Philips Respironics announces advances at Medtrade

ATLANTA, Oct. 16, 2012—Philips Respironics showcased advancements at Medtrade 2012 that allow patients to sleep and breathe easier, demonstrating its commitment to improving the quality of life of those who suffer from chronic sleep and respiratory conditions. Medtrade is the nation’s largest conference and exposition focused exclusively on the home medical equipment (HME) industry.

At Medtrade 2012, Philips Respironics offered homecare providers a first-hand look at solutions that treat and manage conditions that affect millions of Americans each year such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Designed with the patient in mind, these new solutions bring quality care into the home, enabling those with sleep and respiratory conditions to maintain their freedom and independence. Philips Respironics offered an interactive experience with multimedia displays, hands-on demonstrations and docent tours of its new products and programs.

“The role of the homecare provider has never been more critical,” said John Frank, senior vice president, general manager, Sleep and Respiratory Care, Philips Home Healthcare Solutions. “We are committed to helping homecare providers enhance patients’ lives by delivering cost-effective solutions that drive better treatment, monitoring and management of their conditions. We are working together with all stakeholders to navigate through the changes in the new era of health care.” Some of the new offerings that Philips Respironics will be highlighting include:

Fit for Life specialized resupply mask solution—Fit for Life, a comprehensive mask and service program, gives providers a way to offer their patients easy and reliable access to important replacement masks, supplies and resources they need to benefit from their OSA therapy. It also offers simple ways for homecare providers to monitor and document compliance with major commercial and public insurance providers’ eligibility requirements and the recently released Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) resupply policy clarification.

“We now have a comprehensive program to help providers meet the needs of their OSA patients through a lifetime of care, while effectively coordinating payer and industry requirements,” he said. “Fit for Life acknowledges the operational and economic forces that are shaping the industry and is another example of our commitment to the industry. The program is a natural complement to our growing portfolio of masks.”

Wisp minimal contact hybrid nasal mask (coming soon)—The Wisp minimal contact nasal mask, a hybrid nasal/pillow mask that offers the emotional appeal and benefits of a low profile mask with best in class performance, delivers in four key areas: comfort, ease of use, visual appeal and the ability to fit a wide range of patients. The modular frame comes in two styles that patients can switch between: a reversible fabric and clear silicon. This allows patients to watch television or read a book before going to bed, making it easy to live with. This product will be available for sale in late 2012.

SleepMapper self-management system for patient driven compliance (coming soon)—Designed to help patients take an active role in their sleep apnea therapy, the SleepMapper self-management system is a cutting edge solution that allows patients using Philips Respironics’ continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices to access their sleep performance data and obtain feedback quickly and easily through a smartphone, tablet or computer.

The SleepMapper system incorporates features based on research in motivational enhancement therapy by Dr. Mark Aloia, senior director, Philips global clinical research, and associate professor, division of pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine, sleep and behavioral health sciences section, National Jewish Health. It incorporates proven motivational and goal-aided techniques that empower patients to follow and manage their therapy. For homecare providers, SleepMapper can mean greater efficiencies, increased patient compliance and reduced costs. This product is not yet available for sale.

Home respiratory systems integrate into patients’ lives for greater independence—In respiratory drug delivery, Philips Respironics introduces InnoSpire, a new family of compressor nebulizer systems that delivers fast and efficient aerosol therapy in compact, lightweight designs. With three basic lines, InnoSpire consolidates Philips Respironics’ current offerings and combines more than 20 years of SideStream aerosol technology.

Also added to its portfolio of respiratory solutions in early 2012, Philips Respironics’ SimplyGo is a light, portable solution that meets the needs of nearly all oxygen users. SimplyGo is the only portable oxygen concentrator (POC) to offer continuous flow (up to two liters per minute) and pulse-dose delivery in a single device weighing 10 pounds or less.

Philips Respironics also collaborated with Medtrade and other exhibiting companies to offer an educational Learning Destination feature called “Homecare Works! The Path to Better Affordable Healthcare.” This Learning Destination demonstrated how vendors are working to address the challenges of safely transitioning patients from the hospital to home and reducing the risk of hospital readmission. By engaging homecare providers through this educational experience, Medtrade and its partner sponsors, including Philips Respironics, aimed to guide and influence attitudes and policy around homecare, making it a viable part of improved patient care. Learn more at www.philips.com.