Pediatric NIV Mask Fit – Adaptable Interfaces for Better Fit and Seal

Jason Fu and his team from UBC’s Engineers in Scrubs program, working with clinical partners at BC Children’s Hospital, submitted an unmet need focused on improving the fit of non-invasive ventilation masks for pediatric patients and were recognized with a $5,000 MDDC Discovery Sprint Award.

Pediatric medical devices often face a sizing challenge: children vary widely in anatomy, while the smaller market and higher development and regulatory burden can limit the number of available sizes. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) masks are one example. Poor fit can lead to air leakage, discomfort, skin pressure, and frequent readjustments, creating both clinical and workflow challenges.

To better understand these issues, the team surveyed pediatric healthcare professionals across Canada. Their feedback highlighted common leakage areas and limitations in current mask interfaces and anchoring systems. These insights guided the team toward adaptable interfaces and more flexible anchoring points designed to improve the seal while remaining compatible with existing masks and clinical workflows, making the solution more practical to adopt.

The project has been developed through UBC’s Engineers in Scrubs program with guidance and support from Dr. Roger Tam, Dr. Tanya Bennett, and Dr. Stefanie Blain-Moraes. Clinical partners at BC Children’s Hospital, including Dr. Adela Matettore, Mark Zarembo, and Jonathan To, have contributed their clinical expertise and helped guide the development of the project. Pediatricians, respiratory therapists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals across Canada have also contributed their perspectives through the team’s survey and feedback, helping the team better understand the clinical need and shape the design.