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Circadiance News
» Want to know more about us? » Want to visit us at a show near you? Featured Stories 
» Sleep-apnea solutions drive small but growing Export firm » Circadiance launches revolutionary new CPAP tube Lightweight and flexible design provides better overall user experience » Hard Choices, Soft Options » Circadiance Named as a Finalist for Tech 50 » Circadiance® Becomes ISO 13485 Certified; Launches Products in Europe » Circadiance Continues Rapid Growth By Strengthening Management Team » Clinical Launch of Innovative Cloth Sleep Apnea Mask Creates Buzz at Sleep Conference Recent News 
Sleep-apnea solutions drive small but growing Export firm
By Alex Nixon, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW Tuesday, January 31, 2012 David Groll spent years working on the development of new versions of masks used to treat sleep apnea for Philips Respironics, the Murrysville company that invented the first sleep apnea mask more than a quarter century ago. But for the past five years, Groll, 51, has been running his own company, which is challenging Philips Respironics basic design. After years trying to improve on sleep apnea masks made from plastic, Groll founded Circadiance LLC in 2007 to bring an all-cloth mask to market. "I realized there was no way to make a breakthrough using plastic," Groll said recently in Circadiance's modest offices in Export, about 10 miles southeast of his former employer's headquarters in Murrysville. Respironics Inc. was acquired by Royal Philips Electronics in 2008 for $4.9 billion. Groll left Respironics in the late 1990s and consulted for other companies working on similar products that blow air to keep a patient's throat open during sleep -- known as continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP. But by 2003, Groll said, no one had solved what he saw as a fundamental problem of CPAP masks -- some people who need the treatment don't comply with it because they can't tolerate wearing hard plastic masks during sleep. Groll said he got the idea of using cloth that year and by 2007 Circadiance was making a one-size-fits-all cloth CPAP mask called the SleepWeaver. The cloth is a synthetic material that's both waterproof and breathable, similar to the Gore-Tex found in high-end ski jackets, Groll said. Circadiance has applied for a broad range of patents that Groll said should keep another company from introducing a cloth material CPAP mask. The privately held company doesn't release sales figures, but Groll said Circadiance has had annual growth of at least 25 percent a year since its founding. "We're still only a small fraction of the market," he said. "But we continue to grow and take market share." The CPAP market in the United States was estimated at $1.5 billion in 2010, according to GlobalData, a United Kingdom-based market research company. By 2017, GlobalData predicted the market will reach $2.5 billion. The U.S. market is growing quickly because of increasing awareness that obstructive sleep apnea has serious health implications, such as heart disease and stroke, and that many people with the condition haven't been diagnosed. There also may be a link between rising obesity rates in America and an increasing prevalence of sleep apnea. "Up to 80 percent of people with sleep apnea aren't yet diagnosed," said Dr. Robert Basner, a Columbia University sleep doctor and representative for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. The cost of untreated sleep apnea -- from heart attacks to driving accidents -- is estimated at $3 billion a year, Basner said. "The numbers are very high." Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when soft tissue in the throat collapses during sleep, blocking the airway and stopping breathing repeatedly. That lack of oxygen and repeated interruptions of sleep lead to a variety of problems, said Dr. Ryan Soose, director of UPMC's Division of Sleep Surgery. Soose said there aren't good data to establish whether any one type of CPAP mask is more effective than another and that many patients do just fine with traditional hard plastic masks that fit over the nose and mouth. "But a subset of patients that are struggling to get optimum results because of the plastic mask ... those (people) could benefit from a cloth mask," Soose said. "There's a small percentage -- maybe 10 percent or so -- who really have specific concerns about the plastic and skin irritation." One of those people is David Hopwood, a 55-year-old sleep apnea patient from Indianapolis. Hopwood was diagnosed with the condition in September and went through several types of plastic masks before finding Circadiance's SleepWeaver. The cloth mask allows him to sleep on his side in comfort, he said. "It's great and I wouldn't trade it for anything." Circadiance's 14 employees perform product design, marketing, sales and administration out of its Export offices. It contracts for manufacturing with an outside company, Groll said. The growing CPAP market and plans for new products are expected to help Circadiance continue its growth, Groll said. Last year, the company introduced an ultra-lightweight tube to connect the SleepWeaver to the air blowers. And several other products, which Groll declined to discuss, are in Circadiance's development pipeline. "We're building off the concept of soft and light," he said. Read more: Sleep-apnea solutions drive small but growing Export firm - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_779155.html Contact: Alex Nixon PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW anixon@tribweb.com Sean T. Johnson Circadiance 724.387.9183 marketing@circadiance.com » return to the top of this page
Circadiance launches revolutionary new CPAP tube Lightweight and flexible design provides better overall user experience
PITTSBURGH, PA – November 7, 2011- Building on the success of their revolutionary soft cloth nasal SleepWeaver CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) mask, Circadiance is proud to introduce a mask tube so lightweight and flexible, that CPAP users will hardly know it’s there. Used in the treatment of sleep apnea, the new SleepWeaver Feather Weight Tube from Circadiance complements the CPAP mask with a 15-millimeter hose composed of revolutionary, lightweight material that reduces the weight at the mask connection point, making the hose less likely to pull and disrupt the seal. The new tube also extends the hose length by 1.5 feet. “Our new hose is lighter and more flexible than standard CPAP hoses,” says Circadiance Director of Engineering, Ron Mahofski. “It also includes smaller lightweight connectors, which reduce the pull between the hose and the mask.” Also, unlike the majority of hoses, the SleepWeaver Feather Weight Tube offers the unique ability to stretch, providing a more forgiving connection to CPAP devices. It can also be used as a quick release. “These features give users the full benefit of CPAP therapy so they can enjoy a deep, restorative sleep,” says Mahofski. Launching in November 2011, the new tube is designed to fit any CPAP mask with a 22-millimeter connection. About Circadiance Circadiance develops, manufacturers, and markets respiratory products for people with sleep-disordered breathing or who need non-invasive ventilation. With a keen eye on innovative solutions and patient comfort, their products have revolutionized the sleep market. Their best-selling SleepWeaver soft cloth nasal CPAP mask has been lauded by sleep apnea patients and diagnosing physicians as a key to better sleep. With an international distribution network and cutting-edge soft cloth technology, Circadiance continues to excite the sleepy respiratory industry. For more information, please visit http://www.circadiance.com Contact: Anna Miskella Elisco Advertising 412.621.7494 x10 amiskella@elisco.com Sean T. Johnson Circadiance 724.387.9183 marketing@circadiance.com » return to the top of this page
Hard Choices, Soft Options
The SleepWeaver ADVANCE Soft cloth CPAP mask design continues to build an audience by helping resellers become more competitive. What would it take to convince non-compliant CPAP patients to give it one more try? Officials at Export, Pa-based Circadiance believe success depends on offering something bold. As makers of the SleepWeaver ADVANCE Soft Cloth CPAP mask, they contend they have the product that can pique curiosity and spark one more effort. For cash-strapped DME companies and self-dispensing sleep labs, the renewed focus on existing patients can boost revenue and help the business become more competitive. David Groll, CEO of Circadiance, calls it the “revenue recovery program” and it could be one way that businesses win back existing patients and gain “new” revenue that never panned out the first time around. “In some cases, 30% to 50% of patients set up by DMEs and self-dispensing labs end up non-compliant,” says Groll. “Those non-compliant patients are not in the resupply stream. The problem is that sleep labs and DMEs have not had a product to entice them back. If you approach a non-compliant patient and ask ‘would you like to try a different hard plastic mask?,’ for the most part patients will say, ‘No thank you.’” Offering a soft cloth CPAP mask often yields a different response, and gets that CPAP machine out of the bedroom closet. “Our product allows business to reactivate a large number of patients and get them back on CPAP,” says Groll. “Then you can sell replacement masks, tubing, and filters. This is new revenue from the existing patient database. “If even a minority of patients can be recovered, it represents a major impact on the bottom line,” continues Groll. “We have conducted trials on small populations of patients and have had success rates as high as 70% of patients who were contacted who regained compliance. Users already have the CPAP machine in the closet, so it’s a huge win to recover that patient revenue.” Groll believes that new market realities make these efforts all but necessary. Fortunately, identifying non- compliant patients is easier these days thanks to paperless records. Meanwhile, automated resupply systems make it relatively simple to identify patients who are not active in the resupply program. A business can undergo revenue recovery without making changes to existing setup or resupply procedures. And this program does not even require the DME to invest in a CPAP machine. Circadiance also works with labs and DMEs to provide mailer cards marked with customized information for mailing to non-compliant patients. “The long term goal is better compliance in the first place,” says Groll. “The obstacle we face is that businesses often don’t want to change. But they can offer an exciting and different product without changing their fundamental business model.” » Read More » return to the top of this page
Circadiance Named as a Finalist for Tech 50
Circadiance is one of this year's Tech 50 Awards finalists in the Rising Star category for the Pittsburgh Technology Council. » Read More » return to the top of this page
Circadiance® Becomes ISO 13485 Certified; Launches Products in Europe
EXPORT, Pa June 21, 2010 — Circadiance, the world leader in soft cloth nasal CPAP masks, has launched the SleepWeaver® in the European Union and will launch in Canada soon. The company has secured the right to apply the CE Mark after becoming ISO 13485 certified. “Sleep Apnea affects tens of millions of people around the world,” said David Groll, Circadiance’s CEO. “We have already established distributors in several European countries in preparation for this launch, and we anticipate the same enthusiastic reception in these new markets that we have enjoyed in the U.S. Our soft cloth mask is the answer to uncomfortable hard plastic masks that foster noncompliance. This milestone is just another step in our effort to establish global distribution for our superior cloth CPAP mask technology.” More than 40 million American adults (and a similar number outside the U.S.) have Obstructive Sleep Apnea — a common breathing disorder in which the airway collapses or is blocked during sleep. It is most often diagnosed in men (twice as many men suffer than women,) and in older people — at least 1 out of 10 Americans over the age of 65 have sleep apnea. Untreated, sleep apnea can cause a host of medical concerns, including high blood pressure, memory problems, diabetes, impotency, and headaches. Thankfully, patients who follow treatment orders greatly reduce their risk for heart disease and other major medical problems. Circadiance is the world leader in designing, developing and manufacturing soft cloth nasal CPAP Masks. Their innovative lightweight designs — including the patent-pending SleepWeaver mask — have transformed the sleep apnea market by conforming to patient’s faces and creating better-fitting seals, so they’re more comfortable, don’t irritate the skin, and don’t allow air to escape where hard plastic parts don’t fit perfectly. They are quiet and come in a variety of colors. The company is IS013485 certified and the products carry the CE mark allowing them to be sold in Europe and soon Canada. The company, based in Export, Pennsylvania, offers its products online at http://www.sleepweaver.com, and through home care companies domestically and internationally. Contact: David Groll, CEO Circadiance 724.858.2837 info@circadiance.com » return to the top of this page
Circadiance Continues Rapid Growth By Strengthening Management Team
EXPORT, PA - Circadiance, the world leader in Soft Cloth CPAP Masks, announced today that it has made two key additions to its management team: Bruce Benner joins the company as Vice President of Sales, and Greg Ulery as Financial Controller. The company, which has designed and developed the revolutionary Sleepweaver® Soft cloth CPAP mask, has been growing consistently since its inception in April 2007. The addition of new management helps to solidify the organization, bringing depth and more diverse talent to its senior team. Bruce Benner was formerly the President of United Sales Associates, an independent manufacturer’s representative organization that sold CPAP equipment to home care providers in the Southeastern United States. United Sales Associates included 32 sales reps and had sales in excess of $60 million annually. The company was ultimately sold to Respironics. Greg Ulery joins the company after a long career of progressive responsibility in the steel industry. Most recently, Greg was with North American Hoganas, where he held the position of Credit/Collection Manager and Account Manager. “We’re glad to welcome these gentlemen to the team,” said David Groll, CEO. “Bruce brings creativity and deep industry experience that will help us quickly build Circadiance into a major player in the CPAP market. Greg strengthens our internal team that will help us manage the financial relationships with our major customers. Their arrival will support our accelerating growth.” Contact: David Groll, CEO Circadiance 724.858.2837 info@circadiance.com » return to the top of this page
Clinical Launch of Innovative Cloth Sleep Apnea Mask Creates Buzz at Sleep Conference
Circadiance launched the revolutionary SleepWeaver™ Nasal CPAP Mask at the tradeshow of the 22nd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, SLEEP 2008, which was held in Baltimore June 9 – 12. Many sleep apnea patients discontinue their CPAP therapy because their CPAP mask causes discomfort, irritation and sleep interruption. The innovative SleepWeaver is the only 100 percent cloth CPAP mask on the market today. It gently inflates and softly conforms to the patient’s face to create a seal, and because the cloth is flexible and follows the exact shape of each individual patient’s face, air leakage is reduced. It is also designed to reduce mask noise to provide a good nights sleep. And unlike other masks, SleepWeaver has no plastic or silicone parts that touch the face, preventing it from irritating sensitive skin. ”There are several advantages of this method over conventional CPAP masks,” explains David Groll, President of Circadiance. “The air pressure causes the soft, breathable cloth to balloon and conform easily to the patient’s facial anatomy, creating the seal. There is no need for excess tension in the straps and no localized pressure points that can create pressure sores.” More than 5,000 scientists and doctors were in attendance at the conference. The SleepWeaver™ received an overwhelmingly favorable response from doctors, therapists and others in the sleep products industry. Dr. Natalio Chediak MD, of the Boca Raton Sleep Center, who was introduced to the mask at this conference, commented, “This is the most unique interface at this meeting. I have never seen anything quite like it before. I can see its place in my practice. This is very impressive.” Another perspective came from sleep technician Joshua Whitaker RPSGT of the Lake Point Sleep Lab in Rockwall TX “This is awesome. The fact that the air pressure makes a cloth balloon is really awesome”. Luis DelaCruz RPSGT of the Adirondack Regional Sleep Disorders Center commented “I can really see a place for this in my practice particularly in those patients with sensitive skin and allergic conditions.” SleepWeaver™ is available in the United States and can be purchased directly at http://www.sleepweaver.com or through most home care companies. Contact: David Groll, CEO Circadiance 724.858.2837 info@circadiance.com » return to the top of this page
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