Former Apria Exec Joins Respiratory Products Firm

Santa Barbara, Calif.

Robert Fary, former director of respiratory services for Lake Forest, Calif.-based Apria Healthcare, has been named vice president of sales at Inogen, a respiratory products manufacturer that debuted its new oxygen concentration device, the Inogen One, at Medtrade in October.

“The Inogen One is really a new category of oxygen device that is designed to be one solution for oxygen patients and providers. It is designed to take care of all oxygen needs by functioning as a stationary and portable [device] at the same time,” said Byron Myers, Inogen founder and product manager.

While awaiting final clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Myers said the company is gearing up for manufacturing in anticipation of shipment in mid-2004.

“Every so often something happens that can dramatically change an industry,” Fary said. “I think Inogen’s innovation is one of the most exciting and disruptive events to touch the oxygen therapy industry in decades. I’m excited to be part of it and offer my experience.”

Fary began his home care career as a respiratory therapist and was vice president of sales and operations for Lifecare International before joining Apria.

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