Philips unveils mask for sleep apnea patients

Designed to fit more than 98% of sleep apnea patients, Wisp brings distinctive styling and patented technology for a better overall mask experience that may improve patient compliance.

For the millions of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients who rely on positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, finding the right mask is a critical step. The Philips Respironics lead engineer responsible for the design of the Wisp new hybrid mask knows firsthand the importance of comfort and fit; he and his son have OSA, the most common form of sleep-disordered breathing.

OSA can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease and other serious conditions if left untreated. The PAP treatment works by delivering a gentle flow of pressurized air through a mask to keep the airway open. Fit and comfort are key factors in a patient’s adherence to therapy and success.

“We set out to create a new class of mask that can improve the quality of life of a majority of patients with chronic sleep conditions, and in doing so, reduce operational complexity for homecare providers. Clinicians, providers and patients from around the world told us what they were looking for in a mask,” says John Frank, senior vice president, general manager, Sleep and Respiratory Care, Philips Home Healthcare Solutions.

“That insight coupled with the ingenuity of our design team led to the development of Wisp.” In CPAP patient preference and provider ease of use studies, Wisp was preferred over the leading nasal and nasal pillows in several categories.1 “Even the most hard-to-fit patients are reporting satisfaction.”

A departure from traditional masks, Wisp combines the performance and comfort of a nasal mask with the aesthetic of a pillows mask to deliver best in class performance in four areas: comfort, ease of use, visual appeal, and the ability to fit a wide range of patients. Compact and lightweight, Wisp offers a minimal contact experience, a superior seal and an open field of vision. Patients can read and even wear their glasses. A variety of new features and customization options add to the mask’s universal appeal:

- Minimal headgear – no forehead pad – and minimal parts
- Quick release tabs and headgear clips make it quick and easy to adjust
- Contemporary frame options: reversible fabric – soft suedette and silky sateen – or clear silicone
- Patented auto seal groove and unique tip of the nose cushion technology
- Three interchangeable cushion sizes fit on the same frame, in same package

For homecare providers, more patients can be served from one package. Every Wisp mask also includes Philips Respironics Fit for Life comprehensive resupply solution to help patients achieve compliance with their sleep therapies, while helping homecare providers efficiently manage their business.

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips 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 2012 sales of EUR 24.8 billion and employs approximately 116,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries.

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