CPAP market still wide open, say poll respondents

YARMOUTH, Maine – Nearly five years after the Philips Respironics recall reshaped the CPAP market, respondents to a recent HME Newspoll say there’s still significant opportunity for new competition and innovation. 

Seventy‑two percent of respondents report they are currently looking to add new CPAP devices to their portfolios this year, and 45% say they are exploring new CPAP masks. 

“We are in need of additional competitors and options, because the current manufacturers have a stronghold on the industry, which does not allow competitive pricing to increase thin profits for HME providers,” wrote one respondent. 

Philips recall left a lasting gap in the CPAP market 

In June 2021, Philips Respironics initiated a voluntary U.S. recall for specific CPAP, BiPAP and ventilator models due to degradation of the PE‑PUR sound‑abatement foam used in the devices. A consent decree in the U.S. announced in April 2024, prevents the company from directly or indirectly manufacturing, holding and/or distributing devices at or from covered facilities. 

Philips has continued to sell CPAP masks, but the exit of its devices has created a long-term supply and competition gap that still shapes market dynamics. 

New CPAP entrants step into the market 

In recent months, several companies have introduced new products aimed at filling that gap and expanding choice for home medical equipment (HME) providers: 

• SleepRes received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Kricket powered by KPAP device. 
• Inogen launched its Aurora line of CPAP masks. 
• Fisher & Paykel Healthcare introduced its new Nova Nasal CPAP mask. 

Providers say demand for new devices outweighs interest in masks 

Respondents emphasized that the greater need is for more CPAP device alternatives. 

“As far as masks, there are plenty to choose from, but we need a better range of machines out there other than the companies who dominate the CPAP world,” wrote one respondent. 

Providers want better technology, usability and control 

Respondents identified several features they would like to see in next-generation CPAP devices, including: 

• The ability to view and monitor usage remotely over the internet 
• Reduced mechanical issues 
• A more user‑friendly online interface for physicians 

“I would like to see a (device) specifically designed for women,” wrote Nancy Nittler, vice president of Stance Health Solutions in California, “and a better system to fill the humidifier.” 

One respondent noted the need for devices that can narrow pressure ranges over time: “So many doctors are putting their patients on wide open 4‑20 APAP, and it makes it difficult to gain compliance due to exceeding needed pressure maxes.” 

Another added: “Pressure is pressure, but it’s the auto-titrating algorithm that sets machines apart. As for masks, keep the innovation going.”