Product Solutions

Sleep Therapy

Sleep providers must closely monitor the marketplace to see what new devices and related products are available. Here are some of the latest offerings.

Every time new research on the size of the sleep therapy population is released, the numbers get bigger. A May study found that obstructive sleep apnea affects almost 10 times as many people than previously thought.

More than 936 million people around the world are affected by sleep apnea, according to “Global Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA),” which was conducted by an international panel of researchers and commissioned by ResMed. Previous estimates from the World Health Organization pegged the OSA population at 100 million people. However, that data hailed from 2007 and researchers acknowledged at the time that the estimate was not based on robust data.

This is why sleep remains not only an essential revenue driver but a core business for many providers. That shouldn’t surprise anyone given that successful therapy requires PAP therapy devices, masks and a whole host of resupply items and related products such as mask liners, wipes and other replacement and cleaning items. Also, some patients are looking for supplemental sleep therapy devices such as travel CPAPs so that they can achieve therapy compliance on the road. And it’s important to mention that there are other supplementary sleep solutions, as well.

This means that providers must closely monitor the marketplace to see what new sleep therapy devices and related products are available, they should stock those items, and communicate their availability to their patients. Bearing that in mind, let’s check out some key offerings:

Nasal pillows mask takes a unique approach to comfort

Brevida Nasal Pillows MaskBrevida Nasal Pillows Mask

  • A 2017 HMEB New Product of the Year Award winner, the mask is designed for compliance and built for comfort.
  • Features innovative AirPillow seal which inflates to form a “pillow” of air in and around the nose for a gentle, effective seal.
  • A washable air diffuser prevents exit air from escaping, which cuts noise and draft

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare
(800) 446-3908
www.fphcare.com

Kit includes everything needed to set up new patients

DreamEasy CPAP Nasal Mask Starter KitDreamEasy CPAP Nasal Mask Starter Kit

  • Kit includes the DreamEasy Nasal CPAP Mask with headgear and seals, as well as an easy-to-use sizing guide.
  • Comes with small, medium and large Comfort Cushion seals.
  • Flexible design allows for freedom of movement while maintaining a secure fit.

Compass Health Brands
(800) 376-7263
www.compasshealthbrand.com

Inflatable wedges transform patients’ sleep, HMEs’ shelves

Sleep Better Bed Wedges 2-in-1 Comfort Leg WedgeSleep Better Bed Wedges & 2-in-1 Comfort Leg Wedge

  • Available in four sizes, the Sleep Better Bed Wedges and the 2-in-1 Leg Wedge provide doctor-recommend elevation.
  • Offer relief from relief from conditions such as acid reflux, respiratory issues, snoring, blood pressure, hiatal hernia, migraines, back pain, circulation issues, edema, injuries, and surgery recovery.
  • Providers can merchandise 16 or more of the slim packages on a 4 in. shelf

Contour Products Inc.
(855) 896-8679
www.contourproducts.com

Pad offers additional comfort for CPAP users

Respura Boomerang Gel PadRespura Boomerang Gel Pad

  • A nasal cushion that relieves pressure and skin irritation from CPAP masks.
  • Comes in two sizes and can be washed with warm water using mild soap or with alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Replacement recommended every 30 days.

AG Industries
(800) 875-3138
www.agindustries.com

A unique, simple sleep therapy approach

Provent Sleep Apnea TherapyProvent Sleep Apnea Therapy

  • A disposable, nightly-use nasal device placed just inside the nostrils and held securely in place with hypoallergenic adhesive.
  • Proprietary MicroValve design creates pressure when patients exhale to keep their airway open.
  • Provent is small and disposable, making it discreet, convenient and travel friendly.

Provent Sleep Therapy LLC
(888) 757-9355
www.proventtherapy.com

Telemedicine system connects providers, patients, physicians

AASM SleepAASM SleepTM

  • Helps sleep specialists and DME providers who want to conduct their first video consultations and follow-up visits.
  • Comprises a web-based video platform and a patient self-pay feature that facilitates convenient, secure payments.
  • Features an interactive sleep diary, sleep log and sleep questionnaires, and can sync with Fitbit sleep data to monitor and address patients’ sleep habits.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine
(888) 334-6820
sleeptm.com

This article originally appeared in the September 2018 issue of HME Business.

About the Author

David Kopf is the Publisher HME Business, DME Pharmacy and Mobility Management magazines. He was Executive Editor of HME Business and DME Pharmacy from 2008 to 2023. Follow him on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/dkopf/ and on Twitter at @postacutenews.

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