Philips brings "The Answer" to Medtrade: masks and service solutions support homecare providers and their patients in a new era of healthcare

ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Philips Respironics, a unit of Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI), will welcome nearly 8,000 home care providers to the largest conference and expo focused on the home medical equipment (HME) industry. Medtrade opens today at the Orange County Convention Center. Advancing the theme "Moving the HME Industry forward," Philips will present integrated care solutions to help providers serve their patients in a new era of healthcare.

Homecare providers attend to the medical needs of millions of people who require sleep therapy, oxygen, inhalation drug therapy, and other aids in daily living. In a dynamic setting and 60x50 interactive booth, Philips will offer providers a first-hand look at its programs to help diagnose, manage and treat chronic conditions, including sleep apnea and respiratory diseases. Philips' solutions help homecare providers fill their needs as they are feeling increasing pressure in the changing healthcare environment.

"In a time when there are more questions than answers in the industry, we are committed to being part of the solution as Allies in Better Sleep and Breathing," says John Frank, senior vice president, general manager, Sleep and Respiratory Care, Philips Home Healthcare Solutions. "Our innovations are designed to help providers do what they do best: enable people with chronic conditions to maintain their independence and quality of life. The future holds promise for bringing quality care into the home. Providers are the key."

A complete portfolio of masks and services for improved patient care

Nuance, the industry's first gel pillows mask, launches at Medtrade. Offering exceptional comfort, seal and style, Nuance is the latest innovation in the Philips mask portfolio, which also includes Wisp minimal contact and Amara Gel masks.  Attendees will experience Philips' entire portfolio of new masks and proven therapies in an interactive fitting station where visitors can see, feel and experience the mask innovations. This centerpiece of the booth is complete with comfortable seating, swivel mirrors and educational displays. Also featured in this area are Philips' medSage resupply and SleepMapper self-management system. This integrated approach to sleep management is the only comprehensive solution developed specifically to help boost compliance and resupply efforts.

Nuance, the new choice for sleep therapy

Nuance is the latest in a groundbreaking series of new masks designed to outperform traditional masks and improve patient satisfaction. It started with Amara, the lightest weight mask in the traditional full face category, and Wisp, the first hybrid minimal contact mask, pairing the best features of nasal masks and pillows masks. That innovation streak continues with Nuance.

Nuance delivers better performance, with a superior seal and less nasal irritation than the leading pillows mask.* With its sleek design, Nuance has been rated by patients as easier to assemble and use than the leading pillows mask.* Patients also have their choice of frame: the all-fabric frame and headgear ensures comfort with fewer red marks; Nuance Pro features a gel-padded frame and nonslip headgear.

Flexibility with Amara

With the new Amara gel option, patients can choose the type of comfort they prefer in their cushion. Both Amara clear silicone and gel masks are smaller and lighter than the leading full face mask, and have 60% fewer parts.* The new soft gel cushion conforms to the contours of the face, providing an exceptional seal and comfort.

REMstar SE

The newest addition to the System One sleep therapy family provides a robust set of features in an affordable unit. With REMstar SE, patients can enjoy comfort and compliance benefits, including Flex pressure relief, enhanced humidification with a heated tube option, and tools such as the EncoreAnywhere management system.

OmniLab Advanced

The OmniLab Advanced + multi-mode titration system, with OmniLab Direct and OmniLab Connect, is designed to help sleep technicians perform titration studies efficiently, easily and intuitively. With nine therapy modes, there's now enhanced flexibility and range to titrate more types of patients than ever before.

Innovation in respiratory care brings greater independence

At Medtrade this fall, Philips Respironics also announces new additions to its oxygen and ventilation portfolios:   

SimplyFlo

SimplyFlo is a new choice for nocturnal oxygen patients. Weighing less than nine pounds, SimplyFlo is the world's smallest and lightest stationary oxygen concentrator. Designed to enhance compliance for patients who may be rejecting or resisting therapy due to the intimidating size and weight of traditional concentrators, SimplyFlo is a convenient, transportable option.

Trilogy with Mouth Piece Ventilation (MPV)

The Trilogy ventilators are designed for use in the home, hospital and alternative care sites, providing invasive and noninvasive ventilator support for adult and pediatric patients. The MPV feature incorporates a "kiss" trigger with signal flow technology which detects when a patient engages and disengages from the mouthpiece to deliver on-demand ventilation.

BiPAP AVAPS

Aligned with the same platform as Philips Respironics System One sleep therapy technology, the BiPAP AVAPS noninvasive ventilator provides the comfort of pressure ventilation and the consistent efficacy of assured tidal volume. Adapting automatically to changing patient needs, BiPAP AVAPS incorporates System One advanced technologies, such as Digital Auto-Trak, AVAPS and Heated Tube humidification, that help simplify patient care.

New this year, a number of Philips innovations will be part of The Medtrade Retail Design Center. The interactive exhibit was created to help providers develop a solid retail sales program. It starts with a sound design and careful consideration of product categories, display options and customer education opportunities.

"Our integrated programs and services offer a roadmap to the future," adds Mr. Frank. "They are the result of working with homecare providers toward solutions that can lead to healthier patients, healthier practices and healthier businesses." 

For information on products being shown at Medtrade, please visit the Philips Respironics booth #901. Information can also be accessed online at http://www.philips.com/medtrade.

*preference data on file

About Royal Philips
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2012 sales of EUR 24.8 billion and employs approximately 116,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and grooming and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

SOURCE Philips Respironics