Philips Respironics’ OptiLife with CushionCradle

• By Elisha Bury
• Nov 01, 2008

With Medicare demanding CPAP compliance for continued reimbursement, now is the time for providers to reexamine their mask offerings. Since comfort is in the eye of the beholder — and essential to therapy compliance — it’s good to have options, like the Philips Respironics’ OptiLife.

The original OptiLife launched in January 2007 as a nasal pillow interface. Building on that success, the company added the CushionCradle option in May.

Unlike standard nasal masks, the CushionCradle boasts a curved design that sits right under the nose, thereby maintaining the seal without protruding into the nostrils. Laurie Scott, U.S. marketing manager for Patient Interface, Philips Respiroincs, says the CushionCradle eliminates pressure points on the nose because it doesn’t have the traditional nasal frame, and that’s vital to reducing skin irritation.

The CushionCradle design is ideal for side-sleepers because it doesn’t have any components on the side of the face that could interfere. Flexible tubing accommodates side sleeping to prevent catching and dragging down the CradleCushion.

Patients will appreciate the user-friendly touches, such as one-hand placement, a tube-management clip and an unobstructed view for watching TV or wearing glasses.

The good news about the OptiLife is that both the nasal pillows and CushionCradle work on the same platform, which means patients don’t have to choose. Philips Respironics has streamlined the process with FitPacks that include multiple sizes of both options. The CradleCushion comes in four sizes — small, medium, large and large-narrow — which have been matched to corresponding sizes of the nasal pillows. Scott says patients can switch between the two options in a matter of 10-15 seconds.

In addition to patient convenience, the FitPacks help providers reduce costs and wastes and increase revenue. “Oftentimes (with Medicare), you can bill for both the mask and the first replacement cushion in the first month,” Scott says. That offers patients flexibility, establishes a grab-and-go for the HME provider and reduces waste associated with opening up a whole new mask if the size doesn’t fit the first time, she says.

Philips Respironics has kept the cost of this package low as well so providers reap the full benefits of the reimbursement.
More importantly, however, the packaging sets the tone for the patient that replacing the cushion is important. Scott says that patients don’t always realize that an aging cushion is to blame for a new leak. To compensate, patients tighten the headgear, which causes irritation. Many times, patients may discontinue therapy altogether without ever realizing a new cushion could return them to their original comfort.

Isn’t it time you added some value choices for your patients?

Philips Respironics
1010 Murry Ridge Lane
Murrysville, PA 15668
(800) 345-6443
www.respironics.com

This article originally appeared in the November 2008 issue of HME Business.