New mask (Sleepweaver), change in pressure

[Tigers Fan]

Why pointless? Because by the time you controlled out all the variables - to 'make it scientific' - there'd be no people left in the study!

Which also answers your intended dig, Dravidio. I'm sure you understand the difference between a closed mind and a pragmatic approach as much as you understand the difference between wishful thinking and experience.

[dravidio]

I knew you would rise to the bait Tiger. There are different types of research - and very few of them can possibly hope to control variables - only very strictly limited scientific experiments possibly. But there is a wide range of qualitative and quantitative data that can be gathered that may be significant. For example, this forum is a useful source of data - by simply counting the different number of masks that are worn - and then you could find out which is the most popular. A simple thing - but not insignificant. Market researchers work all the time with personal preference data and go to great lengths to gather it.

[Tigers Fan]

If you thought for a moment about komadori's proposal, you would quickly be able to rule out most if not all of what you waffle about.

[Grumpy]

Research into face shapes must have merit.

It can't be too difficult with even such simple devices as MS Kinect to construct a facial map on a PC. From this measurements could be obtained to construct a facial profile, perhaps using the ears as a reference point.
e.g. distances to tip, mid-point and bridge of nose. Length of nose.
Distance to high, mid and low points of cheeks.

I don't need to spell it all out.

The facial profile could then be matched to a database of mask characteristics to select the masks most likely to fit well.

In my case I have prominent cheek-bones; this will eliminate most (if not all) full face masks.

[ElleCee]

Hi Grumpy,
Sounds to me like you have found a new passtime, you may even be able to sell your ideas and the results to the major mask manufacturers.

Good luck!

[dravidio]

@Tiger I have thought for more than a moment about Komadori's proposal Your dismissive comment about waffling - simply reflects on you. I do have experience of research methodology - and know what I am talking about. It is easy to be dismissive and I am disappointed that you simply keep airing your prejudices. No doubt you will want the last word. Go ahead...

[symmit]

Considering what it costs in materials to produce a mask, manufacturers should offer an exchange guarantee, or more of them should offer fitting sessions.

100 quid for a sleepweaver, 130 quid for a quattro FX - there's under a fivers worth of materials and packaging in any of them.

Yes there's development, marketing and insurance costs, but really it's a fixed price what the punter / insurer / NHS will pay scam.

[Sienna]

As a newbie to all of this, I too was surprised at the cost of the masks. I suppose that, with a captive audience, one can charge pretty much what one chooses.

It's also interesting to note that all of the masks from all of the various manufacturers cost roughly the same.

I would hesitate to use the word "cartel". However, it is quite interesting.