ResMed's new CPAP device increases patients' compliance with sleep therapy

ResMed (NYSE: RMD), a leading developer, manufacturer, and distributor of sleep and respiratory medical equipment today announced the results of a clinical study confirming that patients' compliance with sleep therapy increases when using ResMed's new CPAP device.

The clinical study of 50 patients suffering from sleep apnoea showed an improvement of 30 minutes in average daily usage, from a mean of 6 hours 35 minutes on the patient's usual CPAP device, to 7 hours 5 minutes, when using the new S9 Series.

Sleep apnoea is one of the more common, and yet highly undiagnosed, sleep disorders. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnoea and is marked by the collapse or obstruction of the airway during sleep. The most effective treatment is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. In this non-invasive treatment, air is pressurised by a small device and delivered to the airway of the patient through a mask that fits on/over the nose, or nose and mouth. The pressurised air keeps the upper airway open and helps the person to get a restful night without interruptions caused by apnoeas.

A patient's ability to comply with sleep therapy, however, is affected by potential negative side effects, such as noise from the device, nasal dryness/congestion and breathing discomfort. To combat these side effects and increase patients' ability to adhere to the sleep therapy, ResMed has developed new improved features for its S9 Series including reduced noise, improved humidification system, and a more comfortable breathing system.

After testing ResMed's new sleep apnoea therapy platform, patients rate the S9 Series as significantly better than their current device in comfort of breathing, dryness of nose and mouth, rainout, and noise. In terms of overall preference, 78% preferred the S9 Series, over their current device.

"For the first time with our new ClimateControl™ system, air is delivered quietly and comfortably at the precise temperature and humidity that the sleeping patient, provider, and physician have set.  S9 Series provides a significant, patient-perceptible difference in comfort; a true leap-forward for sleep apnoea therapy," said Michael Farrell, SVP of the Global Sleep Business Unit at ResMed.

Studies conducted by researchers at Harvard Medical School show that a lack of sleep negatively affects perception and judgment. In the workplace sleep deprivation can result in reduced efficiency and productivity, errors, and accidents. Studies from the Clinical Sciences Research Institute at the University of Warwick suggest that between 6-8 hours of sleep is the optimal range.

"We are extremely pleased to see patient tests confirm that the S9 Series increases patient's compliance and quality of life, making the device a true revolution in positive airway pressure therapy," added Frank Klein, VP, European Sleep Business Unit at ResMed.