d04a.jpg (8952 bytes)ResMed Opens World Headquarters in USA
ResMed, originally based in Australia, celebrated the grand opening of its new international headquarters in Poway, Calif, last month. More than 150 people attended an art exhibition featuring contemporary art and photography by regional artists at the opening of the $25-million facility. Photo: ResMed CEO Peter Farrell, left, Mark Quint, and Hugh Davis, far right, display a picture of ResMed’s facility.

Artist Marcos “Erre” Ramirez created a two-story, camouflage, heart-shaped sculpture that emphasizes the direct link between sleep apnea and hypertension, congestive heart failure and heart attack.

“We chose the art to symbolize our commitment to increasing public awareness of this serious public health issue,” says Peter Farrell, PhD, DSc, FTSE, FIE, cofounder and CEO of ResMed. “For the last 10 years we have believed that sleep disordered breathing leads to serious heart problems. We hope that our message can reach the more than 38 million Americans who are needlessly suffering.” (800) 424-0737; www.resmed.com.


Respironics and Apria Extend Contract
Respironics, Pittsburgh, and Apria Healthcare, Costa Mesa, Calif, recently signed a purchasing agreement amendment that will extend the expiration date of their current purchasing agreement from February 18, 2002, to February 18, 2004.

Under the agreement, Respironics will continue to be the primary supplier for all sleep therapy units and accessories, as well as retain single source supplier status for sleep study equipment and accessories and infant monitors and accessories. Respironics remains a shared primary supplier for volume ventilators. In addition to the existing product line commitment, Respironics will be an alternate supplier for oxygen concentrators and accessories.

“Apria’s decision to extend our supplier agreement an additional 24 months demonstrates its continued confidence in our people, products, and new programs,” says James W. Liken, Respironics president and CEO. “We are pleased to have an opportunity to continue our long-standing relationship with Apria, and look forward to being a resource for them in the markets we serve by providing them with the innovative solutions to which they have grown accustomed.”

For Respironics, call (800) 345-6443 or visit www.respironics.com.   For Apria, call (714) 427-2000 or go to www.apria.com.


d04b.jpg (7680 bytes)Cadwell Laboratories Honors Regional Sales Manager
Cadwell Laboratories, Kennewick, Wash, awarded Rick Szymke, Southeast regional sales manager, for delivering the most diversified sales in combined PSG, EEG, and EMG/NCV products. Szymke, who has been with the company for 20 years, accepted the honor at the company’s national sales meeting.

Cadwell Laboratories was founded in 1979 by brothers John and Carl Cadwell. The company specializes in neurophysiology products. (800) 245-3001; www.cadwell.com.


New Focus for Midwest Sleep and Neurodiagnostic Institute
The Midwest Sleep and Neurodiagnostic Institute (MSNI), Rockford, Ill, offers courses in the latest sleep disorder information for physicians and technicians. Attendees take advantage of lectures, workshops, and group interaction in small classes with 15 to 30 students.

MSNI has enjoyed growing success since it opened in 1998, and has attracted twice as many students this year than the year before. With the growing demand, the institute has moved into its third building in 2 years. In 2001, MSNI will focus on accelerated classes for students who cannot attend the regular 8-day courses.

Attendees will also take advantage of more in-lab training. MSNI is affiliated with the sleep disorder centers of three area hospitals, which gives students the opportunity to choose what sleep laboratory environment and equipment they want to observe. “This allows students to customize their program a little bit,” says Laura Linley, RPSGT/CRTT, president and CEO of MSNI. “It makes people a little more comfortable.”

Linley emphasizes that technicians and physicians are educated separately at MSNI, so that each discipline receives specified training. Classes for technicians, for example, focus on technological needs and educating patients about sleep disorders.

According to Linley, the faculty enjoys the work at MSNI. “We have a lot of fun with it,” she says. “We just love to teach.” (877) 398-6764; www.mwsleep.com.


Sleep Review’s Manufacturing News Section highlights the news and events of sleep product manufacturers. Please submit releases and images to: News Editor, Sleep Review, 6701 Center Drive West, Suite 450, Los Angeles, CA 90045, or email them to [email protected].