Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SomnuSeal?
Discover Medical Devices’ patent pending SomnuSeal (Somnus means sleep in Latin) is the world’s first fully self-adaptable Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) mask. The revolutionary oral device was designed to solve the main problem facing sleep apnea patients and their physicians – low compliance levels due to the cumbersome masks that exist today, which cause uncomfortable side effects and make adjustment and nightly use extremely difficult.
How is the SomnuSeal different from other CPAP masks?
Thinking “outside the box”, the company’s medical experts utilized leading edge technologies and devised a completely unique approach to building the SomnuSeal. By exploiting principles that are well known in the art of complete denture prosthodontics, they designed an innovative oral mask that uses the natural oral cavity anatomy to create the seal required for effective CPAP treatment, instead of the typical external mask that fits over the nose or mouth.
The patent pending result is much more comfortable than any other CPAP mask currently on the market. Besides being self-adaptable to every user, the SomnuSeal is also much smaller and less obtrusive, and does not come into contact with any sensitive facial or oral structures. The oral mask also makes use of the phenomenon of habituation which, for example, helps people get used to wearing complete dentures after a short period of time.
Note: the SomnuSeal is a mask, not a mandibular advancement appliance or any other type of dental device.
What are the benefits of the SomnuSeal?
- Self adaptable – the oral mask was designed so that it automatically conforms to the oral tissues and teeth. This quick adaptation ensures that it does not come into contact with any sensitive oral or facial structures.
- Quick adjustment – The oral mask dramatically reduces adjustment time due to the phenomenon of oral habituation (similar to the rapid process of adjustment seen when using complete dentures.)
- No typical mask side effects – the oral mask does not cause any of the side effects created by other masks, such as dry/stuffy noses, irritations of the skin, facial abrasions, sore eyes and claustrophobic sensations.
- Works with any CPAP machine – The oral mask provides a sealed connection between the oral cavity and existing CPAP machines of all types, so all users have to do is attach it to their existing CPAP hose.
Why are doctors and sleep professionals so excited about the SomnuSeal?
Discover Medical Devices has earned accolades from all the sleep professionals who have received a pre-launch demo of the SomnuSeal. Doctors, who have seen so many of their patients struggle to adjust to using existing CPAP masks, immediately understand the significance of the new design and its inherent benefits. After they test it in their sleep lab, they are even more impressed.
Who can use the SomnuSeal?
Any patient whose physician has diagnosed them as requiring PAP treatment to treat their Sleep Apnea can use the SomnuSeal. The only people who must NOT use the SomnuSeal are those who:
- Have a known sensitivity to silicone
- Are incapable of removing the device unaided
- Have a sensitive gag reflex that is provoked when using the device (very rare)
Can the SomnuSeal be used with all CPAP machines/flow generators?
Yes, the SomnuSeal can attach to any CPAP machine through the standard connector.
Can the SomnuSeal damage the lips, teeth or any other part of the mouth?
No, the SomnuSeal cannot damage any part of the body, unless the user has a known sensitivity to silicone.
Do patients need a prescription for the SomnuSeal?
In most countries, the SomnuSeal (or any other CPAP mask) can be purchased with an initial doctor’s prescription. Some countries also require periodic follow-up in order to verify that the treatment is benefiting the patient as expected.
Will the purchase of the SomnuSeal be reimbursed by healthcare organizations?
This depends on the user’s location. Most countries fully or partially reimburse users for the purchase of a CPAP mask, as long as the user has a doctor’s prescription requiring its use.