Submission + - Metamason: Revolutionizing CPAP masks with 3D Scanning and 3D Printing (3ders.org) 2
Leslie Oliver Karpas writes: As millions of Americans with Obstructive Sleep Apnea struggle to get a good night’s sleep, one company has harnessed 3D technology to revolutionize CPAP therapy. As the go-to resource for 3D printing news 3ders.org reported today, “Metamason is working on custom CPAP masks for sleep apnea patients via 3D scanning, smart geometry, and 3D printing.”
“We’re at the crossroads of 3D technology and personalized medicine,” says Metamason founder and CEO Leslie Oliver Karpas. “There are many medical products that would be infinitely more comfortable and effective with a customized fit. CPAP therapy is the perfect example—it’s a very effective treatment with a 50% quit rate, because mass-produced masks are uncomfortable and don’t fit properly.” CPAP is a respiratory device worn during sleep to treat OSA, which affects 1 in 4 men and 1 in 9 women in the US alone.
“Our design also gets rid of the undignified front-facing elephant tube most CPAP masks have, and redirects airflow around to the crown of the head, where it won’t interfere with your or your partner’s sleep,” explains Karpas.
Metamason’s “ScanFitPrint” process for creating their custom Respere masks translates a 3D scan of the patient’s face into a 3D printed custom mask that is a perfect individual fit. To print the masks in soft, biocompatible silicone, Metamason invented a proprietary 3D printing process called Investment Molding, which creates wholly integrated products that were previously considered “unmoldable.”
“3D technology is changing how products are made,” Karpas states. “We are thrilled to be at the front lines as changemakers, ushering in customization though parametric design and on-demand 3D manufacturing.”
“We’re at the crossroads of 3D technology and personalized medicine,” says Metamason founder and CEO Leslie Oliver Karpas. “There are many medical products that would be infinitely more comfortable and effective with a customized fit. CPAP therapy is the perfect example—it’s a very effective treatment with a 50% quit rate, because mass-produced masks are uncomfortable and don’t fit properly.” CPAP is a respiratory device worn during sleep to treat OSA, which affects 1 in 4 men and 1 in 9 women in the US alone.
“Our design also gets rid of the undignified front-facing elephant tube most CPAP masks have, and redirects airflow around to the crown of the head, where it won’t interfere with your or your partner’s sleep,” explains Karpas.
Metamason’s “ScanFitPrint” process for creating their custom Respere masks translates a 3D scan of the patient’s face into a 3D printed custom mask that is a perfect individual fit. To print the masks in soft, biocompatible silicone, Metamason invented a proprietary 3D printing process called Investment Molding, which creates wholly integrated products that were previously considered “unmoldable.”
“3D technology is changing how products are made,” Karpas states. “We are thrilled to be at the front lines as changemakers, ushering in customization though parametric design and on-demand 3D manufacturing.”
