Sleep Apnea Patient Survey Finds Mask Replacement Low

Redesigned MyResMed website provides new tools to help patients optimize their CPAP therapy

San Diego, CA - June 19, 2006

ResMed Corp today announced the results of a recent survey of sleep apnea patients. The survey found that while patients reported cleaning their masks often and using their therapy regularly, the majority of patients are not replacing their masks as often as recommended under CMS guidelines.

The blind survey, conducted during May 2006 by TalkAboutSleep.com, found that only 30% of respondents had replaced their masks in the past nine months. About 54% had not replaced their mask in the past 10 months, and 48% had never replaced their mask at all. Significantly, about 30% of respondents said they use more than one mask.

"We were surprised to find that even patients who actively seek CPAP information online don't realize that many insurance providers will cover replacement masks and accessory parts as often as every three to six months. This survey suggests a tremendous need for patient education, as well as a significant business opportunity for home medical equipment [HME] providers. Many HME providers recognize the benefits of providing a high level of patient education and service, which drives trailing revenues through mask replacement and multiple mask usage. We hope this survey serves as another reason for providers to grow their businesses by delivering regular follow-up care," stated Michael Farrell, Vice President of Marketing. 

In addition to the low mask replacement, the majority of patients said that they are not in frequent contact with their equipment provider. Many HME providers are so busy they spend most of their time responding to patient issues and don't have as much time as they'd like to follow up individually with patients. Yet substantial research shows that patient education and follow-up play a critical role in ensuring patient compliance. ^1,2,3,4

As a solution to these issues, ResMed encourages HME providers to take advantage of online resources like the patient website MyResMed.com. "MyResMed provides a free service to help dealers and sleep clinicians educate and support new CPAP users - that's the way to help patients have a successful future. The site addresses common questions that constitute most patient inquiries, allowing dealers to attend to more urgent requests. MyResMed also provides customizable mask and accessory replacement reminders to help HMEs improve patient care and drive trailing revenues," stated Mr. Farrell.

Notably, 43% of respondents to the survey reported said they currently use a ResMed mask and over 70% said they were either satisfied or very satisfied with their mask and therapy. To view the complete results of the survey and learn more about MyResMed.com, visit http://www.MyResMed.com/medicalprofessionals. For information on how to order patient marketing materials for MyResMed.com, contact Arnold Gayden at 800-424-0737, ext. 2250.

For media inquiries, contact Director of Communications Hillary Theakston at 800-424-0737, ext. 2610.

1. Macmillan, J Resp Care Prac 2002
2. Wiese et al, Sleep Med 2005
3. Aloia et al, Sleep and Breathing 2001
4. Chervin et al, Sleep 1997

ResMed is a leading manufacturer of medical equipment for the screening, treatment and management of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and other respiratory disorders, selling a comprehensive range of products in over 65 countries. ResMed provides quality systems, reliable products and complete solutions. We are dedicated to improving the lives of people suffering from SDB with effective therapy and lasting results.