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 ResMed introduces new mask for pediatric OSA patients
SAN DIEGO, July 19 — ResMed Corp. (NYSE: RMD) today released the new Mirage Micro™ for Kids nasal mask, its second patient interface for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children. Based on the streamlined design and personalized comfort features of the original Mirage Micro, the nasal mask now comes in a small headgear size and includes a small cushion suitable for children.
The typical OSA patient today is male, overweight and hypertensive. ResMed's goal in developing the Mirage Micro for Kids was to provide an additional solution for a segment of the patient population that has traditionally been overlooked.
While the prevalence of diagnosed OSA in children seems relatively low, it has actually shown to be a common condition in childhood and can result in severe complications if not treated.1 An increasing number of studies have recognized the behavioral, cognitive and health consequences associated with pediatric OSA. In fact, a recent study confirmed that obesity is commonly associated with sleep- disordered breathing in children.2 (Sleep-disordered breathing is an umbrella term that applies to a variety of sleep dysfunctions, of which OSA is the most common form.) Additionally, because children with OSA often display symptoms such as irritability, poor attention span and lack of concentration during the day, it is often mistaken for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Studies also show that sleep-associated respiratory disorders are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children with neuromuscular disease.3
 "The pediatric OSA market has often been neglected because of its low prevalence, but the consequences of untreated sleep apnea in children are just as devastating as with adults, if not worse," stated Bernadette McBrearty, Sr. Director for Patient Interfaces. "ResMed was the first company to offer an FDA-cleared pediatric CPAP system4 with the Mirage Kidsta™, and we are proud to be the first to offer a second nasal mask designed specifically for children. We understand that children with OSA have unique needs, and the Mirage Micro for Kids is designed to meet those needs while providing the comfort, convenience and security that ResMed is well known for."
The mask's central feature is the MicroFit dial, which allows children or their parents to adjust the mask themselves so they can find the most comfortable and secure fit the first time — and every time — they wear it. With 24 different positions that adjust the forehead support in small increments, the MicroFit dial offers the most precise and comfortable mask fitting option available. Furthermore, the dial works in combination with the cushion to enhance the seal without having to overtighten the headgear.
In addition to the MicroFit dial, the Mirage Micro for Kids incorporates other child-friendly features that help them adjust to therapy more easily. ResMed's patented Mirage™ dual-wall cushion maintains a stable, effective seal but is soft and comfortable enough to reduce pressure on small noses and sensitive nasal bridges. The mask's slender design and streamlined forehead support provide a clear field of vision, helping to reduce feelings of anxiety or claustrophobia and make therapy less intimidating. The set-and-forget headgear clips, which retain the child's preferred headgear settings, are easy for small hands to attach and detach. The unique vent design disperses air gently for quiet, undisturbed sleep. The air tubing can also easily be attached and detached, a convenient feature for children who frequently need to get up in the middle of the night.
"The Mirage Micro for Kids is based on one of our most successful nasal masks, which allows users to find the personal fit that's most comfortable and secure for them," stated McBrearty. "The MicroFit dial is one of the many innovative features ResMed has developed to give patients more control over their therapy, and now children and their parents can experience this benefit for themselves. As a company, we are continually working to improve the lives of all our patient populations, and the Mirage Micro for Kids is an example of that."
For more information about the Mirage Micro for Kids or other ResMed products, contact ResMed Customer Service at (800) 424-0737, or visit www.resmed.com.
About ResMed
ResMed is a leading developer, manufacturer, and distributor of medical equipment for treating, diagnosing, and managing sleep- disordered breathing and other respiratory disorders. We are dedicated to developing innovative products to improve the lives of those who suffer from these conditions and to increasing awareness among patients and healthcare professionals of the potentially serious health consequences of untreated sleep-disordered breathing. For more information on ResMed, visit www.resmed.com.
Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking" statements as contemplated by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the Company's future revenue, earnings or expenses, new product development and new markets for the Company's products, are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to materially differ from those projected or implied in the forward-looking statements. Those risks and uncertainties are discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for its most recent fiscal year and in other reports the Company files with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission. Those reports are available on the Company's Web site.
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1. American Academy of Pediatrics Clinical Practice Guideline. Pediatrics 2002
2. Brunetti et al. Chest 2001
3. Katz SL. Pediatrics 2009
4. Mirage Kidsta is intended to be used with ResMed's VPAP III ST-A.
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