9A - Testing the Hypothesis, Part 2
9A – Testing the Hypothesis, Part 2
Interview Questions:
1) How do you treat your Sleep Apnea?
2) Do you clean your CPAP mask and if so, WHO cleans it and How?
3) WHY do you clean your CPAP mask, or feel it’s important to clean your mask? Please be specific and detailed.
4) Is it a nuisance to clean your mask, or is it not bothersome? If it’s NOT bothersome, please explain why.
5) Is the cleanliness of your CPAP mask important to you, if so why?
6) What do you think can happen if your CPAP mask isn’t cleaned regularly?
7) Are you more concerned about having a CPAP mask that appears clean, or are you more interested in preventing a potential health issue?
8) What kind of CPAP mask do you currently use? For example: Full Face – covers face and nose, Nasal CPAP Mask – Covers nose from the bridge to the upper lip area or Nasal Pillows – Nostrils
9) Have you heard of the SoClean machine and are you interested in owning a CPAP mask cleaning device?
· Interview #1: Mr. B – CPAP User
Mr. B treats his Sleep Apnea with a CPAP machine. He uses nasal pillows and cleans his pillows daily with warm, soapy water and cleans the hose weekly. He cleans his mask because he does not want bacterial growth forming from the humidified air mixing with his germs. He says that it’s a bit of a nuisance, but he’s made it a routine. He feels that if he doesn’t clean his mask regularly, he could get sick with bacterial infections in the respiratory system. He is more concerned with preventing a health issue. He has not heard of the SoClean machine, and is interested.
· Interview #2: Mr. M – CPAP User
Mr. M treats his Sleep Apnea with a CPAP machine. He uses a nasal CPAP mask and cleans it with 10% bleach when needed. He cleans his mask because it seals on the face better, has fewer leaks and decreases the chance of Respiratory infections. He does feel that it is a nuisance to clean his mask. He said that the cleanliness of the CPAP mask isn’t really important to him, he feels that it just extends the life of the equipment. He said he would just replace the mask if it wasn’t cleaned regularly. Mr. M was not concerned with either a mask that appears clean nor is he highly interested in preventing a potential health issue. He has not heard of the SoClean and isn’t interested in it.
· Interview #3: CVR Medical Supply
For this interview I felt it was important to gather data from an actual medical supply company that customers use to get their CPAP machines and supplies. They said that the most common issue that arises from uncleaned CPAP masks is oil from the patient’s face causes the cushions to deteriorate faster. Thus, the seal leaks, resulting in poor therapy for the patient. They said that customers do complain about cleaning their masks. They noted that the patients feel that it is a time constraint and a hassle needing to clean them every day. They said it is even more of a nuisance for new users as they have to develop a routine. I was interested in knowing an approximate percent of their customers that purchase the SoClean machine. They said that they have had a higher interest in the SoClean lately, mainly because tv advertisements that are aired in the U.S. They said about 25% inquire about the SoClean and approximately 10-15% of their customers purchase the SoClean machine. They do believe that if more insurance companies covered the machine they would have higher sales. As of now, the VA does cover the SoClean, however Tricare does not. This skews the data as CVR’s customers are majority military overseas. CVR Medical Supply is currently the monopoly for military in Europe. When I asked which masks were most popular they said that the full face mask is because many customers think they are mouth breathers while they sleep and do not realize they can use the chin strap with the nasal mask. The nasal pillows are the least popular for masks.
· Interview #4: Ms. V – CPAP USER
Ms. V treats her Sleep Apnea with a CPAP machine. She uses a mixture of CPAP masks, as she in a new CPAP user and is still adjusting. She cleans her masks daily or weekly as “Indications for use” are needed. She feels it’s important to clean her mask for health and to maintain the machine. She does not feel it is a nuisance to clean her CPAP mask because it is required to prevent possible infection or respiratory disease; it also helps the longevity of the equipment. She feels that if her CPAP mask isn’t cleaned regularly than she can get a skin infection or respiratory diseases. She more concerned with preventing a potential health issue vs having a mask that appears clean. She has her of the SoClean machine and did try to get one, but Tricare denied paying for it.
· Interview #5: Mr. S – Relatively New CPAP User
Mr. S treats his Sleep Apnea with a CPAP machine. He uses a full face mask and nasal pillows, which he cleans with soap and water. He cleans his masks because the Medical Supply Company told him to. They told said that your mask needs to be cleaned because you are breathing in the air into your lungs through it. He feels that it is a nuisance to clean the masks because of the time it takes. He said that cleanliness of the mask is somewhat important to him. He understands what the Medical Supply Company recommends, but he doesn’t think he would die if he didn’t clean it. He does think if you don’t clean it regularly you might get sick – maybe. He is more concerned about preventing a potential health issue than just having a clean mask. He has not heard of SoClean and he is interested now.
Who: Are there certain people or certain businesses that, although they share a lot in common with the others in your opportunity, nevertheless fall outside the boundary? Why?
Yes, as I conducted my second set of interviews, I realized that just because a person has Sleep Apnea and even may use a CPAP machine, there are still people that fall outside the boundary. These people are ones that may not be compliant with using CPAP therapy – that is they have Sleep Apnea and a CPAP machine, but don’t use it. Also, Sleep Apnea patients that chose different therapy other than a CPAP machine, i.e. Slumber Bump / Sleep Noodle – forces patient to sleep on side, or mandibular advancement device (MAD) - which is a mouth device. Another boundary are the people that own SoClean devices, they would most likely not be interested in my services. Additionally, my who would be people that have others clean their masks – they have no incentive to clean or care about cleaning the mask if someone else is doing it for them. A who that I was surprised to discover was some people that use nasal pillows; some use them and just throw them out instead of cleaning them. I believe this would become expensive, which leads me to believe that they hardly wash their nasal pillows.
What: At what point does the need you identified differ from another need?
While interviewing, I discovered that some people are more concerned with the looks of having a clean mask vs the risk of health concerns. I also realized that some believe it’s not a nuisance to clean their mask because of the potential benefit of diverting respiratory issues. Others felt that once they got into a routine of cleaning their mask that it became the norm and wasn’t bothersome.
Why: Is the underlying cause of the outsiders' need different than people who are inside the boundary?
The outsiders’ need is different than people who are inside the boundary because some are not compliant with using the CPAP machine, thus it would not need to be cleaned. Others, rely on family members to clean their masks, so they could care less about a cleaning machine. Some use different therapy for their sleep apnea so they don’t have masks that need cleaned. A percentage of people have a SoClean machine and have no need or want for a deep cleaning device. As far as Sleep Apnea patients that do use masks, some have the need because of wanting to prevent health issues and others just like it looking and feeling clean. Some feel that it’s a nuisance because of how long it takes to clean, but others feel it is worth their time because it is part of their routine.
Inside the boundary Outside the boundary
Who is In: Who is Not:
CPAP Users wanting clean masks CPAP Users who don’t care about dirty masks
CPAP Users that want to save time CPAP Users that feel it’s not a nuisance / routine
CPAP Users that feel it’s a nuisance CPAP Users that depend on others to clean masks
CPAP Users that don’t own a SoCLean CPAP Users that use SoClean device
CPAP Users that clean masks themselves CPAP Users that are not compliant with therapy
Apnea patients that use alternative therapy
What the Need Is: What the Need Is Not:
To have a clean CPAP mask Not caring to have a clean mask
To save time Not needing to save time
Convenience
Cost
Why the Need Exists: Alternative Explanations:
Germophobes Using another method to clean masks (SoClean ect.)
Health concerns Not linking illness to dirty masks
Skin conditions Buy new masks
Equipment lasts longer Doesn’t care about instructions
Instructed by Provider/Medical Supply
Interview Questions:
1) How do you treat your Sleep Apnea?
2) Do you clean your CPAP mask and if so, WHO cleans it and How?
3) WHY do you clean your CPAP mask, or feel it’s important to clean your mask? Please be specific and detailed.
4) Is it a nuisance to clean your mask, or is it not bothersome? If it’s NOT bothersome, please explain why.
5) Is the cleanliness of your CPAP mask important to you, if so why?
6) What do you think can happen if your CPAP mask isn’t cleaned regularly?
7) Are you more concerned about having a CPAP mask that appears clean, or are you more interested in preventing a potential health issue?
8) What kind of CPAP mask do you currently use? For example: Full Face – covers face and nose, Nasal CPAP Mask – Covers nose from the bridge to the upper lip area or Nasal Pillows – Nostrils
9) Have you heard of the SoClean machine and are you interested in owning a CPAP mask cleaning device?
· Interview #1: Mr. B – CPAP User
Mr. B treats his Sleep Apnea with a CPAP machine. He uses nasal pillows and cleans his pillows daily with warm, soapy water and cleans the hose weekly. He cleans his mask because he does not want bacterial growth forming from the humidified air mixing with his germs. He says that it’s a bit of a nuisance, but he’s made it a routine. He feels that if he doesn’t clean his mask regularly, he could get sick with bacterial infections in the respiratory system. He is more concerned with preventing a health issue. He has not heard of the SoClean machine, and is interested.
· Interview #2: Mr. M – CPAP User
Mr. M treats his Sleep Apnea with a CPAP machine. He uses a nasal CPAP mask and cleans it with 10% bleach when needed. He cleans his mask because it seals on the face better, has fewer leaks and decreases the chance of Respiratory infections. He does feel that it is a nuisance to clean his mask. He said that the cleanliness of the CPAP mask isn’t really important to him, he feels that it just extends the life of the equipment. He said he would just replace the mask if it wasn’t cleaned regularly. Mr. M was not concerned with either a mask that appears clean nor is he highly interested in preventing a potential health issue. He has not heard of the SoClean and isn’t interested in it.
· Interview #3: CVR Medical Supply
For this interview I felt it was important to gather data from an actual medical supply company that customers use to get their CPAP machines and supplies. They said that the most common issue that arises from uncleaned CPAP masks is oil from the patient’s face causes the cushions to deteriorate faster. Thus, the seal leaks, resulting in poor therapy for the patient. They said that customers do complain about cleaning their masks. They noted that the patients feel that it is a time constraint and a hassle needing to clean them every day. They said it is even more of a nuisance for new users as they have to develop a routine. I was interested in knowing an approximate percent of their customers that purchase the SoClean machine. They said that they have had a higher interest in the SoClean lately, mainly because tv advertisements that are aired in the U.S. They said about 25% inquire about the SoClean and approximately 10-15% of their customers purchase the SoClean machine. They do believe that if more insurance companies covered the machine they would have higher sales. As of now, the VA does cover the SoClean, however Tricare does not. This skews the data as CVR’s customers are majority military overseas. CVR Medical Supply is currently the monopoly for military in Europe. When I asked which masks were most popular they said that the full face mask is because many customers think they are mouth breathers while they sleep and do not realize they can use the chin strap with the nasal mask. The nasal pillows are the least popular for masks.
· Interview #4: Ms. V – CPAP USER
Ms. V treats her Sleep Apnea with a CPAP machine. She uses a mixture of CPAP masks, as she in a new CPAP user and is still adjusting. She cleans her masks daily or weekly as “Indications for use” are needed. She feels it’s important to clean her mask for health and to maintain the machine. She does not feel it is a nuisance to clean her CPAP mask because it is required to prevent possible infection or respiratory disease; it also helps the longevity of the equipment. She feels that if her CPAP mask isn’t cleaned regularly than she can get a skin infection or respiratory diseases. She more concerned with preventing a potential health issue vs having a mask that appears clean. She has her of the SoClean machine and did try to get one, but Tricare denied paying for it.
· Interview #5: Mr. S – Relatively New CPAP User
Mr. S treats his Sleep Apnea with a CPAP machine. He uses a full face mask and nasal pillows, which he cleans with soap and water. He cleans his masks because the Medical Supply Company told him to. They told said that your mask needs to be cleaned because you are breathing in the air into your lungs through it. He feels that it is a nuisance to clean the masks because of the time it takes. He said that cleanliness of the mask is somewhat important to him. He understands what the Medical Supply Company recommends, but he doesn’t think he would die if he didn’t clean it. He does think if you don’t clean it regularly you might get sick – maybe. He is more concerned about preventing a potential health issue than just having a clean mask. He has not heard of SoClean and he is interested now.
Who: Are there certain people or certain businesses that, although they share a lot in common with the others in your opportunity, nevertheless fall outside the boundary? Why?
Yes, as I conducted my second set of interviews, I realized that just because a person has Sleep Apnea and even may use a CPAP machine, there are still people that fall outside the boundary. These people are ones that may not be compliant with using CPAP therapy – that is they have Sleep Apnea and a CPAP machine, but don’t use it. Also, Sleep Apnea patients that chose different therapy other than a CPAP machine, i.e. Slumber Bump / Sleep Noodle – forces patient to sleep on side, or mandibular advancement device (MAD) - which is a mouth device. Another boundary are the people that own SoClean devices, they would most likely not be interested in my services. Additionally, my who would be people that have others clean their masks – they have no incentive to clean or care about cleaning the mask if someone else is doing it for them. A who that I was surprised to discover was some people that use nasal pillows; some use them and just throw them out instead of cleaning them. I believe this would become expensive, which leads me to believe that they hardly wash their nasal pillows.
What: At what point does the need you identified differ from another need?
While interviewing, I discovered that some people are more concerned with the looks of having a clean mask vs the risk of health concerns. I also realized that some believe it’s not a nuisance to clean their mask because of the potential benefit of diverting respiratory issues. Others felt that once they got into a routine of cleaning their mask that it became the norm and wasn’t bothersome.
Why: Is the underlying cause of the outsiders' need different than people who are inside the boundary?
The outsiders’ need is different than people who are inside the boundary because some are not compliant with using the CPAP machine, thus it would not need to be cleaned. Others, rely on family members to clean their masks, so they could care less about a cleaning machine. Some use different therapy for their sleep apnea so they don’t have masks that need cleaned. A percentage of people have a SoClean machine and have no need or want for a deep cleaning device. As far as Sleep Apnea patients that do use masks, some have the need because of wanting to prevent health issues and others just like it looking and feeling clean. Some feel that it’s a nuisance because of how long it takes to clean, but others feel it is worth their time because it is part of their routine.
Inside the boundary Outside the boundary
Who is In: Who is Not:
CPAP Users wanting clean masks CPAP Users who don’t care about dirty masks
CPAP Users that want to save time CPAP Users that feel it’s not a nuisance / routine
CPAP Users that feel it’s a nuisance CPAP Users that depend on others to clean masks
CPAP Users that don’t own a SoCLean CPAP Users that use SoClean device
CPAP Users that clean masks themselves CPAP Users that are not compliant with therapy
Apnea patients that use alternative therapy
What the Need Is: What the Need Is Not:
To have a clean CPAP mask Not caring to have a clean mask
To save time Not needing to save time
Convenience
Cost
Why the Need Exists: Alternative Explanations:
Germophobes Using another method to clean masks (SoClean ect.)
Health concerns Not linking illness to dirty masks
Skin conditions Buy new masks
Equipment lasts longer Doesn’t care about instructions
Instructed by Provider/Medical Supply
Hi Elizabeth!
ReplyDeleteI thought your submission was great and taught me a lot about sleep apnea and CPAP machines. Your third interview was especially interesting because you interviewed a medical supply company. They gave you a lot of important statistics and facts that must have been very useful in your product research. Also, I liked how comprehensive and detailed your table was. Overall, you had every aspect that was needed for this assignment.