For Sleep Professionals

Changing the Language of Sleep

A televised special on sleep reported that as many as 50% of people on CPAP sleep therapy eventually quit. As an industry, what are we going to do about those horrible numbers? They really aren't numbers; they are people.

The November 2015 issue of "Respiratory Care" has a lengthy study titled “Face Mask for Noninvasive Ventilation: Fit, Excess Skin Hydration, and Pressure Ulcers”. There was a great deal of scientific research involved in the study. Skin breakdown caused by masks was a major problem discussed. It was suggested that more work needed to be done regarding mask fit.

There are some very good masks on the market. Let's change the language of sleep by shifting the focus from inventing more styles of masks to improving the interface between the silicone of existing masks and facial skin. We have done that with CPAP Comfort Covers™.

• Many patients who have chosen specific masks that seem to fit them, still have problems with skin irritation and air leaks. The soft fabric of our covers absorb moisture and oils on the skin reducing and often eliminating the skin degradation discussed in the study. 

• Air leaks are another matter.  There are two concerns about air leaks.  One is when the leaks create discomfort or noise that disturbs a person’s (or sleep partner’s) sleep.  The second is when the amount of air leaks registered on the person’s CPAP equipment or software is sufficient enough to prevent the AHI from being maintained at an appropriate level.

We have had feedback from customers using our Comfort Covers that while they no longer experience leaks, occasional readings on their equipment sometimes will show that leaks are present.  So we are asking sleep professionals:

• As long as the AHI is within the healthy range and the patient is sleeping comfortably, should air leaks that are still registered be used just as a baseline to watch for changes in the amount of leakage rather than a red flag that therapy is being jeopardized?

Our goal is for CPAP Comfort Covers® to help your patients stay compliant with their sleep therapy.

• The covers are designed to help reduce skin irritation and pressure marks by creating a barrier between the CPAP mask's silicone cushion and the user's skin.

• The covers also reduce air leaks on many mask styles. 
  

• Comfort Covers are made from a cotton/polyester blend for absorbency, comfort and durability.  They may be laundered and worn over and over.  Each cover has been cleaned using a dermatologist approved detergent that is free of dyes and perfumes.

• Sewn into each cover is a latex-free elastic band that does not touch the skin. Grasping the plastic portion of the mask, the elastic holds the fabric in place as a soft barrier between the silicone cushion and the person’s face.

Direct your patients to our website: Give your patients one of our informational rack cards. This will help them learn about our covers so they can order a set online. You may order rack cards from us by clicking on the picture at the bottom of this page. 

Offer covers directly to your patients: As an alternative to the rack cards, it would make good business sense to include a set of covers with each mask you provide.

Also, patients who see you because they are having discomfort with their masks are seeking an immediate solution. You may have patients who are older and do not use a computer or want help personalizing the starter hole on their covers.

Comfort Covers are available to you at wholesale prices and via a Drop Ship plan where you do not have to carry inventory.

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Sleep Labs

There is no doubt that a covered mask will make a sleep study go better for a patient. A cover will make the mask more comfortable and go a long way to reduce air leaks.  

Master List of Cover Sizes: Email us for the current "Master List" of all the mask styles and sizes that we cover. The list includes the color of the dot that appears on each cover to help with identification.

Use the list as a worksheet to calculate how many of each size cover you want. The list is also a good in-office reference document to know what size cover fits which style and size mask. This list is updated as we add mask styles and mask sizes. 

If you prescribe a mask style or mask size that is not on our "Master List", please click here to email us about adding it.  Also use this email link for asking any other questions you might have.  

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If you are interested in the CPAP Comfort Cover® wholesale program, click here to email our Master Distributor Western Medical, Inc.

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Ordering Informational Rack Cards  

Informational Rack Card

11 X 17 Wall 

Click here to email us your request.

Give us your mailing information and the number of cards you would like. We also can send wall posters.