Moderated Chat Transcript: The ResMed Ultra Mirage™ Full Face Mask

November 24, 2003

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.

Ultra Mirage Full Face Mask Questions:

1. Why did ResMed introduce a new full face mask?
2. Why do people need to wear a full face mask?
3. What are the differences between the Mirage FFM Series 2 and the Ultra Mirage full face mask?
4. Does the Mirage Full Face Mask Series 2 have a forehead support?
5. Does the UMFFM have the same Mirage cushion technology?
6. Can the cushions between the MFFM2 and UMFFM be used interchangeably?
7. How easy is this mask to set up on a patient?
8. How do you remove the mask in case of an emergency now that the quick release tab on the headgear has been removed?
9. What are the benefits of the Ultra Mirage full face mask to patients?
10. What are the benefits for clinicians?
11. Why have you created 3-D fitting template for the Ultra Mirage full face mask?
12. How does ResMed test its masks prior to market release?
13. What did patients say about the Ultra Mirage full face mask during the user preference trials?
14. How many cushion sizes are available?
15. How many sizes does the UMFFM come in?
16. Does the UMFFM mask have a forehead support?
17. What is the new forehead pad on the Ultra Mirage full face mask?
18. Does the Ultra Mirage full face mask have a cushion clip?
19. Is the forehead support adjustable?
20. Is the forehead support interchangeable with any other ResMed masks?
21. What is the headgear material?
22. Can I order spare parts for the mask?
23. How often can I replace my cushion?
24. How often can I replace my mask system?
25. How often do you recommend replacing the mask?
26. How do I care for the mask?
27. Does the mask have headgear clips for the headgear?
28. Are the flexible forehead pads the same as on the new Activa?
29. What type of patient should use this mask?
30. I have an AutoSet Spirit, what setting do I use on my device?
31. Is the UMFFM compatible with all ResMed devices?
32. Does this product have Multi-patient, multi-use clearance?

Ultra Mirage Full Face Mask Answers

1. Why did ResMed introduce a new full face mask?

Ron Richard answers: Even though we had the leading full face mask, we wanted to improve upon it based on customer input. We have combined the best of the Ultra Mirage nasal mask with the best of the Mirage full face masks.

2. Why do people need to wear a full face mask?

Ron Richard answers: Full face masks help patients who mouth breathe and who cannot get a good seal with a nasal mask. Most people using bilevel devices need a full face mask.

3. What are the differences between the Mirage FFM Series 2 and the Ultra Mirage full face mask?

Ron Richard answers: The new Ultra Mirage full face mask (UMFFM) has 1) a forehead support with four adjustable positions; 2) new forehead pads; 3) quick release headgear clips on top and bottom; 4) new dual pressure ports; 5) new 3-D fitting template; 4) new patient mask-fitting CD in every box.

4. Does the Mirage Full Face Mask Series 2 have a forehead support?

Ron Richard answers: No, the MFFM2 has a forehead accessory pad with three different pad sizes, but it does not adjust.

5. Does the UMFFM have the same Mirage cushion technology?

Ron Richard answers: Yes, Mirage cushion technology is a dual-wall cushion that provides the seal and stability to minimize leak.

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6. Can the cushions between the MFFM2 and UMFFM be used interchangeably?

Ron Richard answers: Yes.

7. How easy is this mask to set up on a patient?

Ron Richard answers: It is even easier now with the new quick release clips, which enhance convenience and also make it easier to remove in an emergency.

8. How do you remove the mask in case of an emergency now that the quick release tab on the headgear has been removed?

Ron Richard answers: Just use one of the headgear clips, and the mask will come off. Patient trials indicated that the quick release tab on the MFFM2 headgear was uncomfortable to sleep on so we removed it.

9. What are the benefits of the Ultra Mirage full face mask to patients?

Ron Richard answers: 1) Proven cushion technology; 2) Superior seal and stability provided by the forehead support; 3) User convenience provided by quick release headgear clips; 4) Built-in safety features: headgear clips for ease of removal, built-in air vents to reduce CO2 rebreathing, minimal dead space, and superior airflow; 5) One-piece forehead pads reduce facial marks.

10. What are the benefits for clinicians?

Ron Richard answers: 1) Improved efficiencies through reduced fitting time and reduced patient callbacks; 2) Improved compliance; 3) Easy fitting and use; 4) Proven seal; 5) Best first-time fit.

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11. Why have you created 3-D fitting template for the Ultra Mirage full face mask?

Ron Richard answers: The new template enables clinicians to fit patients with the correct frame size (small, medium, and large) and cushion size (standard and shallow) the first time. With full face mask, the three dimensions of a face, the length, width, and side profile, have more variation because the amount of coverage is greater. The 3-D template allows you to get the right cushion size the first time. This should save our dealers and patients time and money. It can be used for both MFFM2 and UMFFM, and it is validated for multi-patient use. How does ResMed test its masks prior to market release?
Ron Richard answers: Exhaustive user trials were done on a global basis.\

12. How does ResMed test its masks prior to market release?

Exhaustive user trials were done on a global basis.

13. What did patients say about the Ultra Mirage full face mask during the user preference trials?

Ron Richard answers: Customers overwhelmingly preferred the new UMFFM to the MFFM2, primarily due to the improved forehead support, forehead pad, and quick release headgear clips.

14. How many cushion sizes are available?

Ron Richard answers: Two cushions (standard and shallow)

15. How many sizes does the UMFFM come in?

Ron Richard answers: There are six sizes total with three frame sizes (small, medium, and large). Each frame has an option of a standard or shallow cushion.

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16. Does the UMFFM mask have a forehead support?

Ron Richard answers: Yes, it is similar to the Ultra Mirage nasal mask forehead support, but the forehead pad is different. The new forehead support provides enhanced stability for patient movement, improves seal at the chin, and minimizes pressure on the nose bridge.

17. What is the new forehead pad on the Ultra Mirage full face mask?

Ron Richard answers: It is a one-piece design that conforms to the forehead and virtually eliminates forehead marks.

18. Does the Ultra Mirage full face mask have a cushion clip?

Ron Richard answers: Yes, it uses the same style cushion clip found on the Ultra Mirage nasal mask.

19. Is the forehead support adjustable?

Ron Richard answers: Yes, it has four adjustable positions.

20. Is the forehead support interchangeable with any other ResMed masks?

Ron Richard answers: No.

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21. What is the headgear material?

Ron Richard answers: It is made of the same Breath-O-Prene material used for many of our other masks.

22. Can I order spare parts for the mask?

Ron Richard answers: Yes, if you need a part or different size cushion or a new piece, you can obtain them from your dealer.

23. How often can I replace my cushion?

Ron Richard answers: It depends on your insurance, but Medicare allows for replacement every month.

24. How often can I replace my mask system?

Ron Richard answers: It depends on your insurance, but Medicare allows for replacement every three months.

25. How often do you recommend replacing the mask?

Ron Richard answers: The life of the mask depends on how you care for it, but we recommend replacing it every 4-6 months.

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26. How do I care for the mask?

Ron Richard answers: Same as our other masks. Wash with pure soap, such as Jergen's, in lukewarm water. Air dry out of direct sunlight.

27. Does the mask have headgear clips for the headgear?

Ron Richard answers: Yes, it has two clips on top and two on the bottom

28. Are the flexible forehead pads the same as on the new Activa?

Ron Richard answers: Yes, these can be used interchangeably

29. What type of patient should use this mask?

Ron Richard answers: This mask could be used by anyone who is a mouth breather or who is on bilevel therapy.

30. I have an AutoSet Spirit, what setting do I use on my device?

Ron Richard answers: Select the MIR Full setting.

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31. Is the UMFFM compatible with all ResMed devices?

Ron Richard answers: Yes

32. Does this product have Multi-patient, multi-use clearance?

Ron Richard answers: Yes, for Cidex, Thermal, and Sterrad disinfections.

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