Sleep tech has become more convenient, inclusive 

YARMOUTH, Maine – With the seemingly ongoing recalls and safety notices for CPAP devices and masks, it can be easy to overlook the market’s significant advancements in technology, but sleep therapy has come a long way, say providers. 

“Manufacturers have been working on developing smaller, quieter CPAP machines,” said Aaron Fuhrman, CEO of Hollywood, Fla.-based Sleeplay. “The advances aim to make CPAP therapy less obtrusive and more user-friendly.” 

Modern day devices offer built-in therapy tracking and wireless connectivity, making data sharing with apps and physicians more convenient, says Johnny Goodman, co-founder and CEO of Houston-based CPAP.com. 

“Now, you can have a video conference with your doctor where your data is wirelessly uploaded to their software,” he said. “Then they can push an update to your machine with adjustments to your therapy in just minutes.”  

Masks are also getting facelifts for better comfort, a “critical factor” in patient adherence to therapy, says Fuhrman. 

“Many newer mask designs incorporate features like softer materials, better seals and customizable fit options to enhance comfort,” he said.  

Sleeplay has categorized the masks on its website based on the user and how they use them, including beard-friendly, TV-friendly, side sleepers and “for her,” highlighting a growing awareness of the need for gender-specific considerations, says Fuhrman. 

“Some manufacturers have started to produce masks and equipment with a more gender-inclusive approach,” he said, “acknowledging that men and women may have different facial features and comfort preferences.” 

That attention to gender-exclusiveness is being extended to CPAP machines, too. ResMed’s AirSense 11, for example, has an auto-set for her algorithm to better accommodate women’s breathing patterns, which are different than men’s, says Goodman. 

“A woman with an older CPAP machine could actually see an improvement in therapy outcomes by upgrading to a machine tailored to her breathing patterns,” he said. “(That means) treating her apnea more effectively.”  

Still, for all the advances in technology, there are patients who, due to financial constraints or a mistrust of technology, prefer to hang on to their older devices. But that doesn’t mean providers shouldn’t continue to educate them, Fuhrman says. 

“Patients who hold onto older equipment may miss out on the benefits of newer technology,” he said. “Health care providers can play a role in informing patients about the advantages of upgrading when appropriate.”