Sleep Therapy
What a year it has been for the sleep therapy market: a rapidly
changing sector of the HME industry driven by technological innovation
and the desire to give patients the sleep they deserve. In 2019 alone, several
companies introduced a wide variety of products and services for sleep apnea
patients searching for more comfortable and effective options to treat their
conditions. For providers, navigating the market means finding products that
can satisfy patients’ need for data and mobile care while also driving more
revenue through resupply programs.
Luckily, manufacturers continue to introduce products that meet the
criteria. CPAP masks and machines are becoming more portable by the
day, helping patients maintain their therapy regimen as they travel through
airports and train stations. At the same time, some patients who struggle
with compliance are finding success through alternative treatment options
such as EPAP devices. Compliance rates are also improving through patient
education services focused on their treatment success.
In addition, sleep therapy providers are stepping up their game when it
comes to mobile monitoring of sleep data. Bluetooth connectivity is available
on most CPAP systems, allowing patients and their doctors to view treatment
progress and suggest therapy changes if necessary. Providers would be smart
to keep up with the latest updates on remote monitoring technology, which is
crucial to many patients as they decide which product to select.
From patient coaching services to portable CPAP masks, here is a
sampling of the products that could help grow your sleep business.
Royal Philips
DreamStation AVAPS
Platform designed to deliver optimal ventilation
Philips’ clinical innovations support custom, connected
care to meet the unique needs of patients, while
offering the first noninvasive ventilation solution
that can automatically and simultaneously treat
hypercapnia and OSA in any noninvasive ventilation
mode. DreamStation AVAPS aligns with a
patient’s breathing patterns
to minimize applied pressure
support, and machine breaths. It
helps patients stay connected and informed with daily data
on patient usage, compliance and efficacy.
ResMed
AirFit N20 and AirFit F20
Designed to improve comfort
The AirFit N20 and AirFit F20 feature ResMed’s
innovative new InfinitySeal silicone cushion that
adapts to the unique facial contours of each patient
to increase comfort, improve fit and reduce leakage
for maximum treatment efficacy. Hard-to-fit masks
affect sleep specialists and patients alike, so with
the new AirFit 20 series, ResMed has taken one of
its most popular mask features – magnetic clips,
which make the headgear easier to get on and off –
and introduced them on its full face model.
American Academy of Sleep Medicine
AASM Sleep
Video conferencing solution offers efficient alternative for costly home visits
AASM SleepTM is now available to
facilitate convenient, secure video
functionality specifically for the durable
medical equipment (DME) industry.
AASM SleepTM provides a comprehensive solution for the DME field. A core
component of the system is a secure, web-based video platform that facilitates
live, interactive consultations and follow-up visits from a distance, providing
enhanced convenience for DME providers and patients. The video platform
enables DME providers to demonstrate equipment set-up, troubleshoot potential
problems, and deliver personalized consultations more cost-effectively.
This convenient, personal assistance will strengthen treatment adherence and
overall patient outcomes. For DME providers that utilize home visits, AASM
SleepTM offers the potential for substantial savings.
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Inc.
Eson 2
Next Gen Eson 2 Nasal Mask Emphasizes Fit and Ease of Use
Fisher & Paykel’s recently released the F&P
Eson 2, the second generation of its nasal
mask for treating OSA sufferers, features a
unique RollFit seal that is designed to deliver
precise fit and effective seal that automatically
adjusts to the bridge of the nose in order
to decrease the likelihood of leaks, which can
waste time and increase patient dissatisfaction.
The mask’s Intuitive Headgear provides
fitting options for patients, including the ability
to stretch the mask directly over the head, and its
Easy Frame now has a narrower profile than its predecessor.
Also, the diffuser, which reduces noise and draft
for the patient and the bed partner, is now washable and more durable than
the original F&P Eson diffuser, according to the company.
3B Medical Inc
iCodeConnect
3B Medical adds remote device setting capability
3B Medical Inc. has obtained FDA 510(k) clearance on its iCodeConnect’s
remote device setting capability. With this software enhancement,
therapy and prescription settings can now be
adjusted and applied to Luna CPAP and
Auto-CPAP devices remotely through
3B’s patient management
portal. This capability allows
clinicians to make prescription
changes and update
all device settings through
iCodeConnect easily and
efficiently.
Nitetronic America LLC
Anti-Snore Pillow
Pillow detects snoring and gently inflates to change head position
The goodnite Anti-Snore Pillow helps
people effected by snoring by using
snore detection and head position
sensors inside the pillow, which activate
air chambers that inflate or deflate
without a sound. When snoring is
detected, one of the six chambers
inflates and gently turns the head to
the side, which reduces or eliminates
snoring. In a clinical study, it
alleviated snoring an
average of 67 percent for
participants, the company
reports.
Contour Products
CPAPMax Pillow 2.0
Contour launches its latest: CPAPMax Pillow 2.0 and CPAP Pillow 2.0
Contour Products has launched
two new CPAP pillows. The Contour
CPAPMax Pillow 2.0 features two
different sides and four different
heights. One side of the pillow is
designed to keep users cool with 3D
mesh, while the other side features
a plush, traditional fiberfill pillow
top for comfort. The CPAPMax can be adjusted to four different heights to
customize fit and comfort. Side cutouts alleviate mask bumps and interference
while sleeping on the side, and a hose tether will prevent air leakage as users
move in the night. The CPAP Pillow 2.0 features 50 percent more head area
with a plush traditional fiberfill pillow top. The pillow’s special design has side
pockets to accommodate any PAP mask, reducing uncomfortable pressure on
the user’s face. Plus, the CPAP Pillow’s orthopedic shape improves airway alignment
and supports the spine’s natural curves.
ResMed
AirFit
Sleep Apnea Masks Created for Women
Because women and men with sleep apnea exhibit different characteristics
and face different challenges, ResMed has several interfaces
designed for the shape and structure of women’s faces. The AirFit
series of masks include the AirFit P10, which is a very quit female
friendly size mask, the AirFit F10, which is a full face mask in a
compact design that lets you wear your glasses while wearing
the mask, and the AirFit N10, which has an under-eye frame
that gives the user a clear line of sight.
3B Medical Inc
Rio Nasal Pillow Mask
Rio Nasal Pillow Weighs 2.6 Ounces
3B Medical has introduced the
Rio Nasal Pillow Mask, with a
lightweight interface and soft
construction. It weighs only
2.6 ounces, which includes the
headgear. It has a rotating
ball in a socket swivel that
offers greater freedom of
movement. The mask was
made with ergonomically
designed cushion to maximize
patient comfort.
Battery Power Solutions
Freedom
Second Generation Freedom CPAP Battery Released with Upgrades
Battery Power Solutions’ second generation CPAP
battery – the Freedom – offers the same features of
the now-discontinued c-100 model, along with some
upgrades. The Freedom has an easy-to-read digital
display screen that shows the charge level of the
battery and a USB port so users can charge portable
electronics, such as cell phones and tablets. The
Freedom, which meets FAA requirements and can be
stored in carry-on luggage, also offers true battery
backup functionality during power outages that
prevents unnecessary degradation of the battery cells.