Covid-19 Resource centre

The second COVID-19 wave is impacting a number of European markets and, given our understanding of the role that respiratory devices play during this period, we are taking several measures to ensure the continuous supply of products to meet patient need.
As a manufacturer of respiratory devices and equipment, we have put processes and policies in place that maximise the availability of our equipment. We are closely monitoring demand vs. stock in Europe, and have the manufacturing capacity to react rapidly if there are sudden changes in this landscape. Following the first wave, we are maintaining high levels of stock of COVID-19-consolidated device product codes for Europe. We have also increased our safety stock of NV masks and critical accessories, all of which saw increased demand during the initial COVID-19 wave.
For a small number of items (specific Astral circuit configurations), we continue to face backorders, as our suppliers have not been able to catch up since the initial outbreak and subsequent increase in demand. In the meantime, we continue to source alternative items where applicable in order to provide solutions for our customers.

In an attempt to ensure the adequate supply of our products to patients across Europe, maintain continuity of care throughout the region, and ensure our readiness should demand increase, we will be monitoring all orders placed with us and reserve the right to phase the shipment of requested quantities until further notice. Since the first COVID-19 outbreaks in Europe, ResMed has been prioritising the repair of, among other items, ventilators in service centres to have as many units as possible available for hospitals and patients.

In order to facilitate the best possible supply of our products, having an early indication of larger volumes needed for the next few weeks will be essential in managing our manufacturing capacities. Our objective is to maintain continuity of care across countries, so we will be monitoring and prioritizing all orders being placed. To this end, we may part fulfil orders of requested quantities where necessary.

In this case we ask you to approach your ResMed representative in order for them to centralize your different needs.

All ventilator orders are currently being monitored in order for us to allocate them across the European region. Consequently, we have implemented a biweekly allocation process. Your order could be split into several deliveries which could phased over a period of time. In order to have a fair allocation process delivery volumes are being allocated very late in the process, and will be shipped the same or the next day.

To ensure an efficient process, unfortunately we are not able to give any advance delivery notification. However, all orders are kept in our system and fulfilled as soon as we have available stock. We are doing everything we can to ship as many orders as possible each day.

For customers that currently receive order acknowledgements:

All ventilator and range of accessories orders are currently being monitored to allow us to allocate them across the European region. To maintain this, all ventilators are shown as backorders on your order acknowledgment. So as to have a fair allocation system, delivery volumes are being allocated very late in the process, to be shipped the same or next day.

To ensure an efficient process, we are not able to send any advance delivery notification. However, if you have received a partial delivery and would like to confirm the number of outstanding items in an order, please contact our customer service team. All outstanding orders or part-orders are kept in our system and will be reviewed during the next biweekly allocation process.

For non-ventilator products, backorders are shown on the order acknowledgment as normal. ResMed is fulfilling all backorders as soon as stock becomes available and our European warehouses are working very hard to fulfil orders daily. We are aware that for some countries there are transport delays due to congestions at borders; rest assured, we are working tirelessly to keep goods flowing.

All orders are kept in our system and dealt with as quickly as possible.

For customers that currently do not receive order acknowledgements:

All ventilator and range of accessories orders are currently being monitored to allow us to allocate them across the European region. So as to have a fair allocation system, delivery volumes are being allocated very late in the process, to be shipped the same or next day.

To ensure an efficient process, we are not able to send any backorder notifications or advance delivery notification. However, if you have received a partial delivery and would like to confirm the number of outstanding items in an order, please contact our customer service team. All outstanding orders or part-orders are kept in our system and will be reviewed during next the biweekly allocation process.

For non-ventilator products, backorders are fulfilled as soon as we have available stock. Again, to ensure process efficiency, we are not able to give any backorder notifications or advance delivery notification.

ResMed is fulfilling all backorders as soon as stock becomes available. Our European warehouses are working very hard to fulfil orders daily. We know that for some countries there are transport delays due to congestions at borders; rest assured, we are working tirelessly to keep goods flowing.

All orders are kept in our system and dealt with as quickly as possible.

All ResMed ventilators are manufactured and assembled in Sydney and Singapore, and are safe for use.

Yes, all Chinese-made components for ResMed products are safe for use, and all components received at a ResMed manufacturing facility go through rigorous safety, cleanliness, and quality checks before manufacturing – processes designed to safeguard against such health threats as COVID-19.

The Narval CC production site will reopen on 11 May, 2020. The production team will be actively processing orders and exceptional sanitary measures are being put in place to protect the health and safety of our employees. If you work with physical impressions (silicone or alginate), please take extra care to disinfect your impressions before sending them to us.
Orders placed before 20 March, 2020, had been put on hold and will be treated as a priority. Once we have cleared those orders, new orders will be manufactured and shipped to you within the usual timeframes.

In an effort to maximise our supply capacities and minimise our lead times, we are currently reducing the complexity of our product offering. We strive to seek your agreement on changes to your orders, before they are processed. If you have further questions about your specific order, please contact your local ResMed customer service team.

In an effort to maximise our supply capacities and minimise our lead times, we are currently reducing the complexity of our product offering. We strive to seek your agreement on changes to your orders, before they are processed. If you have further questions about your specific order, please contact your local ResMed customer service team.

ResMed’s primary focus is to put as many lifesaving respiratory devices as possible into the hands of frontline heroes – the healthcare providers treating patients worldwide impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the COVID-19 crisis began, the industry is facing unprecedented global demand for ventilators and other respiratory devices. We are working closely with hospitals, physicians, and government officials worldwide to understand their specific needs and have committed to tripling our global production of ventilators and bilevel devices to maximize the number of patients who get the help they need.

ResMed sincerely appreciates the interest and ideas offered by other companies, government agencies, health systems, clinicians, and academic and security researchers. There are reports that CPAPs might be modified to serve as ventilators. While technically it is possible to convert CPAPs to bilevel devices, it would take valuable time and resources to test and validate modifications to ensure we are delivering safe and effective devices that meet regulatory requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the hospitals, health systems, and governments who are working directly with ResMed to prioritize their needs are not requesting modified single-purpose CPAP devices that are commonly used in the home to treat sleep apnea. For these reasons, we have prioritized the production of devices that address the immediate needs of hospitals and what clinicians are asking for.

Instead of modifying CPAP devices that are needed and used by sleep apnea patients, we’ve modified our manufacturing process, shifting teams and tools to maximize the production and delivery of the devices healthcare providers are telling us they need most – ventilators and bilevel machines. We can already build them at scale without further research and testing, and without putting patients’ safety and lives at risk.

There is another very important way that those millions of home CPAP devices can be used to save lives. They should be used as prescribed by those who rely on them for the treatment of their sleep apnea. If you have one, I urge you to use it. I’ve used mine faithfully, every night for many years.

Patients in need of more complex respiratory support need a wholly different device. ResMed has already ramped up production of such devices, and together with others in the industry, we will not stop until there is a ventilator or bilevel device for every patient worldwide who needs one.

The AirSense devices are indicated for up to 15L/min. The addition of oxygen may affect device performance with increasing O2 levels. Mitigation of risk can be achieved through external monitoring. Please refer to the following Clinical Bulletin for more information about Cautions and Warnings:
CB#010 Supplemental Oxygen and Low Dispersion Circuit with CPAP and Bi-level Devices for COVID-19
The AirSense devices are indicated for OSA only.

Testing and clinical assessment by ResMed showed the ventilator performance was acceptable, but there may be some impacts when Lumis, AirCurve, AirSense and S9 devices are used with a low dispersion circuit and with an oxygen flowrate of higher than 15L/min
With increasing O2 flow levels, triggering may be less sensitive to patient efforts and trigger delay may be increased. This may lead to asynchrony for very low patient flows, but can be improved by increasing the trigger sensitivity.
Pressure delivery and device reported values may be impacted by increasing O2 flow levels, but not to an extent where patient safety is impacted or accuracy is significantly reduced.
Please refer to the following Clinical Bulletin for more information about Cautions and Warnings:
CB#010 Supplemental Oxygen and Low Dispersion Circuit with CPAP and Bi-level Devices for COVID-19
The AirSense, AirCurve, S9 Elite and S9 AutoSet devices are indicated for OSA.

With increasing O2 flow levels, triggering may be less sensitive to patient efforts and trigger delay may be increased. This may lead to asynchrony for very low patient flows, but can be improved by increasing the trigger sensitivity.
Pressure delivery and device reported values may be impacted by increasing O2 flow levels, but not to an extent where patient safety is impacted or accuracy is significantly reduced.
Please refer to the following Clinical Bulletin for more information about Cautions and Warnings:
CB#010 Supplemental Oxygen and Low Dispersion Circuit with CPAP and Bi-level Devices for COVID-19
The AirSense and AirCurve devices are indicated for OSA.

To achieve better levels of FiO2, and to minimize interferences with proper device operation, it is recommended to insert the oxygen connector directly into the patient’s mask.
The low dispersion circuit features, in succession: a non-vented mask, an oxygen sideport connector, an antibacterial/antiviral filter or Heat Moisture Exchange Filter, a ResMed leak valve and standard tubing.

Circuit accessories (eg, AB/AV filter, oxygen port, non-vented mask) placed between the leak port and the patient contribute to increased dead-space which may lead to some rebreathing. In order to minimize this, clinicians may consider switching to bi-level mode instead of CPAP and/or increasing pressure support if patient CO2 levels increase.
Please refer to the following Clinical Bulletin for more information about Cautions and Warnings:
CB#010 Supplemental Oxygen and Low Dispersion Circuit with CPAP and Bi-level Devices for COVID-19

Supplemental oxygen can be entrained via the dedicated oxygen inlet, located at the rear of the device. Oxygen supply should be limited to a maximum of 30 L/min. Instructions to add supplemental oxygen can be found in the Stellar clinical guide.
ResMed strongly recommends supplying oxygen through Stellar’s oxygen inlet at the rear of the device. Entraining oxygen elsewhere, i.e. into the breathing system via a side port or at the mask, has the potential to:
• Impair triggering and accuracy of therapy/monitoring and alarms (e.g., High Leak alarm, non-vented mask alarm). Therapy and alarm operation must be verified each time oxygen flow is adjusted if oxygen is not entrained through the inlet at the rear of the device.
• Promote false triggering of the blocked tube alarm leading to ventilation cessation. Therapy and alarm operation must be verified each time oxygen flow is adjusted if oxygen is not entrained through the inlet at the rear of the device.
Please refer to the following Clinical Bulletin for more information about Cautions and Warnings:
CB#013 Use of Low Dispersion Circuit with Stellar for COVID-19

The low dispersion circuit features, in succession: a non-vented mask, an oxygen sideport connector, an antibacterial/antiviral filter or Heat Moisture Exchange Filter, a ResMed leak valve and standard tubing.
Circuit accessories (eg, AB/AV filter, oxygen port, non-vented mask) placed between the Leak Port and the patient contribute to increased dead-space which may lead to some rebreathing. In order to minimize this, clinicians may consider switching to bi-level mode instead of CPAP, and/or increasing pressure support if patient CO2 levels increase.
Please refer to the following Clinical Bulletin for more information about Cautions and Warnings:
CB#010 Supplemental Oxygen and Low Dispersion Circuit with CPAP and Bi-level Devices for COVID-19

This low dispersion circuit configuration deviates from Stellar’s indications for use in the AB filter location, Leak Valve in non-invasive use and the use of a non-vented mask. The oxygen entrainment remains unchanged from the indications for use.
Proximal AB/AV or HMEF Filter resistance: The filter resistance or an increase in filter resistance could reduce delivered airway pressure and increase the patient’s work of breathing. Clinicians should assess the need to compensate for filter resistance if necessary by increasing set pressure levels or pressure support to overcome any additional work of breathing.
AB/AV Filters and HMEFs should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions, including when impacted by moisture or secretions.
Please refer to the following Clinical Bulletin for more information about Cautions and Warnings:
CB#013 Use of Low Dispersion Circuit with Stellar for COVID-19

FiO2:
ResMed performed bench testing to provide users with guidance on the expected FiO2 when using the recommended circuit.
When interpreting FiO2 values, it is important to keep in mind that various factors can influence the end results, both in bench testing and in the clinical application.
Both the pressure settings and the resulting minute ventilation create variation of at least 20% FiO2. Additional variation may be caused by other confounding factors including, but not limited to: patient breath rate, inspiratory peak flows, unintentional leak, and intentional leak of the ResMed leak valve.
Please refer to the following Clinical Bulletin for more information and Cautions and Warnings:
CB#010 Supplemental Oxygen and Low Dispersion Circuit with CPAP and Bi-level Devices for COVID-19

The low dispersion circuit is not the intended use for these devices, but emerging clinical practice in treating COVID-19 shows that it is a likely need given the ventilator shortage and the concern of infection risk to healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The shown circuit configuration in the clinical bulletin applies to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), spontaneous (S), spontaneous timed (ST), pressure assist control (PAC), and timed (T) modes in Lumis, AirCurve, AirSense and S9 platforms. These devices are identified differently throughout global regions.
The clinical bulletin provides clinicians treating COVID-19 patients with factors to consider when seeking methods to reduce the dispersion of aerosolized virus, and increase FiO2 in the healthcare setting.
Please refer to the following Clinical Bulletin for more information and Cautions and Warnings:
CB#010 Supplemental Oxygen and Low Dispersion Circuit with CPAP and Bi-level Devices for COVID-19
The AirSense, AirCurve, S9 Elite and S9 AutoSet devices are indicated for OSA

The low dispersion circuit is not the intended use for these devices, but emerging clinical practice in treating COVID-19 shows that it is a likely need given the ventilator shortage and the concern of infection risk to healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Patient and device instructions from the user and clinical guide for Stellar should continue to be followed in addition to the information provided within the clinical bulletin.
The clinical bulletin provides clinicians treating COVID-19 patients with factors to consider when seeking methods to reduce the dispersion of aerosolized virus using the Stellar 100 and Stellar 150 ResMed devices.
Please refer to the following Clinical Bulletin for more information about Cautions and Warnings:
CB#013 Use of Low Dispersion Circuit with Stellar for COVID-19

Low dispersion circuit setups and invasive ventilation have been recommended to minimize virus aerosolization and reduce concerns for infection risk to healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ResMed leak valve has been recommended as part of the low dispersion circuit accessories, as well as in invasive ventilation. However, due to the high demand, this component is now in short supply.
The Resmed leak valve features an integrated anti-asphysxia valve (AAV); the ResMed leak port does not.
The use of the ResMed leak port applies only to non-invasive and invasive low dispersion circuits with ResMed devices that contain alarms.
Patient and device instructions should continue to be followed in addition to the information provided within the clinical bulletin. ResMed’s user and clinical guides are not being modified for these devices. Moreover, indications for use for ResMed’s alarmed devices have not been modified.
ResMed has assessed the risks of using a ResMed leak port without an anti-asphyxia valve (AAV) in place of a ResMed leak valve in ventilator breathing circuits, and has determined the clinical risk-benefit to be acceptable for the following alarmed devices and respective setups:

Please refer to the following Clinical Bulletin for more information about Cautions and Warnings:
CB#014 Use of ResMed Leak Port without AAV in Ventilator Breathing Circuits for COVID-19
The AirSense, AirCurve, S9 Elite and S9 AutoSet devices are indicated for OSA

The most notable difference in using the ResMed leak port in place of the ResMed leak valve is the absence of the anti-asphyxia valve (AAV), which mitigates the risk of rebreathing in the event of device failure. It is imperative to note that using the ResMed leak port for circuit configurations applies only if ResMed leak valves are not available during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The following table presents performance and dimensional feature differences between the ResMed leak port and ResMed leak valve

Please refer to the following Clinical Bulletin for more information about Cautions and Warnings:
CB#013 Use of Low Dispersion Circuit with Stellar for COVID-19

Non-invasive low dispersion circuit setup with a ResMed leak port can be used with S9 VPAP ST-A, Lumis ST-A, AirCurve ST-A, Stellar 100/150, and Astral 100/150.
This non-invasive setup and its components can be seen in the figure below.
It is crucial that clinician ensures proper mask fit of the non-vented mask to prevent mask leak in this circuit configuration.

Please refer to the following Clinical Bulletin for more information about Cautions and Warnings:
CB#013 Use of Low Dispersion Circuit with Stellar for COVID-19
The AirSense, AirCurve, S9 Elite and S9 AutoSet devices are indicated for OSA

The invasive low dispersion circuit with ResMed leak port can be used only with Stellar 100/150 and Astral 100/150, using an uncuffed or deflated cuff tracheostomy tube, or endotracheal tube.
The invasive use case should not be considered lightly, and should only be resorted to if there is a dire need to support the patient’s condition.
The invasive circuit setup can be seen in the figure below.
Note that the catheter mount is not a ResMed component.

Please refer to the following Clinical Bulletin for more information about Cautions and Warnings:
CB#013 Use of Low Dispersion Circuit with Stellar for COVID-19

Astral and Stellar are able to entrain supplemental oxygen through the device via an oxygen port. These devices are designed to be compatible with supplemental oxygen up to a level of 30 L/min.

Lumis devices are compatible with supplemental oxygen of up to 4 L/min in iVAPS mode, or up to
15 L/min in all other modes.

At a fixed rate of supplemental oxygen flow, the inhaled oxygen concentration will vary depending on the ventilation mode and settings, patient breathing pattern, mask selection, and leak rate.

FiO2

Astral:

When an adult patient is using a non-vented circuit (double limb and single limb with valve, invasive and non invasive), almost 100% FiO2 can be achieved with an additional 30L/min of supplemental oxygen and more than 80% FiO2 can be achieved with an additional 15L/min of supplemental oxygen.

When an adult patient is using a vented circuit (Leak system), almost 75% FiO2 can be achieved with an additional 30L/min of supplemental oxygen, and more than 60% FiO2 can be achieved with an additional 15L/min of supplemental oxygen.

Stellar:

When adding 30L/min of supplemental oxygen, more than 90% FiO2 can be achieved if there is no leak, and almost 80% with a leak of 20L/min.

Astral and Stellar

 To add supplemental oxygen, please follow the instructions below:

1. Unlock the low flow oxygen inlet at the rear of the device by pushing up on the locking clip.
2. Insert one end of the oxygen supply tubing into the oxygen port connector. The tubing will automatically lock into place.
3. Attach the other end of the oxygen supply tubing to the oxygen supply.
4. Start ventilation.
5. Turn on oxygen and adjust (at the oxygen supply) to the prescribed flow rate or FiO2 level.

For Astral devices:

For Stellar devices:

To remove supplemental oxygen:

 Before you remove supplemental oxygen from the device, ensure the oxygen supply has been turned off.

1. Unlock the low flow oxygen inlet at the rear of the device by pushing up on the locking clip.
2. Remove the oxygen port connector from the low flow oxygen inlet.

A low pressure oxygen connector (product code: 24971) is needed to connect the low flow oxygen inlet to the oxygen supply tubing. Please see below.

Lumis

To connect supplemental oxygen to Lumis devices, you can either use a ClimateLineAir Oxy tube or an oxygen connector port. For more information on how to set up the device with supplemental oxygen, refer to the user guide supplied with the accessory you choose to use.

Please note:

• Adding oxygen may affect the delivered pressure and accuracy of the displayed and reported values (e.g. leak, minute ventilation and AHI).
• Always make sure that the device is on, and airflow generated, before the oxygen supply is turned on. Always switch off the oxygen supply before turning off the device. Unused oxygen can accumulate within the device enclosure and presents a fire hazard.

For all devices (Astral, Stellar and Lumis), it is recommended that an antibacterial Heat Moisture Exchange Filter (HME) or antibacterial filter will be used to reduce the risk of contamination. While ResMed do supply these filters, other manufacturers can provide similar filters with the same antiviral/antibacterial properties.

To prevent the risk of cross-contamination, it is essential that an antibacterial filter is placed on the inspiratory port if the device is to be used on multiple patients .

Please note that the filters need to be changed frequently (for more precise information please refer to the filter user instruction) and also when the devices are used on multiple patients.

In addition, patients should follow ResMed’s user guide.

To avoid cross contamination, an antibacterial filter must be placed at the inspiratory port of Astral devices, or the air oultet of the Stellar and Lumis devices. The air tubing must be attached to the other side of the filter.

In Astral devices, antibacterial filters can be added to both the inspiratory port and the expiratory inlet. This is recommended when using nebulisers in order to protect the device.

Antibacterial HME Filter

The antibacterial HME filter must be placed between the patient end of the circuit and the patient interface.

Patient interfaces include any components placed after the single circuit’s expiratory valve or exhalation port, or a double limb circuit’s Y piece. Where there is a ResMed leak valve, connect the antibactierial HME filter to the patient side of this.

HMEs are passive humidification systems which retain heat and moisture from the patient’s exhaled gases via an internal membrane. An HME should not be used with active humidification.

In addition, patients should follow ResMed’s user guide.

Astral: the machine filter filters particles of 10 micrometers and above. It is a dust filter and has to be changed between patients.

Stellar: The machine filter in the Stellar device has a bacterial filtration efficiency of 99.540% on area weight 100g/m². As viruses are typically smaller than bacteria (<0.1 micrometers), the filter is not guaranteed to remove them from the entrained air. The filter has to be changed between patients.

Lumis: The standard air filter in Lumis devices is made of non-woven polyester. The average efficiency is >75% for >7 micrometers dust. The hypoallergenic filter is made of acrylic and polypropylene fibres, in a polypropylene carrier. Its efficiency is >98% for >7-8 micrometers dust; >80% for >0.5 micrometers dust. Both types of filter have to be changed between patients.

Please note: If using an antibacterial filter, it must be checked for signs of moisture or other contaminants, particularly during humidification. Failure to do so could result in increased breathing system resistance.

Further instruction for using Stellar with an external humidifier:

Place the antibacterial filter at the air outlet, connect the external humidifier to the other side of the AB filter through the air tubing. Connect the other air tubing from the humidifier to the ResMed leak valve.

Do not use an antibacterial filter with the internal humidifier H4i.

In addition, patients should follow ResMed’s user guide.

HEPA filters remove at least 99.95% of particles with a diameter equal to 0.3 micrometers from the air which passes through.

Antibacterial and antibacterial HME filters filter particles >0.1 micrometers, meaning that they are more effecitive at filtering particles and microorganisms than HEPA filters.

In addition, patients should follow ResMed’s user guide and clinical guide.

To protect the Astral air inlet in a hospital setting, staff should ensure the air filter is not blocked by clothes or other objects, inspect the air inlet filter regularly and replace if necessary.

In addition, patients should follow ResMed’s user guide.

Information about cleaning and disinfecting the external device surfaces can be found in the clinical guide. However, as COVID-19 is a novel virus, specific decontamination methods have not yet been validated.

In addition, patients should follow ResMed’s cleaning procedures, as outlined in the user guide.

The Cleaning and Disinfection section of the ApneaLink Air Clinical Guide describes the validated materials and method for processing devices between patients. It is not necessary to clean the interior of the ApneaLink Air device. Based on the behaviours of this virus, and its ability to spread, ResMed has assessed the risk of cross-infection for homecare devices and determined it to be improbable. This is based on:

• the difficulty of contamination reaching the device interior, and
• the ability to the virus to remain viable on a surface in that environment, and
  • Current survival time on surfaces is approx. three days¹
  • Current survival time as an aersol is approx. three hours¹
• the ability of the virus to be mobilised and transmitted to a second patient. As described by the WHO, the key transmission risk for COVID-19 is via person to person transmission in close contact.

[1] Aerosol and surface stability of HCoV-19 (SAR-CoV-2) compared to SARS-CoV-1. Van Doremalen et al 2020

ResMed has not tested or validated the use of in-line filters for the ApneaLink Air, and therefore cannot recommend the use of these filters with the product.

Detailed instructions are available on the product pages, and support pages, of our corporate website. You will find a range of official guides for ResMed products, including Set-Up  for our ventilation machines. Clinical guides will be on demand.

For further information, try our free education platform, ResMed Academy Online. Here, you can access a rich bank of educational resources, learning activities and expertise, designed to help improve patient outcomes.

If you do not already have an account, you can sign-up to ResMed Academy Online at no cost; the registration process is simple and should take no longer than a couple of minutes.

ResMed will soon be publishing more educational resources on the webinar.resmed.eu site, so please check back for further information soon.

For any further questions, please contact your local customer or sales representative.

We recognise that many of you have concerns regarding orders, supply and shipment in light of the coronavirus pandemic, and we are committed to providing regularly updated information to our customers across the globe. To help ensure our communications reach the community as soon as possible, we have created a dedicated COVID-19 FAQ page, which will be updated as and when new information becomes available to us.

For any further questions, please contact your local customer or sales representative.