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A moderated chat event was held on Monday, November 24, featuring ResMed’s Senior Product Manager of Masks, Allen Ehrlich. The questions and answers from the chat are listed below. We all wish to thank Mr. Ehrlich for generously contributing his time to inform sleep disorder patients about the new Mirage Activa™ Nasal Mask and Ultra Mirage™ Full Face Mask.
1. Why did you introduce this mask?
Ron Richard answers: A Most people move at least 6 times per hour or 50 times every night, so they need a mask that adapts to changing body position, facial muscle tone, and therapy pressure. This mask satisfies that need.
2. Is this mask really a revolutionary step for mask technology?
Ron Richard answers: Yes, we view the Mirage Activa, the first mask with ActiveCell, to be the next generation of masks for our customers, and we expect it will change the industry.
3. What is the difference between the Mirage/Ultra Mirage masks and the new Mirage Activa mask?
Ron Richard answers: The Mirage Activa nasal mask combines the proven comfort of the ResMed Mirage dual-wall cushion technology with an inflatable chamber called the ActiveCell. Together, they provide a unique, active seal and a dynamic defense against mask leak.
4. What is Mirage cushion technology?
Ron Richard answers: Mirage cushion technology is a dual-wall cushion that provides the seal and stability to minimize leak.
Ron Richard answers: The ActiveCell cushion is between the Mirage cushion and the mask frame.
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6. What is ActiveCell Technology?
Ron Richard answers: It is ResMed's exclusive, auto-stabilizing technology that automatically adjusts to changing sleep conditions. The ActiveCell itself is an inflatable chamber that can expand and contract during therapy, enabling the Mirage Activa nasal mask to provide dynamic seal and leak control during active sleep, all night long. It thus requires minimal headgear and mask adjustment.
7. Tell us more about the ActiveCell.
Ron Richard answers: It is like independent suspension - the cushion moves independently of the frame. In that way, it adapts to changing sleep conditions by automatically maintaining the mask seal even as body positions change during the night. Because of the ActiveCell, less headgear tension is required with this mask.
8. Are you saying you don't have to tighten the headgear as much with this mask?
Ron Richard answers: Yes, you don't have to tighten the headgear to get an excellent mask seal. The Mirage dual-wall cushion, together with the ActiveCell, gently secures the mask so there is no need to pull the headgear tight. Because the seal is secured by the air pressure, rather than headgear strap tension, mask leak is minimized even as you move throughout the night. We have independent studies to support this.
9. How easy is this mask to set up on a patient?
Ron Richard answers: The easiest set up ever. With reduced headgear tension, it takes less time to get a good fit and mask seal on the patient. This should eliminate callbacks from patients, improve patient compliance, and reduce re-fits.
10. How does the cushion technology work?
Ron Richard answers: The ActiveCell chamber moves with the patient side to side and up and down, independent of the mask frame.
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11. What are the patient benefits of ActiveCell?
Ron Richard answers: 1) More choice of head and body positions during sleep; 2) More comfortable; 3) Reduced eye irritation and facial marks; and 4) Fewer leak-induced arousals.
12. How is the mask able to provide these benefits?
Ron Richard answers: Because of the ActiveCell, headgear tension is reduced and mask leak is minimized
13. What are the clinician/professional benefits of ActiveCell?
Ron Richard answers: 1) Improved efficiencies through reduced fitting time and reduced patient callbacks; 2) Improved compliance and 3) Confidence to recommend a mask that will work the first time.
14. Is there a fitting template for the mask?
Ron Richard answers: Yes
15. How does ResMed test its masks prior to market release?
Ron Richard answers: Exhaustive user trials were done on a global basis.
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16. What did patients say about the mask during the user preference trials?
Ron Richard answers: Sleep techs found that the Activa required far less headgear tension to achieve a leak-free seal. This mask was perceived to improve comfort, and it reduced complaints about air leaks. The sleep labs also commented that in addition to providing an active seal the mask also reduced leaks and other artifacts associated with performing sleep studies, making the Activa an excellent choice for sleep lab titrations.
17. How many cushion sizes are available?
Ron Richard answers: There are three sizes: standard, large, and shallow.
18. Does the mask have a forehead support?
Ron Richard answers: Yes, it is similar to the Ultra Mirage nasal forehead support, but the forehead pad design is new.
19. What is the new forehead pad?
Ron Richard answers: It is a one-piece design that conforms to the forehead and virtually eliminates forehead marks.
20. Does this have a cushion clip?
Ron Richard answers: Yes, but it is a new design.
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21. How is the Mirage Activa cushion clip different from your previous cushion clips?
Ron Richard answers: It is pre-assembled with the cushion, making it easy to attach and detach from the frame, and it snaps into the mask frame in three places.
22. What is the material of the cushion clip?
Ron Richard answers: It is plastic and is colored green for easy identification.
23. Is the forehead support adjustable?
Ron Richard answers: Yes, it has four positions.
24. Is the forehead support interchangeable with any other ResMed masks?
Ron Richard answers: No
25. What is the headgear material?
Ron Richard answers: It is made of the same Breath-O-Prene material that many of our other masks have used.
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26. I saw a picture on the website of a bag with the mask, does it come with every mask?
Ron Richard answers: Yes, it does.
27. Can I order spare parts for the mask?
Ron Richard answers: Yes, if you need a part or different size cushion, these can be obtained from your dealer.
28. How often can I replace my cushion?
Ron Richard answers: Depends on insurance, but Medicare allows for replacement every month.
29. How often can I replace my mask system?
Ron Richard answers: Depends on insurance, but Medicare allows for replacement every three months.
30. How often do you recommend replacing the mask?
Ron Richard answers: The life of the mask depends on how you care for the mask, but we recommend replacing it every 4-6 months.
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31. How do I care for the mask?
Ron Richard answers: Same as our other masks. Clean daily with a pure soap, such as Jergen's, in lukewarm water. Air dry out of direct sunlight.
32. Does the mask have headgear clips for the headgear?
Ron Richard answers: Yes, it has two clips on the bottom.
33. Does it have quick release swivel?
Ron Richard answers: Yes, it has a one-snap elbow similar to the Mirage Vista nasal mask.
34. Is the one-snap elbow compatible with the Mirage Vista?
Ron Richard answers: No, they are different and cannot be interchanged.
35. Are the flexible forehead pads the same as on the new UMFFM?
Ron Richard answers: Yes, these can be used interchangeably.
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36. What type of patient should use this mask?
Ron Richard answers: Virtually any CPAP patient could use this mask, but it was designed specifically for patients who move a lot during sleep. Feedback indicates that many customers will use this mask as their primary mask since it fits so comfortably.
37. I have an AutoSet Spirit, what setting do I use on my device?
Ron Richard answers: Standard.
38. Is the Mirage Activa compatible with all ResMed devices?
Ron Richard answers: Yes.
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