Is Your Child Struggling With Mask Ventilation?
When breathing support becomes uncomfortable, it can affect sleep, energy, and daily life. There may be another approach to discuss with your care team.
Breathing support that
works with the body.
In SMA, the motor neurons controlling the respiratory muscles progressively weaken. The body gradually loses the ability to draw breath — and to cough. The Hayek RTX supports both, from the outside, without touching the airway.
The cuirass is applied to the chest
A lightweight shell sits over the chest wall, sealed with soft hypoallergenic foam. It takes seconds to apply and requires no tight fitting.
Negative pressure draws air in naturally
The device expands the chest outward — exactly as healthy breathing muscles would — pulling air into the lungs through the mouth and nose.
Active support for both breath phases
Unlike other ventilators, the RTX also actively assists exhalation. Full biphasic control means better tidal volumes and more precise support.
Secretion clearance — built in
The same device oscillates to loosen secretions and supports cough to clear them. No need for a separate machine or interface change.
Ventilation and secretion clearanceWithout a mask or artificial airway
They can eat. Draw.
Sleep. Laugh. Live.
Because there is no mask or tube, treatment does not interrupt the moments that matter. Children on the Hayek RTX can be children — while getting the respiratory support they need.
Meals at the table — no need to remove the device to eat
Reading, drawing, homework — quietly supported, not restricted
Sleep — overnight ventilation without a face mask
Cuddles and connection — family life, uninterrupted
Why some families look for
a different option.
Conventional NIV works well for many patients — but SMA places unique demands on any ventilation approach, and masks can present particular challenges for this population.
Common challenges in SMA
- Masks poorly tolerated, especially in young children
- Long-term use risks skin breakdown and facial development concerns
- Patients cannot eat or speak comfortably during therapy
- Requires a separate device for secretion clearance
- Positive pressure only — expiration is passive
A different approach
- No mask — external cuirass only, no airway contact
- No facial pressure or skin contact concerns
- Patients eat, speak and sleep during treatment
- Secretion clearance built into the same device
- Actively assists both inspiration and expiration
Used in some of the most
challenging SMA cases.
"Despite her small size and the presence of a bronchoscope in her airways, the patient tolerated the procedure with no desaturations. Complications such as hypoxia and airway occlusion did not occur."PubMed Central — BCV in a 2-month-old SMA Type 1 patient
BCV has been documented in published literature across SMA Types 1, 2 and 3 — in infants, children, and adults, in both acute and long-term home use settings. Our team can share specific references on request.
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Speak with our
clinical team.
If you're a clinician, caregiver, or family member exploring options for an SMA patient, we're happy to answer your questions — with no sales pressure, just honest information.
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We'll follow up within one business day.