ResMed refines APAP therapy for women

ResMed (ASX:RMD) has co-developed a new algorithm for providing auto-adjusting positive airway pressure (APAP) therapy that has been designed specifically for female sleep apnoea patients.

The company has presented research showing that the proportion of flow-limited breaths was significantly lower with the new algorithm than with standard APAP therapy.

The research, presented at the American Thoracic Society 2014 International Conference, also found a lower mean mask pressure while using the new algorithm.

The algorithm was developed by the University of Western Australia, the Western Australian Sleep Disorders Research Institute and the ResMed Science Centre.

It was designed to reflect the fact that female sleep apnoea patients typically experience shorter respiratory events than men; female apnoea occurs mainly during REM sleep cycles; and air flow is often constrained but not blocked altogether.

“The overlooked gender differences of sleep apnoea can make treatment uncomfortable and less effective for women,” ResMed vice president for medical affairs Dr Jeff Armitstead said.

“As we learn more about the condition and seek to improve ways to treat it, gender-specific approaches are an obvious next step.”

ResMed (ASX:RMD) shares were trading 1.46% lower at $5.39 as of around 1.30 pm on Friday.