"One-size-fits-all" breathing masks are no longer the norm.
Instead, researchers at Imperial College London and Sheffield Children's Hospital are aiming to use 3D scanning and computer-aided design to create custom masks for children using home ventilators, the Telegraph reports.
More than 2,000 children in the UK are dependent on non-invasive ventilation (NIV) machines for conditions such as sleep apnoea and cerebral palsy, and "one-size-fits-all" masks are no longer an option because they don't fit perfectly, according to a press release.
The new masks, which will be launched in 2024, will be based on 3D scans of the child's face and will be custom-made to the child's specific needs.
"By automating the customization process, the project promises quicker turnaround times, ensuring more children receive the comfortable and effective treatment they need," the press release states.
The goal is to reduce the risk of complications, such as low oxygen levels, heart failure, and skin trauma.
The masks will also be comfortable and will distribute contact pressure evenly.
"The ultimate goal is to make customised NIV masks widely available, improving the effectiveness of ventilation therapy and the overall quality of life for affected children," the press
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