|
Dear
Mr. Sher,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for allowing me to
perform a personal trial of the new Hybrid Mask by RespCare. The Hybrid mask
exceeded my expectations and I look forward to performing the clinical
trials on our patients who would benefit from non-invasive ventilation
through the use of bi Level ventilatory devices in the acute care setting.
It has been my experience that the success of any non-invasive endeavor
rests on the ability of the appliance to provide the necessary pressure
requirements through a comfortable fit that provides both a good seal and
does not “dry out” the patients oro, naso, and layngopharynx. I found the
Hybrid to provide these basic requirements.
On a personal note, I was diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea. My
sleep score was 155, which is dangerously high. As a result I have been
using CPAP at 18 cm/H20 over the last 4 years. During this time I have tried
many different appliances, including full face masks, nasal masks, and nasal
pillow devices. I found most of these devices to be uncomfortable. I also
realized that humidity is essential with all forms of non-invasive
ventilation. There are studies that suggest that a proper seal negates the
need for humidity, I do not agree with these studies.
I have been in the Respiratory Care profession since November of 1973. At
the onset of my career IMV was the “new” technology. When non-invasive
ventilation surfaced, I had my doubts on the success of this new mode of
ventilation. Today I am a believer and I promote the use of bi level and
NCPAP when the opportunity presents itself.
During my tenure as senior respiratory therapist at Walgreen’s Health
Initiatives I was called upon to provide non-invasive ventilation to a home
bound World War II veteran who suffered from ALS. It was the experience with
this patient that made me a believer in the use of non-invasive ventilation.
This patient was grateful that he could live his last days with some degree
of quality, he was an inspiration to his fellow members of the Martin County
ALS Foundation. Throughout the time I took care of him, I was always trying
to find a more comfortable appliance for him to use. I wish I would have had
your new Hybrid mask at that time. I know that this mask would have solved
the specific comfort issues we had at the time. The Hybrid would have been
ideal for his actual sleep time, which is where the comfort issues arose.
I feel confident that the Hybrid mask is going to play a very important role
in the administration of Bi-Level and NCPAP. I feel that there is a large
patient population that will benefit from this mask. To date these patients
have not enjoyed the benefits of a truly comfortable mask. I am confident
that The Hybrid will fulfill this need. Please feel free to provide anyone
who needs information regarding the Hybrid with my name and phone number. I
will be happy to discuss the advantages this device has over other methods,
and the comfort level I experienced through my personal use.
Sincerely,
Louis Jimenez RRT, CHT
Northridge Medical Center
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida |
|
|
