Obstructive Sleep Apnoea otherwise known as OSA is condition that is occurs when individuals are unable to breathe when sleeping due to airway blockage which is commonly treated by using a CPAP machine. 

The current marketplace does not adhere to or cater to children aged 2-7 years old with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea as most machines are designed for adults as OSA is commonly found amongst this age group. Although OSA is known to be most prevalent in adults and elderly people, children are becoming progressively bigger contributors to the data. The National Down Syndrome Society has found that 53%-76% of children with Down Syndrome have been diagnosed with Sleep Apnoea. Therefore, a research gap is presented in which there is a need to explore solutions such as visual aids to assist children with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and their adaptation to using CPAP machines and masks. 

KloudKids is aimed to design products for children aged 2-7 years old with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea by exploring the attributes of children with Down Syndrome as they are not catered to and considered within current CPAP machine designs and aids. One of the major attributes of children with Down Syndrome is they are visually inclined individuals which is a significant part of the KloudKids products range to provide more user-friendly elements which will positively impact children’s response to their condition and the CPAP therapy. A collection of products is made to create a structured night-time routine for children to use with the assistance of parents as elements of storytelling methods and features of interactive play/roleplay are used for children to create a more positive, engaging experience for children when completing their nighttime routines. The use of a CPAP cover is to hide the ResMed’s AirSense 11 CPAP machine from the child by designing a cover that is the face of Kingston the Koala which is the main character in the storybook. A koala was selected as the main subject of the project as it is known that they sleep for up to 22 hours per day which seemed to be the most appropriate choice of animal to promote quality sleeping behaviours. 

The CPAP cover has a night light function which is implemented to create a sensory experience for children as they are able to gaze at the ceiling to see stars projected. A wooden structure which is mounted into the wall is the holder for the CPAP koala cover and AirSense 11 is situated in to refer to a Koala’s habitat as they sleep in trees. Children are encouraged to use the detachable ears which are situated in the hanging ear holder which allows for children to interact/ roleplay their desired characters featured in the storybook. Ultimately, by creating a range of products that address the attributes of children with Down Syndrome and OSA, it creates a positive, imaginative, immersive experience that positively impacts the emotional wellbeing of children and their overall quality of sleep as they are able to connect, interact and form connections to the KloudKids range.