Using 3D printing to develop a personalized solution for COPD patients and CPAP users

Advisor(s)

Dima Elissa; VisMed3D

Discipline

Business

Start Date

21-4-2021 10:45 AM

End Date

21-4-2021 11:05 AM

Abstract

Millions of people suffer from sleep apnea and resort to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines to provide relief while asleep. However, many experience discomfort and functionality issues with their standard equipment. The goal of the business project was to devise a personalized and 3D printable solution for current CPAP users that would improve compliance with their machines. To identify the critical problems faced by CPAP users, online interviews and survey polls were utilized alongside external research. With this information, further research on viable materials, 3D printing and scanning methods, and design requirements were conducted to produce an effective solution. Over the course of the business project, it was found that 3D scanning patients and resin 3D printing an elastic add-on to exisiting CPAP mask frames would be the most viable solution for users and VisMed3D. The project’s results would be beneficial to the business in developing a new product for consumer purchase and also in addressing the evergrowing compliance issues CPAP users face with their masks.

Share

COinS
 
Apr 21st, 10:45 AM Apr 21st, 11:05 AM

Using 3D printing to develop a personalized solution for COPD patients and CPAP users

Millions of people suffer from sleep apnea and resort to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines to provide relief while asleep. However, many experience discomfort and functionality issues with their standard equipment. The goal of the business project was to devise a personalized and 3D printable solution for current CPAP users that would improve compliance with their machines. To identify the critical problems faced by CPAP users, online interviews and survey polls were utilized alongside external research. With this information, further research on viable materials, 3D printing and scanning methods, and design requirements were conducted to produce an effective solution. Over the course of the business project, it was found that 3D scanning patients and resin 3D printing an elastic add-on to exisiting CPAP mask frames would be the most viable solution for users and VisMed3D. The project’s results would be beneficial to the business in developing a new product for consumer purchase and also in addressing the evergrowing compliance issues CPAP users face with their masks.