| A model wears a Philips DreamWear sleep apnea mask in this file photo. Courtesy of Philips Korea |
By Lee Min-hyung
Philips Korea has launched PHILIPS SleepCare Service to help those suffering from sleep apnea to maintain continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), the health technology firm said Wednesday.
CPAP devices and masks are recommended as a standard treatment for sleep apnea, but are effective only when they are used every day. The Ministry of Health and Welfare is also discussing measures to provide insurance benefits on the condition that patients have used the devices for an average of more than two hours per day during the previous prescription period, even after the first 90 days of the initial adherence period. Such a policy aims to encourage patients to consistently maintain their CPAP treatment.
"CPAP therapy is highly effective only when it is used consistently, just like wearing glasses. But many patients face difficulties in the early stages of the treatment because they find it uncomfortable to wear masks at night or to feel airway pressure while sleeping," said Shin Won-chul, professor at the department of neurology at Kyung Hee University Hospital in Gangdong in Seoul.
"That's why it is very important for patients to get proactive counseling from healthcare professionals. And the sustained patient support service based on data and technology is helpful for appropriate therapy," he emphasized.
To help patients continue with CPAP therapy, Philips Korea launched the SleepCare Service under the slogan: "Philips is with you for life-long sleep health management." The service consists of 8 customer support areas for Philips CPAP device users including CPAP supply, maintenance and sleep coach counseling. With these services, Philips will support life-long sleep health management for patients with sleep apnea.
The adherence period of CPAP devices is very important because it determines the insurance coverage. PHILIPS SleepCare Service will offer home care service by visiting a patient in-person at home or at the hospital to set up CPAP devices according to each individual case.
For patients who have received the treatment for a certain period of time, Philips Korea staff will visit regularly to offer maintenance services, such as checking and cleaning the device to maintain consistency of treatment.
In addition, they will help users to install DreamMapper, a mobile application for the Philips CPAP device DreamStation. The mobile app will support the self-management of patients, allowing them to check the data of how their therapy is progressing and systematically manage their sleep behavior.
Moreover, Philips Korea plans to provide a range of products and accessories, depending on how long patients have been receiving treatment, and also plans to hold various online and offline training and events to support patients in their efforts to maintain consistent use of CPAP devices.