The DeVilbiss IntelliPAP CPAP machines have been best-sellers for the last few years since their release. They're packed with features, including a relatively new feature called SmartFlex. The SmartFlex feature is an exhalation pressure relief feature which reduces pressure on exhale and which also offers the user Flow Rounding settings to make transitions between inhalation and exhalation feel more natural.

Below is a press release from DeVilbiss regarding a study that shows the effectiveness of their SmartFlex technology.

DeVilbiss Healthcare Sponsors Clinical Trial Confirming the Effectiveness of SmartFlex™ Technology

SOMERSET, PA – July 5, 2011 – DeVilbiss Healthcare recently sponsored a randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical study which confirmed the effectiveness of DeVilbiss SmartFlex Technology, a new exhalation pressure relief solution to enhance patient comfort.

Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) represents the gold standard in the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). In recent years, pressure modification has become accepted as an important feature improving patients’ comfort and compliance. However, there has been some speculation that excessive pressure relief may compromise the effectiveness of therapy.

The study confirmed SmartFlex Technology to be equally effective to standard Auto-PAP therapy in that respiratory events and oxygen saturation during sleep were normalized among the participants. In addition, treatment with SmartFlex showed a lower leak rate, which likely contributes to the greater subject acceptance rates. As expected, both modalities resulted in improved daytime alertness, but improved daytime energy levels, ability to relax and nocturnal sleep were also demonstrated with SmartFlex Technology.

The study included 28 patients with a recent diagnosis of OSA who agreed to participate in the research study. Patients were randomly assigned to Auto-PAP (with or without SmartFlex) for two weeks and were then switched for continued therapy for an additional two weeks. While all participants experienced treatment with and without SmartFlex, both participants and researchers were blinded to the assignment of SmartFlex.

The study results were presented at the Associated Professional Sleep Society’s 2011 SLEEP Conference and Exhibition in Minneapolis by the Principal Investigator of the study, Dr. Leon Rosenthal, M.D. of Sleep Medicine Associates of Texas, P.A.

“Patient comfort and acceptance of therapy is critical to establishing an adherent patient,” said Mike Marcinek, VP of Sales & Marketing – Sleep Solutions at DeVilbiss Healthcare. “We are very excited to see that there was improvement in sleep, relaxation and lower leak rates while on SmartFlex. With the objective clinical results appearing to show parity between the two therapies, there is a tremendous amount of subjective data currently being analyzed. We are excited to review all the findings with the goal of continuing to provide optimal solutions to patients.”

DeVilbiss SmartFlex Technology provides three pressure relief drops and six rounding settings to ease inhale and exhale transitions. The SmartFlex transitions can be adjusted with DeVilbiss’ patented Flow Rounding™ Technology to make the pressure drop and the corresponding increase feel even more natural to each patient. SmartFlex Technology is available exclusively on the DeVilbiss IntelliPAP® AutoAdjust® and IntelliPAP Standard Plus PAP Systems.

Dr. Rosenthal has been involved in the field of Sleep Medicine for over 20 years. Throughout his career, he has been involved in patient care, education and research. Dr. Rosenthal’s contributions to the field include over 95 publications in Sleep Medicine, Otolaryngology, Psychiatry and Pulmonary Medicine journals and books. He has served in both the Sleep Research Society (SRS) and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) in various roles. He has been a previous Publications Chair for the SRS and chair of the International Affairs Committee for the AASM.

If anyone was wondering if exhalation pressure relief might compromise overall therapy, this is a pretty good answer to that question.

The DeVilbiss IntelliPAP CPAP machines continue to be popular because of their fantastic feature set, their industry-leading warranty (it's 3 years, by the way), and their quiet design. We highly recommend you consider the DeVilbiss IntelliPAP when you're making your CPAP machine purchasing decision. If you have any specific questions about the IntelliPAP CPAP machines, just ask us. We're here to help!

Andrew Senske
President
www.cpap-supply.com

CPAP-Supply.com is a leading online retailer of CPAP equipment. Located in Spokane, WA CPAP-Supply.com has been serving thousands of customers around the world since 2001. Founded on a belief that patients are their own best primary care providers, CPAP-Supply.com understands the importance of educating patients and customers on both the effects of and treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. For more information visit CPAP-Supply.com or call toll free 1-888-955-2727.

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