Sleep Therapy
Sleep Therapy has been anything but boring over
the last 16 months. Just as sleep providers started to
get their footing during the COVID-19 public health
emergency, along came the Philips device recall.
In both cases, sleep providers have had to deal with uncertain
supply chains while serving both existing patients and
onboarding new ones.
Moreover, when it comes to the public health emergency,
providers of sleep therapy equipment and services had to develop
new procedures and use new tools to safely and effectively provide
products and services to patients and coordinate with referrals.
While all that was happening, providers have to keep up to
speed with the market changes and innovations that have always
been part and parcel of the sleep therapy market. While the
public health emergency or a product recall might have created
gaps in some supplies, new masks, accessories, and other devices
and products have been getting released.
Likewise, there are a variety of business services and software
offerings on the market to help sleep therapy providers run more
efficient businesses, help their referral partners introduce new
patients to therapy, and ensure optimal outcomes.
So, bearing all that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the
products and services that have recently hit the market:
ResMed
QuietAir Diffuser Vent Elbow
Diffuser vent elbow cuts noise, smooths air flow
ResMed’s new QuietAir diffuser vent elbow for its AirFit and AirTouch F20 CPAP masks reduces noise by 89 percent and produces a 70 percent gentler air flow, according to the company. Excess noise produced by therapy is a key concern for both sleep apnea patients and their bedmates, to the point that it can hamper compliance. The QuietAir brings those noise levels for ResMed’s full face masks “well below ambient noise,” according to ResMed CEO Mick Farrell.
Philips Respironics
DreamWear Full Face
Mask marks latest innovation in the Dream Family suite
At Medtrade Spring, Philips will introduce DreamWear Full Face, the third cushion option available for the award-winning DreamWear mask. Designed based on clinical and patient insights, it provides individuals with sleep apnea who tend to breathe through their mouth the ability to easily switch between cushions and comfortably sleep in any position they want with the hose on top of their head instead of in front of their face.
SoClean
SoClean
Device uses activated oxygen to clean CPAPS
Compatible with all popular PAP devices, the SoClean automated CPAP equipment cleaner and sanitizer uses activated oxygen (also known as ozone or O3), a safe, natural gas, to kill 99.9 percent of CPAP germs and bacteria. No disassembly, water, or chemicals are required. When the sanitizing process is complete, the cartridge filter converts the ozone back into regular oxygen. The SoClean can be run daily, and can be set to run at any time.
VGM Fulfillment
VGM Fulfillment
VGM Fulfillment launches new compression service
VGM Fulfillment is expanding its offering of services outside of CPAP fulfillment to now offer compression stocking fulfillment. Partnering with major manufactures, the new service allows seamless delivery or resupply of compression stockings to patients or providers. This can help providers tap into this key DME category.
Philips Healthcare
SmartSleep
Philips debuts wearable that increases deep sleep
Not all sleep therapy solutions are related to obstructive sleep apnea. Bearing that in mind, Philips has introduced the SmartSleep, a wearable solution for improving deep sleep quality for people who do not get enough sleep. The SmartSleep uses two small sensors to detect periods of slow wave sleep and intervene with clinically proven technology to boost it in real time. Analysis algorithms then produce customized audio tones that enhance the depth and duration of slow wave sleep. An accompanying app logs sleep improvement over time.
HDM
Z1 Auto
Tiny travel CPAP packs in flexible therapy
The Z1 Auto, with its proprietary breathing algorithm and sampling rate of several times per second, delivers responsive and effective therapy at lower overall pressures than fixed-pressure CPAPs. The result is more responsive therapy and a more comfortable experience. Not requiring a special mask or tube, users can typically use the mask they are most comfortable wearing. When away from power outlets, the PowerShell integrated battery pack and get a night’s rest on a single charge.
SoClean
SoClean ProLab
High-level disinfection eliminates 99.9 percent of germs
SoClean ProLab is a high-level disinfection for multiple CPAP masks, hoses, reservoirs, and CPAP equipment all at once. The ProLab uses a concentrated combination of powerful UV-C germicidal lights and ozone to eliminate 99.9 percent of CPAP germs and pathogens. The device comes with a special catalyst system that naturally converts ozone back into breathable oxygen. The ProLab does not require water or any messy chemicals, so the CPAP equipment remains completely dry.
Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare
Aloha Nasal Pillow System CPAP mask
CPAP mask features technology that allows customizable fit
This lightweight and quiet Aloha Nasal Pillow System CPAP mask features exclusive Arced-Track™ technology that allows the angle and depth of the nasal pillows to be adjusted for a more customized fit and stable seal. The ball and swivel joint prevents twisting to accommodate a wide range of sleeping positions, and the angled exhalation ports minimize potential discomfort or disruption for the user or bed partner. The wide-set headgear provides minimal contact to the face, and the CPAP hose can be worn over the head or down the chest depending on the user’s preference.
ResMed
AirTouch F20
Full face mask with memory foam cushioning
ResMed has announced its AirTouch F20 full face mask with UltraSoft memory foam mask cushion The cushion adapts to the contours of each patient’s face, creating a personalized fit for the ultimate experience in cushion comfort. It is designed to reduce facial markings and skin irritation, even when sealed firmly against the skin. AirTouch fits 98 percent of patient faces and is uniquely natural, breathable and allows excess heat and sweat to escape.
Philips Respironics
DreamWear
New gel pillow modules create optimized comfort
Royal Philips has introduced a new option to its open-face therapy masks. The new Gel Pillows module features the same comfort and freedom of movement as the original DreamWear, but now offers an additional choice in cushion type that can be easily changed out within the same mask frame. Thanks to the modular design, clinicians have reported the DreamWear mask as taking less time to change between the two DreamWear masks than between another pillows mask and nasal mask.