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How Often Should You Replace Your CPAP Mask?

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Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is considered to be one of the most effective treatment methods for patients who suffer from sleep apnea. It involves the use of pressurised air that aims to avoid blocked passageways and facilitate more comfortable breathing during sleep.

CPAP masks are a crucial component of any CPAP treatment for individuals who suffer from sleep apnea. Available in a vast range of sizes and variations, CPAP masks are responsible for delivering the pressurised air directly to the passageways. However, individuals may be unaware of the fact that CPAP masks require regular maintenance in order to ensure their effectiveness. Like any other regularly used product, these CPAP supplies can wear out over time and failing to maintain the product can potentially hinder treatment.

The lifespan of your CPAP mask is heavily dependent on a variety of factors. First and foremost, there are a variety of masks available on the market. From full face masks, nasal pillow masks and nasal masks, each CPAP mask is used in a slightly different way. For example, the nasal pillow mask, which is more intricate and makes direct contact with your face and nose every night and requires frequent replacement for hygienic reasons. It is suggested that this type of mask is replaced once or twice per month. Meanwhile, full face masks have less contact direct contact with the face and are not required to be replaced so often. Generally, this type of mask is replaced on a quarterly basis or as needed.

Although the specific type of mask can determine the frequency replacement, other factors also should be considered. Regular maintenance and cleaning of these masks is imperative for hygienic reasons and to also ensure the functionality of the device. However, excessive cleaning with harsh chemicals can also wear out your CPAP mask earlier than expected, therefore impeding the effectiveness of treatment. Frequent cleaning of your CPAP accessories is recommended, however harsh cleaning products with strong chemicals should be avoided to maintain the longevity of your CPAP mask. It is advised to clean your mask regularly with warm water and mild soap as opposed to regular cleaning products that could potentially be damaging to your accessories.

Furthermore, CPAP masks can vary in quality amongst suppliers. At Biomed, we are a leading medical fabric engineering company best known for manufacturing CPAP supplies for ResMed. Our superior quality patented medical grade and allergen-free technical textiles are used in the creation of CPAP masks. All of our fabrics are breathable, hypoallergenic and latex free to maximise comfort and hygiene as well as minimise allergies and irritation which is commonly experienced by CPAP sufferers. As a result, our high-quality fabrics contribute to the longevity and durability of various CPAP supplies to constantly maintain effective treatment.

Biomed is a leading medical textile company with a longstanding supplier partnership with ResMed. We are responsible for supplying our superior quality technical textiles in order to manufacture various CPAP accessories in which we have achieved an A grade supplier score. For more information on our patented medical grade fabric at Biomed, or ways in which you can maintain your CPAP supplies, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team on (02) 9758 3855.

Top Tips for CPAP Therapy During Summer

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Summer is fast approaching, and what can already be an uncomfortable slumber for sleep apnea sufferers, can potentially become even more unbearable as the humidity rises.  In fact, a 2012 MedScape article discovered that roughly 50% of individuals who have been prescribed CPAP therapy are either not interested or terminate their CPAP treatment, with comfort cited as one of the most common concerns. At Biomed, we are a leading medical manufacturing company, best known for creating high-quality CPAP masks with our patented medical grade fabrics for ResMed. With extensive experience in developing superior CPAP supplies, here are our top tips to stay comfortable and maintain your CPAP masks this summer season!

CPAP masks play a vital role in sleep apnea treatment. It is responsible for delivering pressurised air to the passageways in order to prevent blockages and encourage a restful sleep. However, during the warmer months silicone CPAP masks can often trap heat around your face, making you feel sweaty and uncomfortable which ultimately impacts the quality of sleep.

However, not only will perspiration make you feel uncomfortable when you’re trying to rest, but excessive heat can also hinder the effectiveness of the CPAP accessories. For example, wearing a silicone mask during the warmer months may increase the amount of oils that your skin secretes in that area. Build-up of this oil can impact the quality of the CPAP mask and become a breeding ground for a bacteria, which is further exacerbated by the warm and humid conditions. Evidently, consistent wear of a bacteria-filled mask can expose you to a range of illnesses that can really dampen the summertime spirit. Some patients even experience symptoms of skin irritation and breakouts around the mask area as a result of increased humidity, perspiration and excessive release of the skin’s oils.

Luckily, these issues can be easily managed to improve a patient’s quality of sleep in the warm weather. First and foremost, CPAP masks and other accessories should be carefully washed on a regular basis to maximise effectiveness and minimise the build-up of bacteria. To do so, gently wash the mask by hand with warm water and soap. Harsh cleaning products filled with chemical should be avoided where possible as it can potentially damage the CPAP mask or result in harmful residue. The mask should be left to air dry on a flat surface to keep its shape and direct sunlight should also be avoided.

Furthermore, at Biomed, we supply high quality, antibacterial and medical grade fabrics which are used in the construction of CPAP masks and other CPAP supplies. Our allergen free, latex free and antibacterial materials that are used in the construction of CPAP masks help to minimise the occurrence of skin related issues and other summertime allergies commonly cited by sleep apnea sufferers. Our fabrics are also comfortable and breathable to maximise overall comfort for the wearer. We’re dedicated to providing solutions that ensure patients get the most out of their CPAP therapy, regardless of the season.

As a leading medical fabric manufacturing company, we are dedicated to providing superior technical textiles and medical grade fabrics that are valuable for a vast range of industries. Our team has a longstanding partnership with ResMed to supply medical textiles with hypoallergenic properties in order to create superior quality CPAP masks that maximise patient comfort. Our fabric range also has the potential to provide exceptional benefits beyond the medical industry and we can create tailored solutions that meet specific requirements. For more information on CPAP manufacturing, medical fabrics or other technical textiles, please do not hesitate to contact the professional Biomed team on (02) 9758 3855.

How Jeans Can Help Create Cartilage For Joint Reconstructions

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As a leading fabric engineering company specialising in technical textiles for the medical field and beyond, Biomed is dedicated to providing up to date, industry-relevant news and advancements. Most recently, scientists at Deakin University in Melbourne have developed an innovative textile recycling method that not only tackles textile waste but may contribute to the development of artificial cartilage for joint reconstructions. It’s breakthroughs such as these which are revolutionising medical fabrics and technical textiles within the fabric manufacturing industry.

What are medical textiles?

Medical textiles are various forms of fabric which have been designed and produced for use within the medical industry. Such medical grade fabrics have a variety of applications and are currently used to create linen, upholstery, curtains and more. In fact, at Biomed, we are well known for using hypoallergenic, medical grade textiles to create CPAP accessories and supplies. However, a 2010 study also noted that medical textiles provide immense benefit for implantable applications, which has gained significant traction in recent years.

Innovative Medical Textile Advancements 

In August 2018 it was revealed by a News Corp publication that researchers at Deakin University from Deakin’s Institute of Frontier Materials (IFM) and the School of Engineering, discovered a way to transform worn out jeans to create artificial cartilage for worn out knees and other joint reconstructions. Their research determined a way to dissolve denim to create a lightweight aerogel substance that can be utilised to create cartilage, necessary for the repair of damaged joints.

In fact, this revolution can be highly beneficial to the medical industry with some reports stating that knee or hip replacement surgery in Australia has risen up to 60% over the last 10 years. It is also predicted that as a result of Australia’s aging population and the prevalence of obesity that these joint replacement surgeries will only become even more popular and necessary in the future. As a result, medical grade textiles, such as those developed by Deakin University researchers will become more important for orthopaedic use.

Before manufacturing medical textiles for implantable use, it is imperative to ensure the structure mimics the bodies natural biomechanics, resulting in an optimal transition from the natural damaged tissue to a foreign object. In this instance, Deakin’s material had strong similarities to natural cartilage, making it a viable option for joint replacements. It is also essential that medical grade textiles used in the manufacture of cartilage and other implantable devices are biocompatible to ensure patients have safe interaction with the material.

As a medical fabric manufacturing company, we are dedicated to staying up to date with industry advancements and innovative ideas. To learn about the variety of potential applications of hypoallergenic and antibacterial medical textiles, please do not hesitate to contact the professional Biomed team on (02) 9758 3855.

Source: Deakin University

Medical Fabrics That Work as Hard as You Do

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Did you know that trillions of germs live in your body helping to digest food or even fight harmful bacteria that can lead to infections? You may also be surprised to know that a 2014 study found that 22% of hospitals had a positive reading for the MRSA virus, 33% of hospitals have a positive reading for the VRE virus and 57% of contaminated objects within hospitals were transferred to human hands.

However, the medical environment is not the only place riddled with germs that can potentially make us sick. Researchers have discovered that aeroplanes, kitchen sinks and even the workplace are breeding grounds for dangerous germs. With advancements in the medical grade fabric manufacturing business, many industries can benefit from medical textiles and antibacterial fabrics to prevent the spread of germs in the workplace. As a leading medical fabric engineering company, we believe hospitals, airlines, household products and more can all benefit from medical grade fabrics that work as hard as they do.

Antibacterial Fabrics in Healthcare Settings

Antibacterial fabrics (also referred to as antimicrobial fabrics) are technical textiles that aim to destroy or prevent the growth of microorganisms, particularly those that can result in harmful diseases and illness. Evidently, in healthcare environments, such fabrics help play a crucial role in preventing the further spread of disease to patients with generally already low immune systems.

In fact, without the presence of medical grade healthcare fabrics with antibacterial properties, many objects would be ridden with germs and therefore increase the chance of contamination. For medical industries, this has serious implications. For example, fabrics that are contaminated with harmful germs have to be replaced more frequently in comparison to medical textiles with antimicrobial features, therefore being quite costly to industry and potentially putting patients at risk.

While antibacterial and hypoallergenic fabrics are ever-present in healthcare setting, one application of medical grade, antimicrobial vinyl is in the creation of waiting room chairs and beds. Vinyl is an excellent choice of healthcare fabric to avoid the spread of illness as not only does it continuously work to fight germs, it is also highly durable, prevents lingering odours and is easy to clean and maintain.

Medical Grade Fabrics for Airlines

A study by the World Health Organisation (WHO) found that in 2006, over 2 billion passengers boarded an aircraft and the confined space for a lengthy period of time potentially contributed to the spread of various diseases. In fact, the study noted that the main source of infection is the result of being in close proximity to an infected individual and the continuous circulated air in aircraft cabins which contribute to the spread of airborne illness. Furthermore, WHO’s study also noted that pathogens and germs can remain on board the aircraft and contaminate common surfaces even after passenger departure.

While cleaning agents and disinfectants help to remove germs, it is important to be aware that many materials used onboard aircrafts are susceptible to damage. In fact, WHO’s report notes metals which are used in aircraft construction can corrode upon exposure, cables and wires can deteriorate and furnishings may not uphold their fire resistance properties. In order to combat these potentially hazardous issues and maintain a hygienic environment, medical grade technical fabrics provide immense benefit.

In fact, some airlines such as China Airlines have implemented medical grade air filters to remove allergens from the air and help protect passengers from contracting harmful diseases. However, just as the medical industry implements antibacterial healthcare fabric into their linen, curtains and other common surfaces, the airline industry could utilise such technical textiles to prevent contamination, minimise costs associated with replacements and potentially reduce the harm to equipment that is associated with the frequent exposure to disinfectant products.

As a leading medical fabric manufacturing company with a long-standing partnership providing germ-free, medical grade and antibacterial fabrics to produce CPAP supplies for Resmed, Biomed has a thorough understanding on the importance of technical textiles to suit a variety of purposes. For more information on how medical grade fabrics can help fight the spread of germs in your industry or to see how our team could help you manufacture medical grade products, please do not hesitate to contact the professional Biomed team on (02) 9758 3855.

All You Need to Know About Sleep Apnea Masks & Accessories

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According to Snore Australia, it is believed that in Australia 9% of women and 25% of men in suffer from clinically significant sleep apnea. This condition occurs when the airways are repeatedly blocked during sleep leading to loud snoring, restless nights, excessive fatigue and can even increase the likelihood of other medical conditions including obesity, cardiovascular disease or mortality.

In order to effectively manage sleep apnea and improve the quality for life for sufferers, CPAP therapy is commonly prescribed. Consisting of pressurised CPAP machines and various CPAP accessories including masks, custom headgear and chin straps for sleep apnea, patients can easily be overwhelmed with the options available to them. Not to mention, there are a variety of CPAP masks available on the market designed to suit individual needs and preferences. As a leading CPAP manufacturer and supplier creating high quality sleep apnea masks and accessories with superior medical grade fabrics, we’re breaking down various CPAP supplies in order to help patients choose the most suitable options for them.

Full Face Masks

As the name suggests, full face sleep apnea masks cover both the nose and mouth to fully support breathing throughout the night. The mask is fixated in place with high-quality headgear made from medical textiles and hypoallergenic fabrics in order to ensure maximum comfort and stability for the wearer throughout the entire night. Without the conjunctive use of headgear accessories, these masks can potentially be displaced throughout the night and therefore limit the effectiveness of therapy.

Full face masks are highly beneficial and are generally recommended for sleep apnea sufferers who rely on breathing through their mouth. Other CPAP therapy options are largely focused on supplying air through the nasal passage and can, therefore, be extremely uncomfortable for individuals who breathe through their mouth during their sleep. Full face CPAP masks are also ideal for allergy sufferers who experience a frequently blocked nose or have sinus issues.

Additionally, full face masks are also beneficial for those who suffer from dry mouth. As CPAP therapy relies on humidified air, patients can actually experience relief of such symptoms, as the air keeps both the nasal and mouth passageways moist, preventing blockages and maximising comfort. Masks are also made from technical textiles with hypoallergenic properties to ensure allergies are not aggravated or induced during wear. These masks are also said to be the most effective for patients who require higher pressure settings.

However, patients also need to consider the potential limitations associated with various CPAP accessories in order to choose the most suitable for them. Due to the larger surface area, air leaks can potentially be more common, particularly if the mask is ill-fitted. As a result of this, some individuals may experience dry eyes if the humidified air leaks at the top of their masks. Full face masks for sleep apnea can also be uncomfortable for individuals who sleep on their stomach or side due to the bulkiness of the equipment. This can also be a downfall for those who like to read or watch TV as they’re settling for bed. 

Nasal Masks

Another popular CPAP mask is the nasal mask, which purely covers the nose from the bridge to the patient’s upper lip area. Similarly to the full face masks, nasal masks are also secured in place with headgear accessories to ensure the mask does move during sleep, therefore maximising results.

Nasal masks have proven to be an effective option for patients who typically move around frequently in their sleep. As the accessories associated with nasal masks are not as bulky as their full face counterparts, patients may find they can move around more freely in their sleep. Additionally, there are many different fits and sizes available with nasal CPAP masks which ensures a more comfortable and individualised fit, increasing comfort and minimising the risk of air leaks.

While the above features make nasal masks a popular CPAP therapy option, the treatment may not be suitable for patients who rely on breathing through their mouth without wearing an additional chin restraint to secure the mouth closed. For some people, this may be uncomfortable and unnatural, therefore making other forms of therapy more ideal. Other considerations that need to be contemplated include the presence of allergies. Sinus blockages can interfere with the pressure delivery and therefore results may be diminished.

Furthermore, patients who suffer medical conditions such as a deviated septum, narrowed or collapsed nasal valve or enlarged turbinates may also not experience the full potential of CPAP therapy through the use of nasal masks.

Nasal Pillow Masks

For a more lightweight and less intrusive option, nasal pillow masks provide maximum comfort and ease of use in comparison to full face or nasal CPAP mask options. Nasal pillow masks work by resting at the entrance of the nasal passageway to deliver pressurised air directly into the nose to facilitate breathing.

Nasal pillow masks are a suitable option for patients who frequently move around in their sleep as they are not restricted by bulky accessories and materials. Nasal pillow masks are also do not feature intricate headgear, yet are secured in place with a single strap, potentially providing unprecedented comfort for patients who might be claustrophobic or intimated by the facial materials. The simplified design also makes nasal pillow masks an ideal option for patients with facial hair, those who wear glasses and individuals who like to unwind before bed by watching television or reading a book. Additionally, nasal marks also have a limited chance of air leakage in comparison to other options, as a result of the direct airflow to the nose.

However, while nasal pillows provide exceptional comfort, they are not ideal for individuals who require higher doses of pressure. If the pressure is increased with the wear of nasal pillow masks, comfort can actually be decreased, as the direct airflow can seem unnatural and unfamiliar. The direct air pressure may also result in higher occurrences of nosebleeds or dryness in the nose for some patients. Nasal pillow masks may also not be the most ideal option for patients who are not used to breathing out their nose. However, chin-straps may be used in addition to the nasal pillow for individuals who generally breathe through their mouth.

While there are many options available to sleep apnea sufferers that are aimed to address different concerns, patients should try a variety of different masks in order to find the one that is most suited to them. Facial features, preferences and treatment suitability all need to be factored in to find the most ideal mask for the patient that maximises CPAP therapy results.

As a leading medical fabric manufacturing company, we are dedicated to providing superior technical textiles and medical grade fabrics that are valuable for a vast range of industries. Our team has a longstanding partnership with Resmed to supply medical textiles with hypoallergenic properties in order to create superior quality CPAP masks that maximises patient comfort. Our fabric range also has the potential to provide exceptional benefits beyond the medical industry and we can create tailored solutions that meet specific requirements. For more information on CPAP manufacturing, medical fabrics or other technical textiles, please do not hesitate to contact the professional Biomed team on (02) 9758 3855.

Keeping Cool with Self Cooling Fabrics

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With warmer weather on its way, sweltering through sizzling Australian summers could be a thing of the past. In fact, technology advancements in the textile industry have seen the implementation of technical fabrics with self-cooling properties that help regulates skin temperature by managing heat and moisture.

Evidently, cooling fabrics can be extremely effective in minimising heat to keep individuals comfortable in warm conditions. However, self-cooling textiles have an abundance of applications that can benefit a multitude of industries. As a leading fabric engineering company, our team at Biomed Technology Australia offers self-cooling fabrics that are valuable for industries including sporting, medical, trade businesses, emergency services and many more. Some studies even suggest that self-cooling fabric has the potential to reduce air conditioning consumption.

Advanced heat regulating technical textiles use unique fabric construction to assist the bodies natural cooling process. In warm environments, our bodies core temperature elevates. In response to this, the body naturally perspires in order to help the keep individuals cool and ensure body temperature is regulated at a safe range. In order to enhance this, self-cooling textiles utilise active wicking to allow perspiration to pass through materials and provide greater comfort for the user, while also helping draw body radiated heat through the fabric, therefore keeping the body cool. By doing so, these technical fabrics are practical to keep individuals cool and comfortable in a vast range of environments.

Self-Cooling Textiles for The Sporting Industry

Currently, self-cooling textiles are most commonly applied in the sporting apparel and fashion sectors. Designed to maximise performance and provide superior comfort for athletes of abilities, sporting fabrics have long adopted a scientific approach to help provide a competitive edge. Just look at Olympic regulations surrounding swimwear construction, it is easy to see that technical textiles in sport are often quite valuable. Therefore, it is no surprise that recent advancements in the textile industry have been concerned with how heat regulation textiles can aid athletes and improve their performance.

During periods of exercise, the body converts energy into heat, therefore raising the overall body temperature. As aforementioned, the body then emits perspiration as a way to help cool the body down. However, poorly designed apparel with ill-equipped textiles can trap body heat, therefore hindering the natural cooling process and lead to adverse effects. When body heat is trapped and obstructs the natural cooling process, more sweat may be excreted to compensate.

However, raised body temperature and excessive period of sweating can lead to dangerous heat-related illnesses and dehydration, severely impacting performance. For example, heat-induced illnesses can result in painful muscle cramps, dizziness and exhaustion often confused with exercise fatigue.

Cooling textiles for sport are so important to prevent these illnesses from arising in the first place. By using breathable technical textiles for sporting headgear and performance wear, athletes can remain comfortable and adequately regulate their body temperature, focusing on performance instead.

Heat Regulating Fabric Manufacturing for The Medical Industry

Less commonly acknowledged, self-cooling technical textiles provide immense benefit for the medical industry, particularly in the treatment of heat-related illnesses as discussed above. Infections, exercised induced conditions and chronic illnesses can all result in elevated body temperatures and fever. While the body naturally raises its core temperature slightly to fight infection, excessive temperatures or prolonged periods of fever can be an indication of something more serious, and potentially life-threatening. Furthermore, in some injuries, an increase of blood flow causes heat and swelling. First aid, usually stipulates ice cold cooling as an effective method to help alleviate such symptoms.

In order to effectively treat such conditions, ice cold towels may be used. However, after periods of exposure to heat, such materials may lose their ability to remain cool, thus requiring excessive use of resources. However, self-cooling fabrics can be used in the construction of cold towels to help maintain cool temperatures for longer, therefore helping treat common conditions without wasting vital medical resources.

Self Cooling Technical Fabrics for Trade Industries

Consisting of landscapers, electricians, carpenters, scaffolders and more, employees in the trade industry are often required to complete outdoor tasks, potentially exposing them to the perils of heat-related illnesses. Not to mention, uniforms and work attire that is required to be worn on job sites are usually not lightweight, therefore obstructing the body’s natural cooling process and potentially exacerbating heat-related conditions.

Similar to athletic performance apparel, uniforms for outdoor workers should be breathable and self-cooling to prevent elevated body temperatures. Excessive physical work, particularly in the summer heat, can be detrimental, therefore ensuring comfort and adequate heat regulation will limit this risk. Not to mention, increased comfort particularly in warm climates, can lead to improved productivity on the job site.

Heat Regulating Technical Textiles for Emergency Services Personnel

For emergency services personnel such as firefighters, self-cooling technical textiles can provide immense benefit. Although current firefighting uniforms are non-flammable and offer superior protection, warm environments that firefighters face can still be experienced and elevate body temperature, which can impact efficiency, endurance and potentially cost lives.

However, the use of self-cooling fabrics in undergarments can reverse these adverse effects. By effectively regulating body temperature and keeping the wearer cool in heated climates, firefighters can remain more comfortable – therefore impacting productivity, maximising endurance in difficult environments and prevent heat-related illnesses that could be life-threatening.

Self-cooling fabrics and technical textiles have proven to be valuable for a numerous range of industries. Including the industries mentioned above, self-cooling fabrics can also provide immense benefit for the production of linen, pet care bedding and accessories and hospitality. The applications of such a product are unlimited and can deliver exceptional to both the wearer and the economy.

As a leading fabric engineering company, we are dedicated to providing superior technical textiles that are valuable for a vast range of industries. For more information on how self-cooling fabrics can benefit your industry or to see how our team could help you manufacture self-cooling products, please do not hesitate to contact the professional Biomed team on (02) 9758 3855.