Philips Respironics improves health care delivery and quality of life for sleep and respiratory patients

ATLANTA, Oct. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Philips Respironics, a unit of Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI), today at Medtrade 2012 showcases advancements 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, taking place this week at the Georgia World Congress Center, is the nation's largest conference and exposition focused exclusively on the home medical equipment (HME) industry.

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At Medtrade 2012, Philips Respironics will offer 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 will offer 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," says 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," said Mr. Frank. "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 is also collaborating 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 will demonstrate 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, aim to guide and influence attitudes and policy around homecare, making it a viable part of improved patient care.

During Medtrade, nearly 12,000 attendees will have an opportunity to attend educational sessions and interact with 550 exhibitors dedicated to the delivery of health care in the home. Homecare providers serve the medical needs of millions of Americans who require oxygen equipment, sleep therapy, inhalation drug therapy and other services in their homes. Please find additional information on new products showcased at Medtrade 2012 by visiting the Philips Respironics booth #1314. Information can also be accessed online at http://bit.ly/NewAtMTF.

About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics (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 2011 sales of EUR 22.6 billion and employs approximately 122,000 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, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.  

SOURCE Philips Respironics