Philips Respironics, a unit of Royal Philips Electronics, announced the launch of the SleepMapper self-management system, a mobile and Web-based solution for patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea that combines the components of feedback, education and troubleshooting.

It is also the first self-management system for OSA patients that incorporates motivation enhancement therapy techniques to aid in adherence to sleep therapy.
 
SleepMapper empowers patients who use Philips Respironics System One positive airway pressure (PAP) devices to stay involved and interested in their therapy and motivated to stay compliant. A patient can view therapy feedback, set goals and access information, resources and tutorials about sleep apnea and the Philips Respironics System One sleep therapy devices and masks.
 
OSA is characterized by a narrowing or closing of the upper airway, which causes cessation in breathing during sleep. The disorder affects approximately 4% of men and 2% of women in the United States.1

Positive airway pressure therapy is considered the gold standard for the treatment of OSA. Unfortunately, many patients often fail to use PAP therapy. This poses a serious problem, as OSA that is left untreated or improperly managed can increase the risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.2,3
 
“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. Dr. Aloia has studied CPAP therapy for the past 15 years and believes “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 downloaded to a smartphone or tablet, or accessed from a computer. It is available on Google Play, iTunes and www.sleepmapper.com.