ResMed Corp. today released the new Mirage Micro for Kids nasal mask, its second patient interface for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children.
Based on the design and personalized comfort features of the original Mirage Micro, the nasal mask now comes in a small headgear size, but also includes a small cushion suitable for children.
The typical OSA patient today is male, overweight and hypertensive. ResMed’s goal in developing the Mirage Micro for Kids was to provide an additional solution for a segment of the patient population that has traditionally been overlooked.
While the prevalence of diagnosed OSA in children seems relatively low, it has actually shown to be a common condition in childhood and can result in severe complications if not treated.
An increasing number of studies have recognized the behavioral, cognitive and health consequences associated with pediatric OSA. In fact, a recent study confirmed that obesity is commonly associated with sleep-disordered breathing in children.
Sleep-disordered breathing is an umbrella term that applies to a variety of sleep dysfunctions, of which OSA is the most common form.
Because children with OSA often display symptoms such as irritability, poor attention span, and lack of concentration during the day, it is often mistaken for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Studies also show that sleep-associated respiratory disorders are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children with neuromuscular disease.
“The pediatric OSA market has often been neglected because of its low prevalence, but the consequences of untreated sleep apnea in children are just as devastating as with adults, if not worse,” said Bernadette McBrearty, the senior director for patient interfaces.
“ResMed … is proud to be the first to offer a second nasal mask designed specifically for children. We understand that children with OSA have unique needs, and the Mirage Micro for Kids is designed to meet those needs while providing the comfort, convenience and security that ResMed is well known for,” said McBrearty.
The mask’s central feature is the MicroFit dial, which allows children or their parents to adjust the mask themselves so they can find the most comfortable and secure fit the first time — and every time — they wear it. It features 24 positions that adjust the forehead support in small increments; the MicroFit dial offers the most precise and comfortable mask fitting option available.
The dial works in combination with the cushion to enhance the seal without having to over-tighten the headgear.
ResMed’s Mirage dual-wall cushion maintains a stable, effective seal but soft enough to reduce pressure on small noses and sensitive nasal bridges.
The mask’s slender design and streamlined forehead support provide a clear field of vision, helping to reduce feelings of anxiety or claustrophobia and make therapy less intimidating. The set-and-forget headgear clips, which retain the child’s preferred headgear settings, are easy for small hands to attach and detach. The unique vent design disperses air gently for quiet, undisturbed sleep.
The air tubing can also easily be attached and detached, a convenient feature for children who frequently need to get up in the middle of the night.
“Mirage Micro for Kids is based on one of our most successful nasal masks, which allows users to find the personal fit that’s most comfortable and secure for them,” said McBrearty. “The MicroFit dial is one of the many innovative features ResMed has developed …, and now children and their parents can experience this benefit for themselves.”
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