at the manufacturer, T-Tape Company.”
How it works
When heated to a limited temperature, Turbocast thermoplastic becomes supple and flexible without losing its basic shape. Placed on the patient’s face, it will then instantly adapt to its contours as soon as the mask is put on top. After less than two minutes, it returns to its semi-rigid state and thus keeps the exact shape of the patient’s face.
The Turbocast thermoplastic base is lined with a layer of medical-grade polyolefin foam. The foam is non-adherent and can be applied directly to the skin, even if the patient has problems – sores, for example. The thermoplastic base is in contact with the silicone part of the mask, thus creating an excellent seal.
The Stabi-pad has a rounded triangular shape, a little wider than the mask, and spreads the pressure exerted by the mask on a much larger area of the face. Pressure on the patient's skin is thus significantly reduced, immediately providing more stability, comfort, and a very reliable seal against air leaks.
Beta testing
As a brand-new invention, the Stabi-pad is launched in beta testing. Some details — including other dimensions that users will probably require — are still to be defined, as well as the adaptation to so-called full-face masks. Further, if one Stabi-pad can certainly be used for several weeks, variations of effective life have still to be studied in a forthcoming large-scale survey.
The life span of the mask itself is also important. With the Stabi-pad, a mask's silicone seal is no longer in direct contact with the skin, and thus effectively reduces wear and tear or erosion.
The Stabi-pads will be marketed in the coming months. The Stabi-pads will be marketed in the coming months. Currently, candidate testers can register on the following site: www.CPAPhelper.org