Custom-Fitted Masks?

[TonyBoBony]

Hi.  I'm a newbie to this board.  I'm writing for my mother who is 91 and partially paralyzed from a stroke.

Does anybody make custom-fitted CPAP masks?  We have tried many existing masks and none seem to fit my mother's (aged, gaunt, sensitive) face well.  Either they leak or they are too tight.  Does anybody make a mask that is custom-fitted, perhaps using scan and 3D printing technology?

Any thoughts, leads, links, responses appreciated--including "No such masks do not exist."

Thanks,

Tony

ps. I apologize if this topic has been covered before.  A quick search of the site disclosed no entries on this topic in the last few years.

[grubsztyl]

Bleep is probably the closest you can get to fitted. That is if you can control mouth leaks.

[Jay51]

Sorry to hear about your mother's dilemma.  I have possibly looked at over 250 masks (or just about every one that is online).  One that comes to mind here in your mother's specific situation is the Fisher and Paykel Forma (full face mask).  The Bleep could work like grubsztyl said.  This one has a very large space at the bottom of the mask that goes underneath the chin.  I don't know how well it even works (or stops leaks).  If you want to, do an internet search on this one and see if you think it might help your mother.  You know your mother's situation best, so this mask may not work at all.  I hope that you find success.

[Deborah K.]

I use the Bleep maskless system and love it!  They make two types now, the Bleep DreamPort system and the Bleep Eclipse.  I like the DreamPort system the best, but it is quite fiddly to put on, and if your mother has to put the mask on herself, she would likely not be able to do so.  The Eclipse is much easier because it attaches with magnets.  If someone else put it on for her, the DreamPorts might be preferable because it is lighter without the metal required by the Eclipse.  The wonderful part of either Bleep is that there is no actual mask and no straps on the head and face.  Insurance covers them like any mask.

Here's a link to their webpage:  DME Link removed.  Visit BleepSleep's website.

I pray that you find a solution that is just right for your mother.  

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[OpalRose]

Does anybody make a mask that is custom-fitted, perhaps using scan and 3D printing technology?
Tony

Hi Tony,
Unfortunately, finding a mask that is comfortable and doesn't leak is one of the hardest
parts of Cpap therapy.  Your mother may be more comfortable with one of the nasal pillow masks, which are more minimal on the face.  

Does your mom need a full face mask possibly due to mouth breathing?  

Googling custom-fitted masks tells me there's some research being done by scanning the patient's face and using 3D printing.  I don't know how far the research has gone and I haven't heard of anyone actually using such a mask.

Sorry, I hope you can find a solution for your mom.

[TonyBoBony]

Thanks for the input!  My mother is a mouth breather, and accordingly, I believe that a nasal pillow design will not work for her.

ApneaSeal is a company that does a 3D face scan to create a custom mask.  Unfortunately, they are located in Australia, require a visit, and only make nose masks, not ones that cover the mouth.  I'm surprised some company in the US doesn't do the same thing.  (They can scan remotely and print swim goggles!)

Tony