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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."
Or buy stock in the company?
more cowbell
This seems like a sensible approach, I just hope that it isn't accompanied by a raft of broad and dubious patents that purport to cover pretty much any 'printing something to fit someone' application. That would both serve as ammunition against a broad range of printing applications and be unjustified given the things that have already been 3d printed for medical applications(usually on a small scale). If they have something more specific, covering programmatically generating customized deformable shapes for best fit, or some elegant manufacturing twist, that may well be all good; but it would be unfortunate to see something overbroad.
' 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!
Idiot.
Scruting the inscrutable for over 50 years.
I don't agree that nasal pillows are the solution to all CPAP interface issues. I tried them and preferred a nasal mask to the pillows for overall fit and comfort.
I do agree that custom 3D printing is nonsense to the problem. It would be much like people complaining that one pair of shoes were uncomfortable, and just deciding that 3D printing everyone's shoes to their exact foot is the answer. Or maybe they should just have tried on a different size, width, or style to find a better fit.
Look for a hybrid apnea mask. Has nasal pillows and a lower portion that covers the mouth.
Jesus was all right but his disciples were thick and ordinary. -John Lennon
There are multiple reasons why people continue to use these machines. The CPAP is a great tool and the one recommended against severe sleep apnea, the product has a reputation and is heavily promoted. Yet again, people lack education, they are usually not told by their MD that for simple snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea (the common one, the obstructive), the first medical recommandation should be a custom made dental mandibular advancement device or dental appliance such as https://www.pantheradental.com...
These devices aren't to be confused with splints used to protect bruxors even though they may also fit that role.
The CPAP is more effective against sleep apnea than those dental appliances but makes noise, requires electricity, is a challenge to bring on trips and usually a lot less comfortable, wich is the problem adressed by the product advertised in the OP. The effectiveness of dental appliances is currently (in the latest studies) similar or even slightly better than that of CPAP because there is a lot more adherence to the treatment (lots of people can't go the whole night with their CPAP).
Whatever solution you go for you MUST NEVER USE AN OFF THE SHELF DENTAL APPLIANCE, those will give you SEVERE DENTAL PROBLEMS, there are lots of documented cases and FDA should never have approved those.