Trends
Trends & Trailblazers
Who is driving product and technology development in the respiratory sector?
When a new product or technology hits the HME market, there’s generally a force behind it. In many cases, the impetus for developing that product or technology began with patient or provider feedback. As a respiratory provider, your conversations with and observations of your clients become the fuel for new ideas, setting research and development wheels in motion for those who develop those products and that technology.
In the following pages, you’ll see some of the results of that undeniable link between what you and your clients communicate, and the new options that ultimately become available to you. In some cases, it’s a new feature on an established piece of equipment that makes all the difference; in others, it’s a technology or approach that reflects a completely new way of thinking about your clients or your provider business.
Sweeping trends in the HME sector, from funding challenges to exciting new discoveries related to treating respiratory conditions, keep providers in a continual state of striving and keep manufacturers continually honing their wares to avoid becoming obsolete. For them, for you and for patients, the result is a win-win-win situation. Whether the goal is to increase convenience and compliance for patients, or efficiency and cost savings for providers, the overall direction of today’s HME products and technology scene is forward.
Homecare Monitoring Equipment
Nonin Medical has sold more than one million pulse oximeters. Homecare monitoring equipment, such as the versatile Model 7500 and the full-featured Model 9600, features Nonin’s trademarked PureSAT artifact-free SpO2 technology. The SpO2 monitors are designed for the homecare environment and backed by the company’s three-year warranty.
Nonin Medical, Inc.
800-356-8874
www.nonin.com
Portable Oxygen Concentrators
Finding an oxygen concentrator that suits the lifestyle of active patients can be challenging. Units need to be light enough for travel and durable for effective oxygen treatment.
AirSep has developed two new portable oxygen concentrators for its line of respiratory products that are ideal for travel and on-the-go patients:
- The high-capacity FreeStyle 5 provides up to 5 lpm oxygen equivalency for ambulatory patients’ diverse oxygen needs.
- FreeStyle POCs are designed to work with an optional AirBelt for extended battery duration between recharges.
- The Focus is a 2 lpm pulse flow unit and weighs 1.5 lbs.
Both of these lightweight POCs provide independence and enhanced living for individuals who require oxygen treatment.
AirSep Corp.
800-874-0202
www.airsep.com
SleepWeaver ADVANCE with Zzzephyr Seal
“We’re continually improving the experience for CPAP mask users,” says David Groll, CEO, Circadiance. The SleepWeaver ADVANCE mask features the Zzzephyr seal, an elastic cloth seal designed to fit more comfortably over a patient’s nose.
Some distinguishing features of the mask:
- The lightweight seal reduces air leakage.
- The unit inflates like a balloon to softly conform to the patient’s face.
- The flexible elastic cloth follows the unique shape of each patient’s face and doesn’t irritate the skin or allow air to escape.
- The mask operates quietly to provide a better night’s sleep for OSA patients, and is available in blue, pink and beige colors.
“Innovation requires thinking about the product from the user’s perspective,” Groll says. “The new Zzzephyr Seal allows us to provide patients with an even better fit, while giving them color choices that helps make their mask more attractive and personal.”
Circadiance
(888) 825-9640
www.sleepweaver.com
Exemplary Provider Accreditation Program for Diagnostic Sleep Labs
The Compliance Team’s accreditation program for sleep labs:
- Provides simplified service specific quality standards, along with helpful templates of policies and procedures.
- Offers mentoring guide Diagnostic Sleep Labs.
- Provides a continuously measured, Exemplary Provider brand of accreditation that acts as an alternative to conventional programs.
The Compliance Team Inc.
(215) 654-9110
www.exemplaryprovider.com
Continuing Trend: Patient Customization
A recent study finds that the average OSA patient beginning CPAP treatment adheres to that treatment about four hours per night. Many sleep therapy providers would echo that estimate, and cite patient compliance as one of their top challenges. The common initial patient objections to CPAP treatments include: uncomfortable air pressure, nasal dryness, poor-fitting masks, a feeling of self-consciousness or being monitored, and a general sense of feeling worse (usually from lack of sleep).
The good news is, when there is a relatively problem-free introduction to CPAP, it is estimated that nearly 80% of patients will comply. But how can you predict problems or, better still, prevent them? First, studies indicate that about a third of the patients who stop CPAP treatment did not receive clinical follow-up to help address their objections. Many never have an opportunity to receive much-needed education about OSA and CPAP. Second, many never find out that they have many options when it comes to flow generation and masks.
The current trends in CPAP compliance seek to address these challenges. Informational and instructional videos, support groups, information sessions that include families, and the ability to try different machines all help to improve compliance. The machines themselves are changing, taking patients’ objections into account more than ever. Softer, more comfortable masks, heated humidification, bi-level air flow systems, and a range of accessories are helping providers make great strides as they work toward 100% compliance.
(To learn more about The Compliance Team’s sleep lab accreditation program, see our new column, Inside Sleep, in this issue. – Ed)
Eclipse 3
The Eclipse 3 Personal Ambulatory Oxygen System is designed for easy transport and portability. The unit provides reliable continuous flow and pulse dose options and is designed for stationary and ambulatory oxygen needs.
- Features a display that can measure pulse dosing up to 192 milliliters and three variable rise time options.
- autoSAT Technology automatically adjusts to increased oxygen demands that occur as a part of a patient’s everyday life.
- Includes a new innovative cart design.
- Allows for easy battery replacement and smaller AC and DC chargers.
The unit benefits providers by lowering operational costs by reducing monthly deliveries and simplifying inventory management and space. The product is available with accessory options that support an active lifestyle.
SeQual Technologies Inc.
(800) 826-4610
www.sequal.com
CoCo Neb
- Uses a quiet piston compressor to power its high performance jet nebulizer.
- The colorful case features crocodile stickers and a hidden compartment for the nebulizer and electric cord.
- The unit is designed to keep children amused during treatments to increase patient compliance.
- Uses an oiless piston compressor as its method of nebulization, provides a 7 lpm air flow and operates in 41 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit temperatures.
This pediatric nebulizer benefits children and parents because it provides effective treatment coupled with an amusing crocodile design. The unit weighs 4.4 lbs., making it suitable for travel and on-the-go children.
Sterling Distributors
(800) 443-7081
www.sterlingdistributors.net
Hi Flow Stroller
- Features a 1.23 liter liquid capacity and up to 15 lpm flow rate.
- Weighs 5.1 lbs. empty and 8 lbs. when full.
- Equipped with a durable soft case, easy-to-read LED meter and is available in both side and top fill connection.
CAIRE Inc.
(800) 482-2473
www.cairemedical.com
Oxymizer Disposable Oxygen Conserver
CHAD Therapeutics’ Oxymizer provides a money-saving alternative to continuous flow delivery for hard-to-saturate patients. The unit’s technology allows providers to decrease patient’s liter flow while providing adequate oxygen saturation.
- Available by the case of 24 in two styles, a clear face piece (0-224) and a pendant (P-224).
- Uses a reservoir that stores oxygen during exhalation.
- Can be used with all continuous flow oxygen sources, including compressed gas, concentrators and liquid oxygen.
- Designed to reduce the number of refills needed for gaseous cylinders and liquid oxygen reservoirs.
The product is designed to eliminate the need to deliver and service two concentrators for highflow patients. The Oxymizer provides a savings ratio of up to 4 to 1 without the use of batteries, valves or controls.
CHAD Therapeutics
800-423-8870
www.chadtherapeutics.com
SleepView
- This lightweight sleep monitor is ergonomically designed for patients to perform a self test at home.
- Works with the eCrystal PSG Web Portal, where sleep studies are uploaded for review and scoring by sleep technologists and interpreted by a boarded sleep physician.
- The patient monitoring system allows physicians to provide a continuum of care.
Cleveland Medical Devices Inc.
(877) 253-8363
www.clevemed.com
Web Edition HME Software
Respiratory providers can stay organized with CAU’s Web Edition HME Software. The product offers easyto- use browser-based navigation and allows users to automate respiratory supplies follow-ups.
- Consolidates clinical, oxygen and equipment data.
- Helps providers understand serialized respiratory equipment, capped rentals, exchanges, maintenance and assists providers about where to find every lot-tracked fill at any time.
- Generates inventory and revenue reports, including Medicare and oxygen capping.
- Features built-in advanced scheduling, including prioritized tasks and events for your personal calendar and a company calendar.
Users can customize their own software navigation, update personal calendars and display a realtime “my CAU Analytics” business snapshot. The 100 percent Web-based software can be accessed from any Internet browser.
Computer Applications Unlimited Inc.
(717) 541-0673
www.cau.com
CPAP Pillow and Accessory Kit
Contour Products’ upgraded CPAP Pillow is designed to improve patient compliance and comfort with a molded foam base, neck support for back and side sleeping, a pressure-free mask zone and an ear comfort depression. The Contour CPAP Accessory Kit is designed to enhance the Contour pillow.
- The accessory kit features a 1” foam insert for added pillow height and a comfort-quilted pillow cover for larger, broad-shouldered users.
- Cover has a built-in tether to increase hose control.
- A 6’ zippered hose cover reduces condensation and makes clinical hoses warmer and more comfortable.
- A custom velour cover is available for those who want a plusher sleeping surface.
The pillow and accessory kit provide revenue and generate cash flow for providers, and are versatile and functional items for patients.
Contour Products
(800) 950-0230
www.contourliving.com
Continuing Trend: Provider Software
Funding cuts, regulatory red tape and increasing numbers of patients could translate to disaster without the technological support to providers in the form of computer software. This rapidly evolving field is enabling providers everywhere to streamline their operations, keep track of their billing and inventory, maintain pristine patient records, and expedite urgent orders—without adding to their staff overhead.
One of the most recent developments in provider software relates to the concept of “open architecture,” or the ability of different software systems to work together, enabling providers to customize a system that precisely meets their needs. Other advances include: the incorporation of regulatory guidelines that help providers track each patient’s status with regard to rules such as the 36-month oxygen cap; the use of webbased programs that make accessibility a 24/7 proposition; and smart systems that make it virtually impossible for users to make a mistake.
PPS-5000 Self-contained Cylinder Filling System
CryoVation’s PPS-5000 self-contained cylinder filling system is designed to be a cost-effective solution for medical oxygen suppliers. The liquidto-gas filling system provides high-volume filling without the need of investing in a bulk tank, and allows distributors to fill their own oxygen tanks in order to increase production and improve profitability and cylinder asset control.
- Fills at a rate of 200 E-cylinders per hour.
- The unit can be upgraded by adding additional vaporizer capacity.
- The system pumps from a standard liquid cylinder (45 gallon, 250 PSI or larger) to minimize product losses.
- Provides built-in safety features and fits all size medical cylinders.
- Pumps directly from conventional liquid oxygen.
CryoVation
(239) 337-1114
www.cryovation.com
IntelliPAP Bilevel CPAP System
The IntelliPAP Bilevel CPAP System from DeVilbiss is designed to meet the needs of both patients and providers. The product is ideal for patients who require higher pressures to maintain airway patency, with its soft start that slowly increases to the prescribed pressure over a period of 10 seconds to improve acclimation. The unit’s SmartCode therapy tracking encodes usage data into a series of letters and numbers that can be decrypted using free software.
- Flow-Rounding technology softens transitions from IPAP to EPAP pressure.
- Accommodates varying tubing lengths (6 and 10 feet).
- Auto on/off automatically starts the flow of air after breathing into the mask and stops the flow of air when the mask is removed.
- Optional integrated heated humidification system docks into the bottom of the unit.
The system is ideal for travel, with a quiet operation of 26 dBA, small footprint and a carrying bag.
DeVilbiss Healthcare
800-338-1988
www.DeVilbissHealthcare.com
Continuing Trend: Filling System Savings
The oxygen industry has been hit hard by Medicare budget cuts, and providers are juggling ways to effectively serve their patients and generate revenue. Liquid-to-gas oxygen filling systems are proving to be the answer for many respiratory providers, giving them more control over their bottom line.
“The investment has substantially paid off for the First Community,” says Ken Coombs of First Community Care, which uses Cryovation’s PPS-5000 (top of page) in several locations. Coombs said the company’s cylinder costs decreased from more than $2.50 per cylinder to less than 50 cents per cylinder.
804 Comfort APAP/CPAP
- The machine is equipped with a heated humidifier.
- Monitors the user’s breathing performance with pressure sensors.
- Designed for use by patients with sleep apnea.
- Expands treatment choices for sleep apnea patients to provide a more customized treatment option.
evo Medical Solutions
(800) 759-3038
www.evomedical.com
SmartStick Net
The SmartStick Net from Fisher& Paykel is an easy-to-use tool that benefits both patients and providers. Users can transfer sleep data to the device, which allows CPAP progress to be monitored remotely. This cost-effective product saves time for providers and supports patient compliance.
- Sleep data can be automatically transferred to the SmartStick Net Web site via a USB port and the Internet.
- Calculates and identifies compliant and/or non-compliant patients.
- Features a color-coded dashboard layout to assist with patient management.
- The patient and/or provider places the device into a computer and data will be sent to the Web site.
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare
(800) 446-3908
www.fphcare.com
SOLO2 Transportable Oxygen Concentrator
“Home oxygen technology is evolving in response to changing market demands, and as a category leader, we intend to deliver highly reliable, clinically efficacious and economically sound solutions across the oxygen technology continuum,” says Joe Lewarski, vice president, Invacare respiratory group.
- Provides continuous flow oxygen delivery up to 3 lpm and operates using AC, DC or battery power.
- Designed to function in a variety of settings, including in the home and vehicle, and during daily trips and prolonged travel.
- Features pulse dose oxygen delivery in settings 1-5 and an easy-to-read LCD control
panel.
- Has a sound level of approximately 39 dB when operating on continuous flow settings up to 2 lpm and all pulse dose settings.
The device is shipped with a custom wheeled cart featuring a 2.5” raised platform designed to keep the SOLO2 off the ground and away from the elements. The product encourages mobility, travel and independence.
Invacare
(800) 333-6900
www.invacare.com
Pediatric Panda Nebulizer System
The MQ6003 Pediatric Panda Nebulizer System is a quiet, easy-to-use unit with a child-friendly design. Pediatric style nebulizers are used to eliminate the stress and anxiety children can experience during nebulizer treatments. The system assists parents by creating a calm, compliant patient.
- The newly redesigned panda has a smaller profile with a sturdier, more durable compressor.
- The piston-driven compressor is designed to provide comfortable treatment for children.
- The package includes a compressor, a pediatric pacifier attachment, a nebulizer cup, 7’ non-kink tubing, a pediatric mask, a mouthpiece and six air filters.
- The unit is HCPCS compliant: E0570.
The product is shipped with a carrying case for easy transport and portability. The nebulizer is safe to use, Latex free and is covered by MEDQUIP’s lifetime warranty.
MEDQUIP Inc.
(888) 404-5666
www.medquip.com
Continuing Trend: More Pediatric Options
Respiratory distress is especially frightening for young asthma patients, and psychologists emphasize the importance of helping children become involved in their own treatments. Caregivers and therapists may tell children stories that turn their inhalers and nebulizers into friendly characters, or give children stickers to place onto their treatment equipment to make it truly theirs.
Creativity has taken a firm hold on HME manufacturers in the area of pediatric equipment for young asthma patients. Designed to reduce fears and increase cooperation, units in the shape of appealing toys and characters are readily available. Manufacturers are also finding ways to inject interactive play into the respiratory therapy experience.
UltraFill
The patient-oriented UltraFill home oxygen filling system provides users with the ability to fill tanks and receive oxygen therapy simultaneously, and is designed to eliminate the need for patients to switch to another device during the filling process. The system is equipped with a stationary oxygen concentrator, filling station and high-capacity cylinders. Homecare providers benefit from the device, with its features intend to save money by using existing inventory.
- When filling, 3 lpm of oxygen is available with a 5 liter concentrator (EverFlo and Millennium) and up to 7 lpm is available with a 10 liter concentrator (Millennium M10).
- Features one-handed cylinder connect/disconnect and a fill lever indicator monitors cylinder fill level.
- Auto detection of 3,000/2,000 PSI cylinders.
- Users can fill cylinder while an
OCD or a regulator is attached. Patients have the option of using the 3,000 PSI MB08 cylinder on a setting of two at 20 bpm, which provides hours of oxygen.
Philips Respironics Inc.
800-345-6443
www.Philips.com/Respironics
Continuing Trend: More Pediatric Options
Respiratory distress is especially frightening for young asthma patients, and psychologists emphasize the importance of helping children become involved in their own treatments. Caregivers and therapists may tell children stories that turn their inhalers and nebulizers into friendly characters, or give children stickers to place onto their treatment equipment to make it truly theirs.
Creativity has taken a firm hold on HME manufacturers in the area of pediatric equipment for young asthma patients. Designed to reduce fears and increase cooperation, units in the shape of appealing toys and characters are readily available. Manufacturers are also finding ways to inject interactive play into the respiratory therapy experience.
Power Driver
Originally developed to track oxygen concentrator maintenance, the Power Driver software program has expanded functionality and supports a wide array of needs to respiratory therapists and drivers. The software is designed to increase efficiency and ease paperwork in the day-to-day operation of an HME company. Users can access information from the software while on the go, through a laptop right in the field, which allows information to be shared quickly and easily.
- Tracks equipment location and history, continuous oxygen patients, oxygen cylinders and equipment recalls.
- Logs maintenance history, customer service reports and accounts, delivery costs and oxygen cylinder lot numbers.
- Provides vehicle inspection checklists for drivers and sorts clients by ZIP code.
- Compatible with Computers Unlimited TIMS Software.
“Management soon realized how efficient this software made our company while making it easier to meet the wide variety of standards, including accreditation,” said Don Clemmer, vice president, Power Driver.
REANNE Corp.
(888) 992-9959
www.power-driver.com
Mirage SoftGel Nasal Mask
The Mirage SoftGel nasal mask is designed for use in the treatment of sleep apnea. The mask’s intuitive fitting features help promote early therapy acceptance among patients with a comfortable first-time fit.
- Features an interchangeable frame that is compatible with the Mirage Activa LT and a MicroFit dial, which allows patients to adjust their frame.
- The DoubleGel cushion includes a blue gel layer for strong support and a clear gel layer that conforms to individual facial contours.
- Set-and-Forget headgear clips are designed for easy attachment and removal and the 360-degree rotating elbow accommodates multiple sleeping positions.
- An array of vents diffuses air away from the patient.
“We believe the versatility of this product platform will not only
help our customers improve patient compliance and engagement by
offering more choice and comfort, but will also support business efficiency
and cost savings by helping to achieve more successful titrations
and reducing the need for costly swap-outs and callbacks,” says
JC Kyrillos, senior vice president of sales, marketing and clinical
education, Americas, ResMed.
ResMed Corp.
(800) 424-0737
www.resmed.com
Custom Embroidery
To address the changing needs of home health care providers, the Private Logo Program from Responsive Respiratory allows providers to add their company name and logo to cylinder carrying cases. The program is designed to increase awareness among physician referral sources and use patients to advertise and recommend providers’ services.
- Cylinder cases are constructed of durable, machine washable fabric.
- Internal zipper pockets and padded adjustable straps are available for cases.
- Custom embroidery includes company name and logo.
- The embroidery is a cost effective option with low minimums and 48-hour turnaround times.
“In today’s environment of reduced reimbursements, gaining new patients is critical,” says Tom Bannon, president Responsive Respiratory. “For the money, there’s no better program for a provider to keep their name in front of the physician.” The custom bag embroidery complements Responsive Respiratory’s offering of private-label products including oxygen regulators, conservers, and oxygen cylinders.
Responsive Respiratory
(866) 333-4030
www.respondo2.com
Aluminum Medical Cylinders
Worthington Cylinders has expanded its existing pressure cylinders product offerings to include aluminum medical cylinders. “Although Worthington Cylinders is already well known in the pressure cylinders industry, our recent acquisition has allowed us to expand our product offering to the medical market,” says Dusty McClintock, vice president of sales and marketing,Worthington Cylinders.
- Aluminum medical cylinders are designed for portable oxygen use.
- An economical option for ambulatory patients seeking safe, clinical options for oxygen treatment.
- Meets industry standards for quality, consistency and safety.
- Products help with patient mobility for enhanced oxygen treatment.
“Customers have already started to choose Worthington Cylinders because of our reputation for attentive customer service, nextday delivery, competitive pricing and a high-quality product,” McClintock says. “It’s a growing and impactful market and aluminum cylinders are the most economic devices available to help with patient mobility.”
Worthington Cylinders
(866) 928-2657
www.worthingtoncylinders.com
Continuing Trend: Portability
Portable oxygen systems have undergone major design changes over the past few years, largely due to oxygen patients’ desires for greater freedom in their lives. Today’s models are smaller, lighter and able to provide a longer lasting supply of oxygen. Therefore, they are more conducive to patients’ mobility, whether they are on a shopping trip or flying across the country. The psychological as well as practical benefits of portable oxygen development cannot be overstated.
Representing the newest technology in the portable product category, the electricity-powered portable oxygen concentrator (POC) appears to represent the fastest growing area as well. The technology of POC differs greatly from that of its relatives, the portable cylinder and the portable liquid tank. The POC contains a miniaturized compressor that sifts the nitrogen out of the surrounding air so that what is left is concentrated oxygen. Part of that oxygen is delivered to the user, and part goes back into the concentrator to clear the system of the sifted nitrogen. This ingenuous technology also delivers real benefits. It relieves users from the burden of refilling. And while users’ electricity bills may go up, their maintenance costs—as well as those of their providers—will likely decrease.
This article originally appeared in the Respiratory & Sleep Management January 2010 issue of HME Business.