Metamason: Revolutionizing CPAP Masks With 3D Scanning and 3D Printing

First time accepted submitter Leslie Oliver Karpas writes As millions of Americans with Obstructive Sleep Apnea struggle to get a good night's sleep, one company has harnessed 3D technology to revolutionize CPAP therapy. As 3ders.org reported today, "Metamason is working on custom CPAP masks for sleep apnea patients via 3D scanning, smart geometry, and 3D printing." "We're at the crossroads of 3D technology and personalized medicine," says Metamason's founder and CEO. "There are many medical products that would be infinitely more comfortable and effective with a customized fit. CPAP therapy is the perfect example—it's a very effective treatment with a 50% quit rate, because mass-produced masks are uncomfortable and don't fit properly." CPAP is a respiratory device worn during sleep to treat OSA, which affects 1 in 4 men and 1 in 9 women in the US alone. Metamason's "ScanFitPrint" process for creating their custom Respere masks translates a 3D scan of the patient's face into a 3D printed custom mask that is a perfect individual fit. To print the masks in soft, biocompatible silicone, Metamason invented a proprietary 3D printing process called Investment Molding, which creates wholly integrated products that were previously considered "unmoldable."

Comments

Invented? Really?

[thesupraman]

' Metamason invented a proprietary 3D printing process called Investment Molding'

I'm sorry, but I dont think so, its only of the oldest casting processes there is:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Investment_casting

I am going to assume they think they invented it by either 3d printing either the original material, or the mould directly.
And then I assume they call it moulding instead of casting as they use silicone not metal (of course..).

This is a VERY common process these days - what exactly have they 'invented' here? sounds to me like a business process
of making the moulds/masks to fit each client - revolutionary!