Puritan Bennett Breeze SleepGearTM CPAP Interface System

The sleep therapy market continues to grow at an estimated 20 percent growth rate. This $240 million market is projected to reach $570 million in 2008. The Breeze mask allows sleep apnea sufferers to wear a small and less obtrusive mask that provides continuous positive airway pressure. Anchors at the top and rear of the device grasp the back of the head while a cantilever runs down the front of the face supporting the breathing apparatus. The performance of the Breeze mask has exceeded company expectation in terms of contribution to sleep therapy business, including growth and product life cycle. Users of the Breeze mask are overwhelming in their acclaim with comments such as "with the Breeze, my quality of life is returned"; "It's a delightful dream"; "I was pleasantly surprised with the no-straps comfort." In 2003, the Breeze contributed to over 75 percent to the company CPAP interfaces business, "I was pleasantly surprised with the no-straps comfort." In 2003, the Breeze contributed to over 75 percent to the company CPAP interfaces business, outselling the company's next mask twelve-fold. Even in its fifth year of its product cycle, the Breeze grew 20 percent in 2003, over 2002, and is trending to even exceed 20 percent growth in 2004. Steve Russak, IDSA, Vice President of Innovation & Engineering, Kaz, Inc. says "In an ever growing market, the Breeze mask has set new standards in comfort and versatility for sleep apnea patients, which has resulted in increased patient compliance and satisfaction, turning a former market restraint into a current market driver." Puritan Bennett Breeze SleepGearTM CPAP Mask was a 2001 Silver IDEA winner in the Medical & Scientific Category.

DESIGN
IDEO and Mallinckrodt

CONTACT
Scott Underwood, IDEO
650.289.3409
scott@ideo.com