Transcend

Industry Innovator Transcend® Launches Portable Solar Charger™ Battery Recharger for CPAPs

Curt — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 19:09:41 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Kathleen Crandall 612/327-6336 (kathleen@crandallcommunications.com)

Industry Innovator Transcend® Launches Portable Solar Charger™
Battery Recharger for CPAPs

MINNEAPOLIS (July 2, 2012) – Somnetics International Inc., the Minneapolis-based maker of Transcend® and the leader of innovation in continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) technology, today launched the Transcend Portable Solar Charger™ designed to recharge Transcend P8™ and P4™ batteries under the sun for reliable CPAP therapy under the stars. Transcend is the first and only CPAP system to feature portable battery power with the option of solar recharging technology.

The Transcend Portable Solar Recharger is lightweight, compact and durable (military tested) and provides free power even in low-light conditions. It is ideal for users who travel, camp, and need reliable power wherever they go. The Transcend Portable Solar Charger provides peace of mind during power outages or when power is not available.

Clarence Johnson, president, Somnetics said, “Innovation and the needs of the CPAP user are the core drivers of all Transcend product development and this product fills an unmet need in the market. The Transcend Portable Solar Charger provides reliable power whenever and wherever power is needed and until now, that was not available.”

Weighing in under one pound, the Transcend Portable Solar Charger can be rolled up and easily stored and provides a full charge when charged appropriately for both Transcend batteries.

Transcend was recently awarded the Medtrade Provider’s Choice Award for providing the market with innovative products that meet the needs of the user and provide an edge for the dealers that sell Transcend.

Transcend is changing the way sleep apnea therapy is delivered as the world’s smallest, lightest, most portable and flexible (CPAP) and battery system. It is first in the industry to bring proven Waterless Humidification™ technology and lightweight, long-life battery systems and solar power technology to CPAP users, making Transcend the preferred choice for travel and home use.

For information about Transcend and the industry’s most innovative CPAP products visit www.mytranscend.com or call 877-621-9626.

About Transcend
Transcend is the smallest, lightest and most portable CPAP and battery system available. The Transcend Sleep Apnea Therapy System offers options that make this the most flexible CPAP choice for travel and home use. Options include the lightweight, long-life P4 Overnight Battery System™ and the P8 Multi-Night Battery System™ to provide reliable power in remote locations and during power outages. Two Waterless Humidification™ system options harness innovative proprietary heat moisture exchange (HME) technology that eliminates the hassles of traditional heated humidifiers. Transcend is protected by several issued and pending US and foreign patents.

About Somnetics
Somnetics International, Inc. is a privately-held medical device company based in Minneapolis, Minn. 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 2011 Medtrade Innovation Award, the 2012 Medtrade Spring Provider’s Choice Award, 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 and CE Mark in February 2012. Transcend and associated technology is protected by several issued and pending U.S. and foreign patents.
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Transcend® is first in CPAP industry to bring Waterless Humidification™ options to market

Curt — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 01:33:59 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Kathleen Crandall 612/327-6336 (kathleen@crandallcommunications.com)

Transcend^®is first in CPAP industry to bring Waterless Humidification™ options to market

MINNEAPOLIS (October 25, 2011) – Somnetics International Inc., the Minneapolis-based maker of Transcend^®, is changing the way CPAP therapy is delivered. Transcend, the world’s smallest, lightest and most portable continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and battery system, is the first in the industry to bring proven Waterless Humidification™ technology systems to CPAP users.

The new Transcend Waterless Humidification System™ options, unveiled during the Medtrade conference October 24-27 at the Georgia World Conference Center in Atlanta, harness innovative proprietary heat moisture exchange (HME) technology that eliminates the hassles of traditional heated humidifiers. HME technology has been used in hospital ventilation therapy for more than 50 years, but this is the first time it is being utilized in CPAP therapy.

How it works

Transcend features two new options for waterless humidification, the H₆B and H₉M Waterless Humidification Systems, which provide humidification by using special air delivery hoses that measure CPAP pressure at the mask, downstream of the HME filter. This provides constant and consistent therapy pressure all through the night.

Each system features the hygienic HME capsule, which is disposable and has no electric elements. HME technology works naturally with every breath. As the user exhales, the HME captures the warmth and moisture from the breath while CO₂ passes through out the mask vent leak. As the user inhales, the HME warms and humidifies the air as it passes through the HME filter to provide the user with comfortably warm, moist air. It’s a simple, natural and effective solution to the heated humidifier. The proprietary HME-compatible mask is interchangeable between the Transcend H₆B and H₉M Systems.

The Transcend H₆B System features an HME-compatible six-foot air delivery hose to provide broad flexibility for use, while the H₉M System offers a wearable CPAP option that provides the most freedom of movement of any CPAP on the market. The proprietary HME-compatible interface uses adaptor rings that allow use with the most popular nasal seals on the market.

The Transcend H₆B Waterless Humidification System comes complete with Transcend H₆M six-foot air delivery hose, Transcend H₆M headgear, forehead pad assembly, mask shell assembly, seal adaptor ring, and four HMEs.

The Transcend H₉M Waterless Humidification System features the Transcend H₉M 9-inch air delivery hose, Transcend H₉M headgear, forehead pad assembly, mask shell assembly, seal adaptor ring and four HMEs.

The forehead pad assembly, mask shell assembly, mask adaptor ring, and HMEs are interchangeable between the H6B and H9M Systems.

For information about Transcend visit www.mytranscend.com or call 877-621-9626.

About Transcend

Transcend is the smallest, lightest and most portable CPAP and battery system available. The Transcend Sleep Apnea Therapy Starter System offers options that make this the most flexible CPAP choice for travel and home use. Options include the lightweight, long-life P₄ Overnight Battery System™ and the P₈ Multi-Night Battery System™ to provide reliable power in remote locations and during power outages. Two Waterless Humidification™ system options harness innovative proprietary heat moisture exchange (HME) technology that eliminates the hassles of traditional heated humidifiers.

About Somnetics

Somnetics is a privately-held medical device company based in Minneapolis, Minn. 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. It received FDA market clearance for the Transcend CPAP machine in July 2010. Transcend is protected by several issued and pending US and foreign patents.

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Somnetics launches Transcend® Game Plan marketing support program

Curt — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 19:08:04 +0000

Somnetics launches Transcend^®Game Plan

marketing support program

MINNEAPOLIS (March 6, 2012) – Somnetics International Inc., the Minneapolis-based maker of Transcend^®, is not only changing the way CPAP therapy is delivered, but how medical equipment dealers can sell it with the new Transcend Game Plan. The Transcend Game Plan is a comprehensive marketing support program that combines impactful tools, incentives and personalized marketing coaching, offered at no cost to retail partners. The Transcend Game Plan is designed to promote cash sales and make it easy for the patient to choose Transcend as a CPAP option and a more convenient therapy for travel and home use.

“The Transcend Game Plan provides medical equipment dealers with everything they need to build revenue and profit with Transcend at no additional cost,” said Clarence Johnson, CEO and president of Somnetics International Inc. “The Game Plan demonstrates our commitment to ensuring success for the suppliers who carry Transcend and a way to make it easy for patients to understand the benefits of this innovative CPAP option.”

The Transcend Game Plan offers medical equipment dealers a customized marketing solution that can be used out of the box and includes a custom acrylic point of purchase display designed for impact. The display features the Transcend CPAP with informational brochures and on-demand video that educates the consumer and motivates sales. The Game Plan provides dealers with customizable box and envelope stuffers, newsletter and web assets, a personal marketing coach, in-service training, and more, all to make it easy and effortless to sell Transcend.

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Somnetics launches Transcend^®Game Plan marketing support program… Page Two

“Competitive bidding and other downward pressure on CPAP reimbursement is hurting medical equipment suppliers and forcing them to look for new avenues of growth,” Pat Mayer, vice president North America sales pointed out. “The Game Plan can help by opening sales opportunities that do not currently exist.”

Transcend is the world’s smallest, lightest, and most portable continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and battery system, with new options and accessories that make Transcend the industry’s most flexible CPAP system for hassle-free travel and home use.

For information about Transcend and the Game Plan program visit www.mytranscend.com or call 877-621-9626.

About Somnetics International Inc.

Somnetics International, Inc. is a privately-held medical device company based in Minneapolis, Minn. 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.

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Media Contact: Kathleen Crandall 612/327-6336 (kathleen@crandallcommunications.com)

Transcend Earns Medtrade Award – Nov 1, 2011

Curt — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 19:01:17 +0000

MINNEAPOLIS (November 1, 2011) – Somnetics International Inc., the Minneapolis-based maker of Transcend®, today announced that Transcend was awarded the “Innovation Award” at the close of the fall Medtrade conference held October 24-27 at the Georgia World Conference Center in Atlanta. Transcend was featured in the New Product Pavilion at Medtrade, where the latest innovation in home medical equipment was on display. The Innovation Award was given to Transcend for receiving the most attendee votes for this category.

Transcend is changing the way CPAP therapy is delivered as the world’s smallest, lightest, most portable and flexible continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and battery system. It is the first in the industry to bring proven Waterless Humidification™ technology and lightweight, long-life battery systems to CPAP users making Transcend the preferred choice for travel and home use.

For information about Transcend visit www.mytranscend.com or call 877-621-9626.

About Transcend

Transcend is the smallest, lightest and most portable CPAP and battery system available. The Transcend Sleep Apnea Therapy Starter System offers options that make this the most flexible CPAP choice for travel and home use. Options include the lightweight, long-life P4 Overnight Battery System™ and the P8 Multi-Night Battery System™ to provide reliable power in remote locations and during power outages. Two Waterless Humidification™ system options harness innovative proprietary heat moisture exchange (HME) technology that eliminates the hassles of traditional heated humidifiers. Transcend is protected by several issued and pending US and foreign patents.

About Somnetics

New Transcend Options Launched

Curt — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 19:11:37 +0000

MINNEAPOLIS (October 25, 2011) – Somnetics International Inc., the Minneapolis-based maker of Transcend®, is changing the way CPAP therapy is delivered. Transcend, the world’s smallest, lightest, and most portable continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and battery system, today announced the introduction of new options and accessories that make Transcend the industry’s most flexible CPAP system for hassle-free travel and home use.

The new Transcend Sleep Apnea Therapy Starter System™ and new options for Waterless Humidification™ and battery systems were unveiled at the Medtrade conference October 24-27 at the Georgia World Conference Center in Atlanta.

Clarence Johnson, CEO and president of Somnetics International, Inc., said “Transcend really is changing the way CPAP therapy is delivered. Transcend is the first in the industry with the new features and options that bring unparalleled portability and flexibility for users. These innovative features are a result of listening to CPAP users who want flexibility both in how they use it and where. In the process, we created a new revenue source for the DME market.”

The Transcend Sleep Apnea Therapy Starter System includes the Transcend CPAP, Universal Hose Adaptor, standard six-foot hose (compatible with any mask), universal AC power supply, travel bag and user guides. Also new are two Waterless Humidification systems, two lightweight and portable battery options, and an optional docking station.

Flexible: Wear it or dock it anywhere

Transcend is the only CPAP that can be worn as a complete, compact unit, or used as a traditional system compatible with any mask via the new Universal Hose Adaptor and standard six-foot hose. The six foot hose options can be mounted on the new optional docking station or placed on or near the bed. Waterless Humidification makes this CPAP system even more convenient and hassle free and the new battery options enable use anywhere or when power is not available or during a power outage.

Waterless Humidification: Innovation meets convenience in a CPAP industry first

The new Transcend Waterless Humidification systems harness innovative proprietary heat moisture exchange (HME) technology that eliminates the hassles of traditional heated humidifiers. HME technology has been used in hospital ventilation therapy for more than 50 years, and this is the first time it is being utilized in CPAP therapy.

Transcend’s Waterless Humidification systems are available as either a wearable or bedside option. The hygienic HME is disposable and captures the moisture from the patient’s exhaled breath then releases the captured heat and moisture back to the patient as they inhale to provide the humidification they need. No electric heating elements or water trays are needed eliminating clutter, cleaning, distilled water, break downs and malfunctions. Transcend’s Waterless Humidification systems are simple, natural and effective solutions to the traditional heated humidifier.

Smallest, lightest and most portable – even the batteries

Transcend is the smallest and lightest CPAP. It is so small it fits in the palm of a hand and weighs less than one pound. Lightweight, long-life battery systems, including the Overnight Battery System™ and the Multi-Night Battery System™, provide reliable power in remote locations and during power outages, make Transcend the CPAP choice for home and travel. The battery and complete CPAP system fit in a small travel bag, taking up significantly less space than other CPAPs on the market.

For information about Transcend visit www.mytranscend.com or call 877-621-9626.

About Somnetics

New Transcend Battery Options Launched

Curt — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 19:10:14 +0000

MINNEAPOLIS (October 25, 2011) – Somnetics International Inc., the Minneapolis-based maker of Transcend® is changing the way CPAP therapy is delivered. Transcend, the world’s smallest, lightest, most portable and flexible continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and battery system, today introduced two lightweight, long-life battery systems that allow use of the Transcend CPAP system anywhere, even in remote locations or when power is not available.

The Transcend P4 Overnight Battery System™ and the Transcend P8 Multi-Night Battery System™ provide reliable power during power outages and travel, including remote locations when camping, in flight, for over-the-road truckers and anywhere power is not available. During power outages, Transcend seamlessly switches to battery power when connected with the universal AC power supply to provide uninterrupted therapy. The battery and complete CPAP system fit in a small travel bag, taking up significantly less space than other CPAPs on the market. Transcend is the ideal CPAP choice for travel and for home use.

For information about Transcend visit www.mytranscend.com or call 877-621-9626.

About Transcend

Transcend is the smallest, lightest and most portable CPAP and battery system available. The Transcend Sleep Apnea Therapy Starter System offers options that make this the most flexible CPAP choice for travel and home use. Options include the lightweight, long-life P4 Overnight Battery System™ and the P8 Multi-Night Battery System™ to provide reliable power in remote locations and during power outages. Two Waterless Humidification™ system options harness innovative proprietary heat moisture exchange (HME) technology that eliminates the hassles of traditional heated humidifiers.

About Somnetics

Good News: CPAP Therapy Improves Blood Flow to the Heart

admin — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 09:00:00 +0000

Wouldn’t you know it? Another risk related to sleep apnea has been discovered. Thank goodness this recent study offers good news on the heels of the bad news.

A recent new study is the first to show blood vessel abnormalities in otherwise healthy people with sleep apnea. Sleep apnea has been linked to high blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease. According to researcher Gregory Y.H. Lip, MD, professor of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Birmingham in the U.K., “Even apparently healthy patients with sleep apnea show abnormalities of small and large blood vessels, as well as impaired blood supply to the heart muscle.”

The good news is that researchers also found that CPAP therapy actually improves blood vessel function. The study involved 108 people. They were divided into three groups: those with OSA without hypertension, those with hypertension but not OSA, and those with neither hypertension nor OSA.

Researchers found that the hypertension and sleep apnea groups both had blood vessel abnormalities that impaired blood supply to the heart at the start of the study. After 26 weeks of CPAP therapy, the sleep apnea group had improved flood vessel function and blood supply to the heart.

Pretty interesting.

To read the article on WebMD, click here.

Sleep Type Predicts Day and Night Batting Averages of Major League Baseball Players

admin — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 08:46:00 +0000

It’s summer and baseball is one our favorite pastimes. Would you believe the sleep type of a major league baseball player actually predicts his day and night batting average? Sure enough, a study of 16 players from seven MLB teams (Houston Astros, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco Giants, and Toronto Blue Jays) indicate that “morning type” players—those who prefer to go to bed early and wake up early—had a higher batting average as compared to “evening type” players—those who prefer to stay up late and wake up late—in games that started before 2 pm. But, evening types had a higher batting average than morning types in games that started between 2 pm and 7:59 pm.

According to Dr. W. Christopher Winter, the principal investigator for the study and the medical Director of the Martha Jefferson Hospital Sleep Medicine Center in Charlottesville, Virginia, “Our data, though not statistically significant due to low subject numbers, clearly shows a trend toward morning type batters hitting progressively worse as the day becomes later, and the evening type batters showing the opposite trend.”

So, a player’s sleep preference could actually impact his batting average. Wow.

The results from this study could potentially create a new way to evaluate athletic talent. Could this spill over into other professional sports? Say basketball and football. What about tennis and golf?

Pretty interesting. To read the article recently published in Sleep Review magazine, click here.

One Company Uses Technology to Help Patients Comply

admin — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 09:00:00 +0000

CPAP compliance can be hard to maintain. Often defined as “using therapy for an average of 4 hours a night for at least 70% of the nights,” CPAP compliance varies among patients, with between 29% and 83% patients not meeting this criteria. According to a Sleep Review article, practices to successfully using a CPAP include early and ongoing education, compliance monitoring and efficacy, long-term support and trouble-shooting.

CPAPs generally come with built-in smart cards and compliance data can be sent via email or uploaded to a Website post-therapy. According to a recent HME News article, a company called National Sleep Therapy is doing something right to improve compliance among their patients. It has developed software that tracks patient data in real time. That means the CPAP provider can easily step in if there is a problem such as a mask leak or a high apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) number. It also lets the provider see if the patient begins to slip in compliance. Data already collected by National Sleep Therapy using this software showed nearly 90% of its patients were successfully complying with their CPAP therapy.

Not only are they tracking real-time compliance data, National Sleep Therapy also uses an iPad to introduce and educate patients about sleep apnea and CPAP use, operation and maintenance.

Pretty cool.

What You Need to Know About Wearing Transcend on Your Head; Designed to ‘Float’ on the Head

admin — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 09:00:00 +0000

One of the first things you’ll notice about Transcend is that it is a head-worn CPAP. We hope no one would want to put a traditional CPAP on their head; that would be nuts. But Transcend isn’t like traditional CPAPs. In fact, it was designed to be the smallest and lightest CPAP specifically because it is worn on the head.

As more folks purchase Transcend, questions about how best to wear it have surfaced. To respond to your questions, Somnetics has created a new fitting guide video that shows you what to expect when wearing Transcend and explains how to properly fit the device so it can be worn comfortably.

“Transcend is designed so that you adjust the device and the mask interface separately,” says Somnetics President Ralph Germscheid. “While the mask should be snug to your face, the device on your head should be allowed to move slightly. Memory foam cushions the device to fit more naturally on your head. When you lie back onto a pillow the device is hardly noticeable if it is fitted properly.”

Transcend is designed to ‘float’ on the head. This allows the weight of the device—which is less than 1 lb—to transfer to the pillow when you lie down and roll while sleeping. While it is a natural inclination to tightly strap the device and the mask interface, over tightening the headgear straps will prevent Transcend from moving in the manner in which it was designed. This ability of the device to move slightly also minimizes seal leaks.

“Getting used to Transcend is similar to adjusting to a new CPAP mask,” says Germscheid. “It may take a night or two to get used to Transcend. And, a proper fit goes a long way in making it comfortable.”

Mark S., a sleep apnea patient who owns a Transcend CPAP adds, “It’s hard to believe how comfortable something that sits on your head can really be … There is nothing wrong with having this on top of your head. You don’t wear it for beauty, that’s for sure. But in the morning when you wake up, it’s beautiful.”

Other features the engineers at Somnetics added to make Transcend comfortable to wear include the short hose, the HME (heat moisture exchanger, which is used in place of a traditional water chamber), and air-bearing blower technology to eliminate vibration and heat buildup from the motor.

Want to check it out for yourself?

Watch the new fitting video now.

See Mark S. talk about what it feels like to wear Transcend.

Learn more about Transcend .