ResMed - Industry leader in Sleep Apnea Treatment and Diagnosis

ResMed is a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of products for the screening, treatment and long-term management of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and other respiratory disorders. ResMed operates in over 68 countries via 18 direct offices and a network of distributors with extensive knowledge and experience.

The ResMed story

When ResMed was formed in 1989, its primary purpose was to commercialize a device for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a major subset of SDB. Developed in 1981 by Professor Colin Sullivan and colleagues at the University of Sydney, nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) provided the first successful noninvasive treatment of OSA. Since 1989, ResMed has maintained its focus on SDB, which is gaining greater public and physician awareness.

SDB affects around 20% of the adult population¹, making it as widespread as diabetes or asthma. However, awareness is low and we believe that about 90% of people who have OSA remain undiagnosed and untreated.

1 Young et al. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2002; 165:1217-1239

Increasing awareness

ResMed is committed to increasing education and awareness of the serious health consequences of untreated SDB among both the general public and physicians. Our extensive geographical coverage allows us to work progressively towards this awareness. We have established ResMed Foundations in both Australia and the United States and are funding a public relations program (together with other industry participants) in several countries to publicize the dangers of undiagnosed SDB.

Understanding SDB

The term “sleep-disordered breathing” includes a spectrum of respiratory disorders ranging in severity from snoring to OSA. OSA occurs when the airway temporarily collapses during sleep, preventing or restricting breathing for up to ten seconds or more. Such events can occur several hundred times a night severely disrupting sleep.

Untreated OSA can severely affect quality of life, health and mortality. Clinical research shows that it is linked strongly to a range of serious, even life-threatening, chronic diseases such as stroke, heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and coronary heart disease.

The treatment

Widely accepted across the globe, positive airway pressure treatment is a highly effective, proven and popular way to treat OSA. This treatment involves wearing a mask or nasal pillows system connected to a small portable airflow generator that delivers air at positive pressure. The air pressure acts like an “air splint” to keep the airway open.

Continuing research and product development

We continue to invest approximately 6% of revenues in research and product development—that's a growing dollar figure every year, demonstrating our commitment to continuing global leadership in sleep medicine based on our innovative technologies. ResMed’s team is focused on developing innovative therapies that increase patient comfort and convenience while improving health.

The ResMed team

Business success can be said to depend upon three key fundamentals—people, products and profits—and that without a good team the other two just aren’t possible. ResMed has a team of over 2,000 people based around the globe. Everyone in our team is working to help the millions of people suffering from SDB and other respiratory disorders, to educate the medical community and public about the dangers of untreated SDB, to strengthen our global operations and to deliver the very best products to our SDB patients.

How can I get ResMed equipment?

Contact your insurance provider at the phone number listed on your insurance card and ask if you are required to use a contracted dealer for home medical equipment.

If the answer is yes, ask your insurance provider for a list of contracted dealers and contact the dealers directly to see whether they offer ResMed products.

If the answer is no, you are not required to use a contracted provider, contact ResMed Customer Service at (800) 424-0737 for a list of dealers in your area that offer ResMed products.

For more information about ResMed products, visit www.resmed.com.