F&P sleep device wins insurance nod

By ELLEN READ

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare has scored a breakthrough in Germany, winning a health insurance endorsement for its flagship sleep apnoea product.

This means German medical insurance companies are now covered to use Healthcare's integrated flow generator-humidifier, used for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea.

Healthcare's senior vice-president of sales and marketing, Paul Shearer, said Germany was considered the world's second largest market for obstructive sleep apnoea treatment devices so insurance approval was a big lift for the company.

"Nothing happens overnight but it's a huge boost," he said.

The units - manufactured at the company's East Tamaki plant - sell for US$500 to US$1000 ($873-$1746).

Shearer said Healthcare's operation in Germany sold other products - respiratory humidifier systems, neonatal care products and obstructive sleep apnoea humidifiers and masks. But flow generator sales were tiny because insurance companies had not paid for their use.

The company does not release sales figures.

www.fphcare.com