BiPAP Masks

11/05/04
Hi,
I would like to know what masks others are using for "non-invasive" ventilation currently. Our current batch are hopeless and with winter coming up it would be desirable to get some that work. We would like to get some of the full face masks (which we have trialed), but (because of their cost) to purchase these we need to go through the hospitals "Product Evaluation Committee" (which hasn't met for over 12 months!!.
Last month, I saw some very nice silicone masks (overseas), with an excellent harness. They were from an company called Hans Rudolph inc. Does anyone know if this companies products are available in Australia?

Co-Director
Level 5 Intensive Care Unit Metropolitan

11/05/04
We currently use the Caradyne seal flex mask for CPAP. This mask is a double port mask, and doesn't seem to be too bad, the only problem being it's use in some of our larger patients. Hope this helps.

Clinical Nurse Educator
Cardiac/Thoracic Ward
Tertiary referral Metropolitan

11/05/04
Thanks
Do you find that these masks ride up over the bridge of the patients nose? I have attached a picture of the mask I referred to in the earlier post. It has a built in chin support and a very neat head strap attachment.
Cheers,

Co-Director
Level 5 Intensive Care Unit Metropolitan

11/05/04
It seems (from replies) that many places are using the Total Face Mask for BiPAP ..... but how many have gone that step further and used 'the Helmet'? ....I think I might wait until the CPAP body bag becomes available. ;-)
Co-Director
Level 5 Intensive Care Unit Metropolitan

11/05/04
Let me add my voice of support for the full face masks - they have dramatically changed the way we use NIV as they patients actually like them!!! [couldn't open your picture due to some file error but opened the Rusch helmet okay. The hyperbaric unit uses these for patients who can't tolerate a mask and harness]

Staff Specialist Tertiary Referral ICU

11/05/04
Hi
We currently use a disposable face mask from vital signs (size 4 or 5). We find them fairly effective.We are also trialing a product from Mayo Healthcare called the reusable total full facemask. It seems to have a number of advantages over other products.
The mask covers the face from the forehead to chin. This means pressure is distributed more evenly (reduction in pressure areas). It does not obscure vision. The plastic does cover the eyes but is see through. It seems they leak a lot less and are less claustrophobic. Compliance is greatly improved.
The saving in relation to a possible reduction in ventilator days may be very significant. Attached is an edited submission I have sent to our product evaluation committee

12/05/04
A hood similar to "the helmet" is used in the hyperbaric unit here and seems to be well tolerated by patients. However, in ICU we have also had success with the total face mask.

Nurse Educator
Intensive Care
Tertiary Referral

30/3/04
We are looking at trying one of the "total fask masks" for some of our BiPAP patients and was wondering if anyone has already tried the mask and what they liked ar disliked about them.

NUM CICU
Level 5 Rural

30/3/04
they are suprisingly good! they need to be carefully placed, and like any mask, not tightened down onto the patient too hard, or else the rigid plastic can cause pressure sores to the forehead and nose - defeating the point of using them really!

Director of Intensive Care,Level 5 Rural