Healthcare Technology Featured Article

April 26, 2013

Philips Respironics Tackles Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Web-based Solution


Philips Respironics, a division of Royal Philips Electronics since Philips bought up Respironics in 2007, recently launched a new Web-based solution designed to help patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Called the SleepMapper self-management system, the solution combines feedback, education and troubleshooting to help patients enhance their own sleep therapy experience.

SleepMapper is a first-of-its-kind solution that empowers patients who use the Philips Respironics System One positive airway pressure (PAP) device to stay more involved in their therapy as a way to stay motivated and compliant. As such, patients can view therapy feedback and set goals with access to information, resources and tutorials relating to sleep apnea and Philips Respironics System One sleep therapy devices.

OSA is a disorder that affects about four percent of men and two percent of women in the U.S. It is characterized by a narrowing or even closing of the upper airway, leading to cessation in breathing during sleep. Fortunately, PAP therapy is effective in treating the condition, but its major flaw is that patients often fail to use it consistently. Since, if left untreated or improperly managed, OSA can increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease, it's important to find a way to keep patients practicing PAP therapy.

SleepMapper aims to increase patient engagement with PAP therapy simply by keeping Philips Respironics System One users engaged and making them feel more accountable for their treatment.

"Non-adherence to therapy due to poor patient education and not understanding the disease management process have been inherent obstacles to CPAP success," said Mark. S. Aloia, PhD, senior director, global clinical research at Philips Healthcare. "SleepMapper provides patients with a clear path for learning to manage treatment of their OSA. It allows patients to take ownership and develop goals to strive toward, which is important because it fosters patient engagement and instills a level of accountability."

SleepMapper can be accessed from any computer and is also available for Android and iOS devices, making it easily accessible.




Edited by Stefania Viscusi
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