Bongo Rx Device

During Inhalation the patient inhales through their nose as normal.  During exhalation, the valve closes and air passes through a narrow opening. This creates resistance to airflow, thus increasing the backpressure in the upper airways.  There are 3 known mechanisms of action for EPAP:

1. The back pressure slows down exhalation and leads to pressure remaining in the airways at the end of exhalation. This holds the airway wider than normal breathing.
2. This increased air in the lungs at the end of exhalation (FRC) causes a ‘Tracheal Tug’ reducing the susceptibility of the airways to collapse.
3. There is a slight CO2 increase.  This improves muscle tone and respiratory drive.

Bongo is a CPAP alternative for patients with snoring and mild- moderate obstructive sleep apnoea. It is also suitable for people who are compliant with CPAP, but would like to have an alternative therapy option while travelling or camping.

Bongo is contraindicated for use in patients with the following conditions:

• Severe breathing disorders including hypercapnic respiratory failure, respiratory muscle weakness, bullous lung disease (as seen in some types of emphysema), bypassed upper airway, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, etc
• Severe heart disease (including heart failure)
• Pathologically low blood pressure
• An acute upper respiratory (including nasal, sinus, or middle ear), inflammation or infection, perforation of the ear drum.

Patients must be able to breathe through their nose to benefit from nasal EPAP therapy.

The Bongo device produces between 8-13cm H2O of pressure

No, a prescription is not required.

Bongo Rx is fairly intuitive and easy to use since it does not require assembly or disassembly. With any new treatment, it is important to acknowledge that there may be an acclimation period.

Here are a few tips to help your patient acclimate to Bongo Rx:

• Experiment with Sizing – Try all four sizes. Start with the SM size. Make sure the nasal seals are not too deep and that they seal comfortably.
• Practice Exhaling – Patients will feel a small resistance when exhaling letting them know the device is properly working.
• Relax and Start Slow – They may want to first wear the device while they are reading or watching TV to get used to the feel.
• Experiment with and Without Headgear – Encourage them to try the device with and without the headgear.

Some people adjust to Bongo Rx therapy right away; others need more time. Encourage your patients to commit and consider the positive benefits of treating sleep apnoea.

Bongo Rx was designed for easy, contactless setup. Patients should start with the Bongo Rx All Sizes Starter Kit, which contains all four sizes (SM, MD, LG, and XL) and allows patients to take their time finding the right size. The Bongo Rx All Sizes Kit also comes with headgear, travel case, and drying stand.

No, Bongo should only be used for single patient use.

Yes, Bongo is TGA registered.

If cleaned regularly, each Bongo device should be replaced every 90 days. The annual replenishment pack consists of 4 devices to support patients for 1 year of treatment.

While both devices produce EPAP, there are several key differences. Bongo Rx has soft, silicone nasal seals instead of an adhesive seal.

It is also reusable. Bongo Rx acts as a nasal dilator. Bongo Rx comes in four different sizes. Bongo Rx has both lower inspiratory and expiratory resistance.

Here is a quick video on cleaning the device. The device should be cleaned in warm soapy water daily and left to air dry.