Nasal CPAP Mask
• Hans Rudolph Inc, Kansas City, Mo, offers a CPAP/bilevel mask for obstructive sleep apnea therapy. The mask is available in three sizes (S,M,L), and features an adjustable nose strap and two headgear options (mesh net and strap-only). Patients can choose from three sealing surfaces, including a soft silicone rubber mask flange, an Ultimate Seal™ gel accessory, or a Comfort Seal™ foam accessory. (800) 456-6695; www.rudolphkc.com.
Sleep Screening Device
• SensorMedics, Yorba Linda, Calif, offers the AlphaScreen for ambulatory screening of sleep-related breathing disorders. Designed for unattended data collection, the AlphaScreen can be prepared in the laboratory, a physician’s office, or the patient’s home. Data are automatically scored and available to print to Hewlett-Packard compatible printers, without the use of a PC interface. The device features Auto Start, which enables automatic data collection at a preset start time, and a Yoke Box that incorporates a snoring microphone, body position sensor, and a pressure transducer for continuous positive airway pressure/bilevel positive airway pressure system and nasal pressure signals. (800) 231-2466; www.sensormedics.com.
Respiratory Clearance System
• Advanced Respiratory, St Paul, Minn, offers the Vest Airway Clearance System. The vest connects through hoses to an air-pulse generator that inflates and deflates the vest from five to 25 times per second. Through high-frequency chest wall oscillation, the device applies oscillating compressive forces externally to the thorax. This generates forces within the airways that dislodge mucus from the bronchial walls, decrease the viscosity of secretions, and create repetitive cough-like shear forces that mobilize mucus toward central airways where they can be cleared by expectoration or suctioning. (800) 426-4224; www.advresp.com.
Noninvasive Cough Machine
• JH Emerson, Cambridge, Mass, has released the CoughAssist™ for patients with an ineffective cough. This latest version of the In-Exsufflator Cough Machine (aka Cofflator) features a sleek new design, quieter operation, an adjustable internal inhale-flow restrictor, a simpler breathing circuit, and an optional mobile stand. (800) 252-1414; www.jhemerson.com.
Gas Exchange Measurement
• Cosmed, Rome, introduces the K4b2, a portable system that measures gas exchange on a breath-by-breath basis. In the laboratory or in the field, tests can be carried out in three different configurations: Holter data recorder, telemetry data transmission, or laboratory station. The portable unit (474 g) stores up to 16,000 breaths and measures more than 30 physiological parameters, including Vo2, Vco2, Feto2, Fetco2, heart rate, and ventilation. K4b2 is used for testing pediatric and elderly populations as well as high level athletes. Calibration and testing can be carried out via a PC or from the on-board keypad. (312) 642-7222; www.cosmed.it.
Spirometer
• QRS Diagnostic, Plymouth, Minn, offers the Sensaire® full-function pocket spirometer that weighs less than 13 oz. It received 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration in November 2000. The system includes the pocket spirometer, disposable mouthpieces, rechargeable battery pack, base station, and accessories to print reports. Sensaire features a touch-screen LCD with alphanumeric data entry. (800) 465-8408; www.QRSdiagnostic.com.
