Somnetics launches first portable CPAP system in Singapore

March 19, 2012 - PRLog -- Somnetics Global Pte Ltd has today launched the world’s smallest, lightest and most portable Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy machine in Singapore. Known as Transcend®, this medical device provides effective therapy for patients suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and is targeted at regular travellers. Transcend works by delivering positive air pressure through a tube and mask to users while they sleep (See Annex 1 for more information on OSA). The launch of Transcend is timed together with the 2012 Singapore Sleep Awareness Week, which is organised by the Singapore Sleep Society from 16 to 25 March 2012. OSA affects an estimated 15% of Singaporeans . With increased affluence, rising obesity levels and better detection, this figure is likely to increase.

“Measuring and weighing slightly more than a can of soda, the Transcend CPAP machine surpasses any conventional CPAP in size, design and technology. We developed the entire Transcend system to fit with users’ active lifestyles, by listening to patients and incorporating the options that they want. Through the use of innovative technology, we aim to change the way that CPAP therapy is being delivered. We launched Transcend in the United States last year with excellent success and have been receiving positive feedback from users. We are now pleased to launch it in Singapore, and plan to market it across the Asia Pacific region later this year,” said Clarence Johnson, Director Somnetics Global Pte Ltd.

Transcend is the world’s first and only fully portable CPAP system on the market. It is ideal for both travel and regularly nightly use at home. The device measures 16cm x 9cm x 7cm and weighs 400 grams. This is approximately a third to a quarter the size and weight of conventional CPAP systems. Although it is small in size, Transcend is big in features. The air bearing blower technology makes Transcend quiet and vibration-free. The device measures apnea-hyponea index (AHI), which reveals the severity of a user’s sleep apnea, by assessing the number of pauses in breathing per hour of sleep. Transcend is also able to detect leaks, to ensure efficacy of the users’ pressure settings. Transcend has numerous unique benefits not provided by other conventional CPAP machines:
•   Ideal for Travellers – Conventional CPAP machines are bulky, heavy and difficult to pack, usually requiring a separate carry-on bag to contain the machine, humidifier, a six-foot hose, power cord and mask. The inconvenience of carrying such a large CPAP system results in some travellers foregoing their CPAP machine when travelling overseas. Transcend’s compact size and light weight means that travellers can slip the entire Transcend system into their existing carry-on luggage.
•   Unlimited Flexibility– In addition to its compact size, Transcend offers flexible options not available with other CPAP machines. Transcend can be powered by a traditional wall outlet power supply or by the smallest, lightest and most portable battery. There are two lightweight battery options, the P4 Overnight and P8 Multi-night batteries. There is also a mobile power adaptor to power the device from any 12 volt power circuit, such as what is available on a plane, car, truck or boat. Transcend’s universal hose adaptor makes the system compatible with any standard 6-foot CPAP hose and any mask. In addition, Transcend incorporates the industry’s first waterless humidification option (see below), and also has a wearable version, along with other accessories, making Transcend the only CPAP flexible enough to fit users’ lifestyle preferences.
•   Hassle-free Humidification–For users requiring humidification, Transcend offers a patent-pending heat moisture exchange (HME) technology, which is integrated into the mask. The small HME cartridge insert is the diameter of a one dollar coin and works naturally with every breath. It captures warmth and moisture from the user’s exhaled breath (releasing the CO2 through the filter and out the mask vent). As the user inhales, the HME filter delivers the heat and moisture, providing the user with comfortably warm and moist air. The HME filter is hygienic, waterless and disposable (to be replaced once a week), with no electric elements. This has significant advantages over conventional CPAP heated humidifiers, where the user must add distilled water, change the water with each use, and clean and maintain the humidifier system daily. Furthermore, Transcend’s humidifier consumes no extra energy, allowing extended battery life, making it ideal for users on the move. Having waterless humidification means that the device can be placed on the bed, pillow, bedside table or floor – where it is most convenient. Transcend is the only CPAP on the market using HME technology.

“My job requires me to travel frequently around the U.S. and Asia and I am typically away from home four days out of the week. As I cannot sleep without my CPAP machine, I would previously lug around another whole carry-on bag, to contain the machine, which was really inconvenient for me. Having switched to Transcend, I find it perfect. It is small and quiet and the adjusted air pressure is just right for me. With its compact battery, I can even use it on the plane. I’ve also found that it reduces my snoring as well, and so my girlfriend loves it as much as I do!” said 37-year old Strong Huang. He was diagnosed as having severe OSA two years ago, when a sleep clinic revealed he woke on average 44 times in an hour and had blood oxygen levels as low as 79%.

“Over the last few years, we have seen approximately a 35% increase in new users looking for CPAP machines, which could partially be due to increased awareness of OSA. Unfortunately, there is a negative perception about individuals suffering from OSA, where they may be viewed as being lazy or having a condition that affects their work potential. However, OSA is a chronic condition where sufferers experience disturbed sleep and sub-optimal oxygenation, leading to daytime sleepiness and lethargy.  Thankfully, OSA can easily be treated with a CPAP device. After using a CPAP device, many of my consumers report finally being able to have a satisfying night’s rest, which also leads to them feeling energised during the day,” said Agnes Chow, Director Avattvon Medical, a company that provides sleep and respiratory healthcare products.

Transcend was awarded the Medtrade “Innovation Award” for top product design and state-of-the-art technology in October 2011, and recently received CE Mark. Somnetics also received the Frost & Sullivan Product Differentiation Excellence Award 2011. In Singapore, it can be purchased through Avattvon Medical. Somnetics is backed by WhiteRock Medco, a Singapore-based medical devices group, which designs, develops, markets and distributes medical devices and disposables that address the needs of the chronic care market.

Other interesting facts about Transcend:
•   Transcend is competitively priced with other CPAP devices on the market.
•   Transcend automatically compensates therapy pressure to altitudes of up to 8,000 feet.
•   Transcend’s waterless humidification systems come with a proprietary interface that allows them to be compatible with most commonly-used nasal seals.
•   Transcend’s universal AC power supply automatically converts the power current for international use.
•   Transcend comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.

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About Somnetics International, Inc.
Somnetics is a privately-held medical device company headquartered in Minneapolis, U.S., with offices in Singapore. It is an emerging leader in customer-driven design, development and production of respiratory medical devices to treat sleep apnea and related issues. Somnetics’ mission is focused on integrating technology, customer input and employee creativity, to provide innovative, high quality products that improve quality of life for people with respiratory disorders. Transcend received the Innovation Award at Medtrade in October 2011 and the 2012 Best Practices Award for Product Differentiation in the Sleep Disordered Breathing market from Frost & Sullivan. Somnetics received FDA market clearance for the Transcend CPAP machine in July 2010. Transcend and associated technology is protected by several issued and pending US and foreign patents. http://www.somnetics.com