Mirage Micro™ Nasal Mask

February 1, 2008

The following FAQ's are offered to provide more detailed information about the ResMed Mirage Micro Nasal mask. These are the result of an interview of Elaine Woldrich who is ResMed Product Manager, Masks - America. Read the complete feature article

1. How many sizes are offered with the new Mirage Micro™?
2. Did you market test the Mirage Micro prior to bringing this product to market?
3. Describe the Mirage Micro.
4. What are the key benefits/features of the Mirage Micro?
5. Is the Mirage Micro quieter than the UMII?
6. Do all manufacturers use this ISO standard?
7. How is the new mask quieter than the UMII?
8. Why is the vent cover removable?
9. Is the cushion the same as UMII?
10. The cushion names changed. What are they and why were they changed?
11. Why does the Micro cushion have a loop at the top?
12. Why do I get two cushion sizes in a package?
13. What is the MicroFit dial?
14. Can I use the MicroFit dial with one hand?
15. So how are you able to fit over 95% of patients with just 5 sizes?
16. Why did you streamline the forehead support on the Mirage Micro?
17. How do I determine what size my mask is when I have to replace it?
18. Is the Mirage Micro covered under insurance similar to other nasal masks?
19. How do I tell the difference between my old UMII and the new Mirage Micro?
20. I am a woman with a small head and have trouble with the headgear because it is too large. Regardless of mask size, does the Mirage Micro come with the same size headgear for all sizes?
21. Is the headgear material breathable like your other Mirage mask systems?
22. What makes Breathe-O-Prene better?
23. I am a smaller female patient on CPAP. There are not many masks out there that will fit me. Is the Mirage Micro available in a Small size?
24. What features are the same as UMII?
25. Is there a fitting template for the Micro?
26. Does it come in a travel bag?
27. How does the fit range/sizing on the Mirage Micro compare to the UMII?
28. Is the unique material used for the Mirage Micro cushion going to wear out quicker than most mask cushions? Will I need to replace it more often?
29. Has the cushion clip been removed?
30. Has the elbow changed?
31. Does the new mask have pressure ports?
32. Does the Mirage Micro come with a user guide to help me understand how to use it?
33. What mask setting do you use on the AutoSet™ flow generators?
34. Can you use the Mirage Micro with a ResMed AutoSet or EPR™ device?
35. Can you use the Mirage Micro with VPAP Adapt SV?
36. Is the Mirage Micro approved for multi-patient, multi-use?
37. What type of soap should the Mirage Micro be washed with?
38. Is the Mirage Micro latex-free?
39. Can I order spare parts for the Mirage Micro?
40. What should I do if I hear air leaks?
41. What is the easiest way to remove the Mirage Micro?
42. When adjusting the headgear straps, which one should be adjusted first?
43. What are the Medicare reimbursement codes for the Mirage Micro?
44. At what pressures can the Mirage Micro be used with your flow generators?
45. What setting should be used on ResMed flow generators?

 

1. How many sizes are offered with the new Mirage Micro™?
   The product has 5 cushion sizes (Small, Medium, Large, Large Wide and X Large). The S size has been added to fit smaller nasal structures. The Small size has a Small frame.
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2. Did you market test the Mirage Micro prior to bringing this product to market?
   Yes, we conducted several user evaluations around the world on this new design. Overwhelmingly, patients and clinicians preferred the new mask. Specifically, they commented positively on quietness, comfort and ease-of-use.
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3. Describe the Mirage Micro.
   The new Mirage Micro combines the proven seal of the Mirage dual-wall cushion with ease-of-use features such as the MicroFit dial for quick fitting. With the addition of the new Small size, Mirage Micro fits over 95% of users based on our internal anthropometric data. The streamlined design with a clipless cushion and elbow reduce the number of parts and make it easier to clean. It also includes a new drawstring carrying bag that is convenient for traveling.
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4. What are the key benefits/features of the Mirage Micro?
   The Mirage Micro fits over 95% of users and incorporates the new MicroFit dial. It also has quiet venting, streamlined forehead support for improved line of sight and features that make it is easier to use. The Mirage Micro also maintains known and tested technologies from the Ultra Mirage™ II nasal mask such as a set-and-forget headgear, dual-wall cushion and quick-release headgear clips.
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5. Is the Mirage Micro quieter than the UMII?
   Yes, it is 52% quieter than the Ultra Mirage II nasal mask. We compare how quiet one device is to another by using an international ISO standard (ISO 3744: 1994 Acoustics Determination of Sound Power to measure the noise levels). The sound measurement comparison used is decibels or dBA. Sound pressure is measured at the mask at a10 cm H₂0.
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6. Do all manufacturers use this ISO standard?
   Yes, this standard is the agreed upon measurement for testing.
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7. How is the new mask quieter than the UMII?
   The Micro elbow has been redesigned to include a clipless elbow, venting cover and elbow partition. The new venting has a small multi-hole vent array built into the elbow vent cover. Also contributing to the vent cover is the partition inside the elbow that directs air out of the vent and also optimizes CO₂ washout.
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8. Why is the vent cover removable?
   For easier cleaning and quiet venting.
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9. Is the cushion the same as UMII?
   The Micro cushion has dual-wall effectiveness with the same dimensions as the UMII. In other words, the way the fitting template and the cushion fit a patient is the same as UMII (except for the new Small size). We made it easier to use because we removed the cushion clip for easy cushion removal. Another difference is that we changed the names and added a loop at the top of the cushion. With that being said, although dimensions are the same, the cushions are not interchangeable between the UMII and the Mirage Micro.
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10. The cushion names changed. What are they and why were they changed?
    The cushion names were changed from UMII because after surveying patients we found that the previous naming convention was not intuitive. The cushion sizing is now consistent with the Mirage Quattro sizing. The following chart shows the cushion name change from UMII to Mirage Micro.
    
    

    UMII Cushion Name	Micro Cushion Name
    -----	Small
    Standard	Medium
    Large	Large
    Shallow	Large Wide
    Shallow Wide	X Large

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11. Why does the Micro cushion have a loop at the top?
    There are three reasons why the Micro cushion has a loop. First it's an alignment marker so a patient will know when the cushion is facing up and properly aligned between the sleep forehead support arms. Second, the loop makes it easy to remove from the cushion. Simply pull on the loop and pull away from the frame. Third, it's an easy way for patients to differentiate between their UMII cushion and Micro cushion.
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12. Why do I get two cushion sizes in a package?
    The extra cushion size helps clinicians fit the patient. Oftentimes the clinician will not know the exact size of users' nose and the extra cushion size allows them flexibility to fit with the correct cushion without having to open another package.
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13. What is the MicroFit dial?
    The new MicroFit dial is designed to offer you personalized comfort. It has 24 positions that turn at 1 mm increments for a more precise fit. The intuitive design also allows the patient to adjust the forehead support with one hand, even while lying down.
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14. Can I use the MicroFit dial with one hand?
    Yes, the dial is easy to use and can be used with one hand while on your face.
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15. So how are you able to fit over 95% of patients with just 5 sizes?
    The ResMed MicroFit dial works with the Mirage™ cushion technology to accommodate for a wider range of nasal structures and fit a majority of patients.
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16. Why did you streamline the forehead support on the Mirage Micro?
    We streamlined the new mask to improve the users' line of sight. The "t-bar" width was also reduced so there is less chance of hitting the pillow when sleeping on one's side.
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17. How do I determine what size my mask is when I have to replace it?
    The Mirage Micro name is printed in blue on the forehead support arms and the size of the cushion is identifiable on the side of the cushion. There is also a letter of the cushion name on the bottom of the cushion. The bottom of the frame has the mask name and the ResMed name is in blue on the vent cover.
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18. Is the Mirage Micro covered under insurance similar to other nasal masks?
    Yes, the Mirage Micro is covered under insurance similar to other nasal masks on the market and the same as the Ultra Mirage II depending on your insurance.
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19. How do I tell the difference between my old UMII and the new Mirage Micro?
    Great question. We have made it easy. Our website includes detailed information on the differences in the product along with animations to help you in reviewing the new features of the product. Go to www.resmed.com on the homepage for a link to the Mirage Micro product page.
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20. I am a woman with a small head and have trouble with the headgear because it is too large. Regardless of mask size, does the Mirage Micro come with the same size headgear for all sizes?
    All of the sizes are packaged with a standard sized headgear. A small and large size headgear is available through your dealer.
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21. Is the headgear material breathable like your other Mirage mask systems?
    Yes, the headgear uses our special Breathe-O-Prene® fabric.
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22. What makes Breathe-O-Prene better?
    Breathe-O-Prene material actually whisks away moisture rather than collecting it. This keeps the material dry, making it more comfortable.
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23. I am a smaller female patient on CPAP. There are not many masks out there that will fit me. Is the Mirage Micro available in a Small size?
    Our patient trials included smaller females and our research on development of this mask determined a specific need for a Small size mask. The small cushion fits on a small frame that is specifically designed for adults with smaller nasal structures.
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24. What features are the same as UMII?
    Our goal with Micro was to keep the proven and preferred Mirage dual-wall seal of the UMII and add easy-to-use features. We also kept features that patients preferred. The features that are the same are forehead pads, headgear, cushion dimensions (how the cushion seals the face), headgear clips and quick-release swivel.
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25. Is there a fitting template for the Micro?
    Yes, fitting templates are provided to clinicians to assist in determining the correct size.
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26. Does it come in a travel bag?
    Yes, it comes with a new drawstring bag that is reusable, washable and convenient for travel.
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27. How does the fit range/sizing on the Mirage Micro compare to the UMII?
    The fit range on the Mirage Micro has been expanded to over 95%. We have reduced the number of product codes, but expanded the fit range. We have added a new S size for smaller nasal structures.
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28. Is the unique material used for the Mirage Micro cushion going to wear out quicker than most mask cushions? Will I need to replace it more often?
    The Mirage Micro is made of the same high quality materials that other ResMed masks are manufactured from. The mask should be replaced per your insurance replacement schedule to ensure that the mask continues to seal effectively.
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29. Has the cushion clip been removed?
    Yes, it has been removed to make it easier to assemble the cushion to the frame when cleaning the mask. The new cushion loop makes it easy to simply pull the cushion from the frame.
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30. Has the elbow changed?
    Yes, the elbow has been simplified by removing the clip from the inside like UMII. To remove, pull the elbow from the frame.
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31. Does the new mask have pressure ports?
    Yes, the pressure ports are located at the bottom of the mask near the elbow and are more low-profile.
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32. Does the Mirage Micro come with a user guide to help me understand how to use it?
    Yes, it comes complete with detailed user instructions with fitting and care information. The quick fit guide is now located on the back cover of the user guide.
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33. What mask setting do you use on the AutoSet™ flow generators?
    Mirage Micro uses the "Standard" setting depending on the model of the flow generator. VPAP™ Malibu and VPAP Adapt SV™ use the "Vista" setting.
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34. Can you use the Mirage Micro with a ResMed AutoSet or EPR™ device?
    Yes.
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35. Can you use the Mirage Micro with VPAP Adapt SV?
    Yes.
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36. Is the Mirage Micro approved for multi-patient, multi-use?
    Yes, the mask is approved for multi-patient, multi-use in hospitals. The entire mask, except for the headgear, can be used with thermal, chemical or Sterrad for up to 20 cycles.
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37. What type of soap should the Mirage Micro be washed with?
    The cushion, mask frame and elbow should be washed with warm, soapy water. Use pure soap, such as unscented Dove. Rinse well and then allow to air dry out of direct sunlight.
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38. Is the Mirage Micro latex-free?
    Yes.
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39. Can I order spare parts for the Mirage Micro?
    Yes, a number of components can be ordered, including the headgear and cushions, by contacting your local dealer.
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40. What should I do if I hear air leaks?
    If you hear air leaks, adjust the MicroFit dial and headgear straps until the leaks are sealed. Pull the mask out to inflate the cushion again and adjust for leak accordingly.
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41. What is the easiest way to remove the Mirage Micro?
    There are two quick-release clips on the mask. Unclip either one and then pull the mask off over your head.
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42. When adjusting the headgear straps, which one should be adjusted first?
    First adjust the top strap, then the bottom strap.
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43. What are the Medicare reimbursement codes for the Mirage Micro?
    The guidelines set by Medicare are the same as other nasal masks on the market: A7034 for nasal application device with positive airway pressure (PAP) device, one per three months; A7035 for headgear used with positive airway pressure (PAP) device, one per six months; and A7032 for replacement cushion for nasal mask, 1 per month. The extra cushion size is not billed on initial setup. Check with your insurance company for coverage as all are different.
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44. At what pressures can the Mirage Micro be used with your flow generators?
    The Mirage Micro is tested and can be used with pressures from 4-20 cm H₂0.
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45. What setting should be used on ResMed flow generators?
    "Standard" on the S8™ and VPAP III series as well as the VPAP Auto, and "Vista" on the VPAP Malibu and VPAP Adapt SV from ResMed.
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