New generation CPAP mask to aid sleep apnoea patients from ResMed

ResMed, a leading manufacturer of sleep and respiratory medical equipment, today announced that it has introduced a new generation continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask designed to improve the patient experience and compliance. With minimal contact on the face and a sleek design, Swift FX is expected to help sleep apnoea patients overcome issues related to wearing a mask at night and effectively providing them with a good night’s sleep.

“With patients across the world in mind, we are proud to introduce a mask which gives a ‘barely there’ experience,” said Mike McEwan, Vice President Europe - Masks, ResMed. “It is our hope that the added sense of minimalism and freedom will increase patient compliance and ultimately enable patients to experience the full range of health benefits from CPAP therapy. ResMed is committed to advancing innovative technology and we believe the Swift FX mask is a step forward for CPAP therapy.”

Sleep apnoea is one of the most common, and yet highly undiagnosed, sleep disorders. The condition causes the sufferer to stop breathing thirty times per hour or more throughout the night. There are three types of sleep apnoea; obstructive, mixed and central. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is the most common and is marked by the collapse or obstruction of the airway during sleep. The condition is responsible for contributing to extreme sleepiness, nodding off during the day, inability to maximise work performance, higher rates of road accidents, elevated levels of blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, episodes of stroke, and depression. What many people perceive as a common harmless problem - snoring - can be a clear sign of this serious condition.

The most effective treatment for sleep apnoea is CPAP therapy. In this non-invasive treatment, air is pressurised by a small device and delivered to the airway of the patient through a mask that fits on/over the nose, or nose and mouth. The pressurised air keeps the upper airway open and allows the person to get an uninterrupted, restful night’s sleep.