SAN DIEGO, April 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- ResMed Inc. (NYSE: RMD) today released its new S9 VPAP™ series of bilevel devices. Based on ResMed's latest design and technology platform, the new bilevels include a range of sophisticated comfort technologies to promote long-term compliance.

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"We are proud to announce the launch of the bilevel range of products on the S9™ platform, our latest and most innovative flow generator system for treating respiratory disorders including sleep-disordered breathing. Now, for the first time in our history, health care providers have one platform that can treat obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea and Cheyne–Stokes respiration, as well as provide noninvasive ventilation for patients requiring ventilatory support," said Michael Farrell, Sr. Vice President of the Global Sleep Business Unit at ResMed. "Our goal is to increase patients' quality of life by providing comfortable, quiet, easy-to-use and highly effective treatment. A critical element of successful treatment is long-term adherence to therapy.  Since its launch just over a year ago, the S9 Series has been able to help physicians and respiratory therapists achieve that goal—driving therapeutic compliance by patients around the globe."

Historically, patients' ability to comply with sleep or respiratory therapies was negatively affected by noisy devices, nasal dryness/congestion and breathing discomfort. To combat these negative effects and increase patients' ability to adhere to respiratory therapy, ResMed's new generation of bilevel devices build on features that are crucial to maintaining and increasing overall patient compliance.

"Our S9 Series is already recognized as the most advanced sleep therapy system in the market, offering more than any other device in terms of comfort, innovation and style. Now that our bilevel devices are part of the S9 family, it allows clinicians to provide the same high level of quality treatment to a wider range of sleep apnea sufferers, including patients who are having difficulty staying compliant on therapy," stated Drew Terry, Sr. Director of Product Management at ResMed.

"Understanding that bilevel users have unique needs, we developed the S9 VPAP platform to help patients overcome the challenges of noncompliance by giving them tools and technologies to proactively manage their own therapy," added Terry. "The Enhanced Easy-Breathe technology and Climate Control system give them control over their own comfort settings. The sleek and intuitive design makes it easy to set up and use. And it provides daily encouragement by allowing them to view their ongoing therapy progress with the Sleep Quality Indicator."

S9 VPAPs are the only bilevel devices that offer Climate Control, a state-of-the-art humidification system that intelligently adapts to environmental conditions to deliver optimal pressure and temperature. Complemented by ResMed's exclusive ClimateLine™ heated tube, it protects patients from rainout without compromising humidity or temperature levels.

Early market trials have already returned positive feedback from patients, who commented on the quietness and comfort of the VPAP™. "I loved the lightweight tubing with ClimateLine," commented Tracy Nasca, Vice President of TalkAboutSleep.com and a long-time bilevel user. "On the first night, I had to keep checking to see if my machine was on and working because it was so quiet. Honestly, it was the most pleasant experience I've ever had using bilevel since my initiation in 1990."

Home medical equipment (HME) providers have also seen a noticeable improvement in compliance, commenting on the dramatic difference their patients have experienced with VPAP. "My patients said it was the most comfortable device they had ever slept on. I had three noncompliant CPAP patients stay on the VPAP Auto, and they are now 100% compliant," reported one respondent. Another stated, "The [VPAP] machine, like the S9 CPAP, is much easier to breathe against. We have seen an increase in patient compliance since using the S9."

Trial participants were also impressed with the technologies and compliance monitoring capabilities that VPAP has to offer. "The central sleep apnea detection [feature] is a very useful tool for me and my referral sources," stated one respondent, who also noted that the VPAP's SD card and wireless modem capabilities would help improve business efficiencies.

ResMed's S9 bilevels incorporate a range of advanced technologies to treat specific patient groups, including OSA patients who do not currently adhere to CPAP therapy, patients who need additional ventilatory assistance, and complex sleep apnea patients. Ultimately, these technologies give clinicians the confidence to know that their patients are receiving optimal treatment, no matter what their unique conditions may be.

Terry concluded, "The S9 VPAP was designed with one simple goal: to keep patients compliant on therapy. For the patient, it means a more comfortable night's sleep. For health care providers, it means peace of mind. With the positive feedback we've received in early market trials so far, we're optimistic about the future of VPAP bilevels in the sleep market." For more information on ResMed's new VPAP bilevels, visit S9VPAP.com/pr.

New masks also recently launched to complete the FX Offering

In addition to the release of the S9 bilevel range, ResMed is currently releasing two new mask solutions. These two new masks complete the trilogy known as the FX series. All three FX products are smaller, easier to fit and simpler to use, underscoring the importance of patient compliance.

The FX series of products was spearheaded by the release of Swift™ FX nasal pillows in late 2009, which was followed by the January 2011 launch of the Quattro™ FX. The Quattro FX is an unobtrusive full face mask featuring state-of-the-art cushion technology for a more comfortable patient experience.

Most recently, ResMed released the Mirage™ FX—a smaller, simpler and smarter nasal mask designed specifically to reduce fitting time and drive compliance. This four-component nasal mask defines a new era in mask technology development, offering one size to cover nine out of ten patients. With this wide fit range and so few parts, it will significantly reduce inventory across all nasal masks.

"These new products give ResMed a full range of mask solutions which meets the needs of the entire channel. We are very excited about the feedback from both patients and customers regarding these new easy-to-use and comfortable masks," said Don Darkin, Sr. Vice President of the Global Patient Interface Business Unit at ResMed.

About ResMed

ResMed is a leading developer, manufacturer and distributor of medical equipment for treating, diagnosing and managing sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and other respiratory disorders. We are dedicated to developing innovative products to improve the lives of those who suffer from these conditions and to increasing awareness among patients and healthcare professionals of the potentially serious health consequences of untreated SDB. For more information on ResMed, visit  www.resmed.com.

Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking" statements as contemplated by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the Company's future revenue, earnings or expenses, new product development and new markets for the Company's products, are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to materially differ from those projected or implied in the forward-looking statements. Those risks and uncertainties are discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for its most recent fiscal year and in other reports the Company files with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission. Those reports are available on the Company's Web site.

SOURCE ResMed Inc.