By Asmahanim Amir
Pictures by Shahiddan Saidi

CHERAS, 19 Dec 2017 – Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) through the Department of Otorinolaryngology (ENT)  launched the World’s Smallest Air Mini Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machine, recently

The machine weighing 300 grams is lauded as the most effective device for treating the Obstructive Sleep Appnoe (OSA) or sleep snoring syndrome.

OSA is a syndrome, which causes one to stop breathing in their sleep.

According to UKMMC ENT Senior Consultant Prof Dato’ Dr Abdullah Sani Mohamed, this is the first time, a significantly small CPAP machine was introduced to Malaysians.

“Before this, CPAP machine in the market is large and weights about 1.4 kilograms.

“The Air Mini CPAP machine that was just launched is very portable and can easily be  brought on one’s travels,” he said.

He said the Air Mini CPAP machine can also be used in an aircraft because it will not interfere with other passengers.

“Another advantage of this machine is that it can detect the number of times a patient stops breathing at night and this information can be stored in smartphones,” he explained.

He said UKMMC was selected to launch the machine because UKMMC has a very complete and comprehensive facilities to treat OSA patients.

He added that, a person can be diagnosed with OSA when they experience symptoms such as loud snores, sleepy and drowsy during the day, lethargic, unable to concentrate on the tasks, mood swings and terrible headaches.

“All of that occurred because the patient does not get enough sleep.

“OSA stems from a clogged respiratory tract, causing the airways to become narrow and consequently difficulty in breathing,” he explained.