Graymark Healthcare (Nasdaq: GRMH) announced that it has added two new sleep centers in Texas and Nebraska with the signing of agreements to provide on-site services to Goodall-Witcher Medical Center in Central Texas and Henderson Community Hospital in Nebraska. These agreements continue to execute on Graymark's strategy to expand the availability of sleep medicine in rural communities that otherwise might not have access to comprehensive sleep care.  "These are important partnerships as they position and validate our model to offer customized services to meet the needs of medical centers and sustain a business model where all stakeholders win," said Stanton Nelson, Chairman and CEO of Graymark Healthcare.  With these strategic partnerships Graymark Healthcare now manages and provides care in 93 Sleep Centers in 11 states.

"Goodall-Witcher Medical Center in Central Texas is very pleased to be able to offer sleep studies locally.  Previously patients would have to travel to Waco or other distant areas for these services," commented Clarence Fields, Jr., FACHE, President/CEO.  "Not only will Goodall-Witcher Medical Center be able to serve patients locally for these tests, but it will also service patients referred by physicians and providers located in surrounding areas," Fields added.

"It is amazing how many individuals I see on a regular basis with sleep disorders," said Dr. Kenneth Lowrance, APRN, FNP-BC, Family Nurse Practitioner/Vice President at Goodall-Witcher.  "Once diagnosed with sleep apnea, treatment has resulted in almost miraculous changes in many patients' lives.  One cannot underestimate the value and importance of high quality sleep in optimizing one's ability to function and in improving their overall quality of life." 

"Graymark Healthcare is honored to create an alignment with Goodall-Witcher Medical Center and Henderson Community Hospitals to provide sleep diagnostic and treatment services," said Stanton Nelson.  "The Graymark Healthcare Comprehensive Care Model for Sleep Disorders including obstructive sleep apnea complement the care offered by hospitals and medical centers and allow them to provide state-of-the-art sleep disorder services in a high quality, affordable manner," Nelson continued.

The management agreement between these Medical Centers and Graymark Healthcare become effective in July; the sleep centers will begin seeing patients in August.

Graymark Healthcare, Inc. is a diversified medical holding company that owns and operates diagnostic sleep centers that treat a wide range of sleep disorders; independent pharmacies that serve the needs of local markets; and a medical equipment company that provides both disposable and durable medical equipment. Graymark plans to continue its growth both internally and through strategic acquisitions within the medical industry.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements which are based on the Company's current expectations, forecasts and assumptions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the Company's expectations, forecasts and assumptions. These risks and uncertainties include risks and uncertainties not in the control of the Company, including, without limitation, the current economic climate and other risks and uncertainties, including those enumerated and described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which filings are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Unless otherwise required by law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

July 29, 2010 / category: Sleep Centers / link / comments (0)
A small organic mattress and bedding manufacturer in central Virginia has grown over 400% in four years, and leads a surging market niche.

Until recently, few consumers recognized that most mattresses are made with toxic chemicals. The British medical journal, The Lancet, and the Harvard School of Public Health have linked high-volume-production (HVP) chemicals in consumer products with developmental brain disorders such as autism and ADHD*. Some, such as formaldehyde and toluene, common in conventional and memory foam mattresses, are known carcinogens.

The Savvy Rest Organic Mattress is all-natural latex, made from the sap of the rubber tree. The casing is certified organic wool and certified organic cotton. Independent organic certifications add credibility to the brand.

Savvy Rest attributes its growth to increasing demand for healthful, eco-friendly products, creative staff (none with MBAs or sales backgrounds), thorough research, and strong relationships with 60+ independent stores. In 2005, Savvy Rest had one idea and two staff. Today, the company employs 15 people. In 2006, Savvy Rest sold 90% of its products directly to consumers. In 2010, over 90% of sales are through the company's growing network of dealers--the broadest among organic mattress manufacturers.

Savvy Rest is a member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council and is certified by Green America. The company posts organic certifications and independent materials testing results on its web site: http://www.savvyrest.com. The site features the industry's most comprehensive consumer education, including over 50 articles on materials, design, and sleep issues.

In addition to distinguishing between natural and synthetic latex, the Savvy Rest web site also educates consumers on the differences among mattresses labeled organic. Prior to 2005, even mattresses called "organic" were made with cotton fiber filling, which grows hard or lumpy in a short time. Cotton fiber also harbors dust mites, a major allergen.

Savvy Rest's founder, Michael Penny, a 30-year yoga practitioner, developed a layered mattress design that is customized for each person, based on their height, weight, sleeping positions, and pain issues. Savvy Rest Organic Mattresses can be configured differently on each side to accommodate couples, and can be customized to any dimensions.

The company offers a 90-day exchange period during which customers can change layers to alter the "feel".

The Savvy Rest bedding line includes organic mattress toppers, sheets, mattress pads, and pillows.

July 16, 2010 / category: Mattresses / link / comments (0)
Neurim Pharmaceuticals (http://www.Neurim.com) confirmed today that the European Commission (EC) has approved a change in treatment duration with Circadin from 3 to 13 weeks (3 months). Circadin is indicated for the treatment of primary insomnia in patients who are aged 55 or over.

The approval was based primarily on data obtained in the latest SOUNDER-SLEEP Phase IV clinical study, indicating that Circadin was safe and more effective than placebo for at least 3 months. Circadin is now the only sleep medication to be approved for up to 3 months.

The latest study was a large randomized clinical trial that analyzed more than 600 patients, over 400 of whom where on Circadin treatment for 6 months. The study demonstrated improvements in sleep latency, quality of sleep and morning alertness, with no withdrawal symptoms and rebound insomnia. The safety and efficacy data provided in the study support the proposed changes in treatment duration. In particular, the analysis of data from the new study showed that the benefit observed after 3 weeks is maintained for at least 3 months. Moreover, at 3 months, about an extra 10% of responders were seen in the Circadin treated group.

Circadin (http://www.Circadin.com) is an innovative sleep medication that has been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products (SwissMedic) and the Israeli Ministry of Health (MOH) for the short-term treatment of primary insomnia, characterized by poor quality of sleep in patients who are aged 55 and over. The approval is based on clinical studies demonstrating positive effects on sleep quality, sleep induction, and most importantly next day alertness and functioning.

"We are pleased that the EMA recognized the importance of this therapeutic profile and recommended approval of the change in the posology of Circadin from 3 weeks to 3 months of treatment," said Professor Nava Zisapel, CSO of Neurim Pharmaceuticals, adding, "Importantly, Circadin's efficacy was maintained for at least 3 months and safety was maintained over the entire six months of treatment."

Dr. Tali Nir, VP Clinical and Regulatory Affairs of Neurim Pharmaceuticals explained that in the case of some hypnotics, concerns of safety and potential dependence issues have led to restrictions in the permitted treatment duration to ultra short periods for 2 to 4 weeks. Adding, "With Circadin there are no safety concerns and no concerns regarding withdrawal or rebound effects, as demonstrated in the study, which would limit the recommendation to treat for the full 3 month short term treatment period."

Circadin (http://www.Circadin.com) is the first and only IP-protected prolonged-release melatonin to be approved as an ethical drug by health authorities. Administration of Circadin to patients with primary insomnia improves sleep quality and morning alertness and facilitates sleep onset in patients aged 55 or over. Now it is also the first insomnia treatment approved for up to 13 weeks. Currently Circadin is commercialized in Europe by H.Lundbeck A/S and Nycomed, in Australia by Sigma, in Thailand by DKSH and in Israel by Teva. Circadin is undergoing registration in US, Asia and Latin American markets.

Neurim Pharmaceuticals (http://www.Neurim.com) is headquartered in Israel with offices in Switzerland and the UK. The company was founded in 1991 and is focused on drug discovery and development of treatments for age-related disorders, primarily in the central nervous system (CNS).

July 9, 2010 / category: Insomnia / link / comments (0)
Scottsdale's True REST Float Spa, the first in the United States to offer REST pod technology, is building quite a following - in terms of both customers and fans on its Facebook site.

Due to its popularity and consumer demand, the facility is expanding and now offers therapeutic massage, hot stone therapy and Reflexology in addition to its flotation therapy specialty. In Flotation REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulus Therapy), a person floats effortlessly on top of a pool of saltwater - 10 inches of water and 1,200 pounds of salt - in a specially designed pod with minimal light and sound.

Benefits include pain and stress relief and a natural improvement of sleep quality. In a chronic pain study recently conducted, 70% of participants had absolutely no pain during Float sessions and all participants had some relief. The pain decrease lasts anywhere from a few hours to a few days and in rare cases even longer. Relief like this can enable pain sufferers to rebuild muscle, use limbs that they were unable to use and have a normal life again.

"While our customers flock to us for Flotation REST, we wanted to offer them an even greater range of services," said owner Nick Janicki. "Reflexology and Hot Stone Massage perfectly complement the relatively modern concept of Flotation REST, which was developed in the '70s."

Reflexology is a natural healing art based on the principle that reflexes in the feet, hands and ears correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. Through application of pressure on these reflex zones, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and helps promote the natural function of the related areas of the body.

A one-hour float costs $79. Massage services are $110 for a 60-minute session or $60 for a 30-minute session. True REST is offering $20 off for first-time Flotation REST clients. Individuals can receive a coupon by signing up for the company's newsletter or joining its Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/truerest. Packages are also available, including use of the oxygen bar and more.

The facility is located at 15033 N Thompson Peak Parkway, Suite D101. For more information, visit http://www.truerest.com.

The True REST Float Spa was started by Nick Janicki and his wife, Holly, in 2009. Alex Janicki, Nick's brother, also works at the center and customers are likely to be greeted by one of their smiling faces upon each visit. "Everyone at the Spa is passionate about Flotation REST and we hope the American public can see the exceptional value of such a service," said Nick Janicki.

June 30, 2010 / category: Flotation Therapy / link / comments (0)
Sleep HealthCenters® is currently accepting registrations for the Accredited Sleep Technologist Education Program (A-STEP) for individuals interested in receiving formalized education and training in sleep technology -- regardless of experience level. The program will take place at the Forefront Center in Waltham, Massachusetts beginning July 12.

A-STEP is a two-step training initiative endorsed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). The A-STEP Introductory Course is offered locally by Sleep HealthCenters, one of the first accredited A-STEP providers in the nation. The next step is the A-STEP Self-Study Modules, which are completed on the AASM website in conjunction with your employer's on-the-job training program. Sleep HealthCenters first offered the A-STEP program, a combination of lectures and hands-on training, in June 2006. 

"Sleep HealthCenters is excited to offer A-STEP for individuals interested in gaining formal education in sleep technology," said Elise Maher, Sleep HealthCenters' Regional Technical Director and A-STEP Program Director. "It is an invaluable resource for the local education and healthcare communities because of its appeal to both experienced sleep technicians and new entrants to the field of sleep technology. A-STEP is one way that accredited labs can have their staff meet the requirements of the new accreditation standards. For those interested in starting a career in healthcare, sleep technology offers a rewarding career in a growing field that can be attained through work experience in a relatively short period."

Sleep HealthCenters is a network of sleep medicine specialty centers and the largest provider of such services in Massachusetts. Education is a critical component of Sleep HealthCenters' service model, supporting sleep medicine fellowship programs and organizing sleep medicine conferences, in addition to A-STEP classes.

A-STEP was developed to standardize training and to begin an educational progression for those interested in the field of sleep technology. As of July 1, 2009, all AASM-accredited centers must have at least one registered technologist on staff and all others must be enrolled in a training program such as A-STEP. As of 2010, A-STEP will be one of two educational pathways a sleep technologist must pass before sitting for the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) exam.

Individuals interested in enrolling in A-STEP should contact Jeff Johnson, Sleep HealthCenters' A-STEP Coordinator at 508-755-5283 x101. www.sleephealth.com

June 23, 2010 / category: Sleep Technology / link / comments (0)
Gaylord Sleep Medicine will hold a Sleep Health Fair on Thursday, June 24 at 5:30 PM at Zandri's Stillwood Inn on 1074 South Colony Road, Route 5 in Wallingford, Connecticut. The Gaylord Sleep Health Fair will benefit people interested in learning about Sleep Disorders and Treatment options and is co-sponsored by Philips Respironics and Gaylord Sleep Medicine.

Speakers will include Meir Kryger, MD, Director of Research and Education for Gaylord Sleep Medicine, Keith Dixon, MD, Medical Director for Gaylord Sleep Medicine and Kevin Rush, RRT, RPSGT and Sleep Consultant for Philips Respironics.

Respironics, PROVENT® Sleep Apnea Therapy, J & L Medical Services and All-Med Health Care, Inc. will also be available with the newest sleep apnea and respiratory equipment as well as alternatives to CPAP that are exclusive to Gaylord Sleep Medicine. Dr. Stephen Palluotto, DMD will also show the dental alternatives to CPAP.

"This is an opportunity to learn about sleep apnea and other disorders that may be robbing you or a loved one of sleep that is vital to overall good health," Medical Director Keith Dixon said. "Sleep disorders have been linked to diabetes, stroke and high blood pressure."

Refreshments and snacks will be served. Please RSVP by June 22, 2010 via email to cpolaske@gaylord.org or by calling 203-605-2855.

Gaylord Sleep Medicine, the largest single provider of comprehensive sleep medicine services in Connecticut, treats patients with a range of sleep disorders including sleep apnea, hypersomnia and insomnia. Gaylord Sleep Medicine, also known for its acclaimed research program, is managed by Sleep HealthCenters with sites in Bridgeport, Hartford, Glastonbury, Guilford, North Haven and Trumbull.

June 11, 2010 / category: Apnea / link / comments (0)
Sealy, North America's No. 1 mattress brand, is helping Americans get a better night's sleep by making it easier to shop for a mattress. The new sealy.com solves mattress buyers' greatest frustration -- determining which mattress is most right for them.

"We conducted extensive consumer research prior to building the new website," said Jodi Allen, Sealy Chief Marketing Officer. "We found only 18 percent of consumers felt prepared to buy a mattress after conducting online research, and more than two-thirds said online research was not helpful in deciding which brand of mattress to buy, making the in-store shopping experience very confusing. We took their feedback to heart and designed the new site specifically to help end their confusion."

The website offers an easy-to-navigate user experience that is unique to the bedding industry, allowing consumers to explore the various types of mattresses as well as Sealy's portfolio of brands on the homepage before making a single click. In addition, the site features several innovative tools to help connect the online research experience to the in-store shopping experience.

The site empowers consumers by allowing them to easily search for mattress information in the way they request it -- by brand, technology or product promotions. It walks consumers through the mattress buying process effortlessly, breaking down industry terminology into relatable, clear language, while helping them learn which mattress best fits their sleep behavior and lifestyle. Sealy.com also features easy-to-understand video and text-based content that explains the different brands, products, features and technologies.

The site will feature the entire family of Sealy brands, including Sealy Posturepedic®, Stearns & Foster®, Embody® by Sealy and Sealy Brand. Once consumers identify which brand best fits their needs, they are able to access the first-of-its-kind Sealy mattress-builder, where they can choose the features that meet their personal preferences.

As consumers select features, the suggested retail price will adjust accordingly. Once the consumer has built their perfect mattress, Sealy's mattress-builder creates a printable fact sheet that consumers can take into the retail store when they are ready to purchase.

"In addition to conducting our own research, we looked outside of our industry at leaders who have changed the online shopping experience to better meet consumer expectations," said Margo Borgione, Director, Global Marketing for Sealy. "By listening to our consumers and utilizing best-in-class techniques from other industries, we have created a dramatically better experience for online mattress shopping."

Sealy worked with its marketing agency Cramer-Krasselt/Chicago to build and develop the new website. The new site is now live. For more information visit www.sealy.com.  

The "Sealy.com Mattress Study" survey was conducted online by MarketTools, Inc., on behalf of Sealy. The poll, which gathered feedback from over 1,000 mattress shoppers across the U.S. who had recently purchased a mattress or were planning to in the near future, was conducted in April 2009 in effort to understand the role the Internet plays when shopping for a new mattress.

June 4, 2010 / category: Mattresses / link / comments (0)

Rest Easy with Affordable, Reliable Sleep Solutions(SM)

CPAP-supplies.com, the newest provider of on-line CPAP devices and supplies, is now open for business.  Graymark Healthcare, Inc. (Nasdaq: GRMH), the second largest comprehensive sleep care provider in the United States, created the ecommerce site to offer Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) patients a professional and cost effective on-line source for their CPAP devices and supplies.   

Graymark Healthcare, Inc. provides comprehensive OSA therapy in over 90 communities; with Board Certified sleep medicine physicians overseeing all aspects of care, including diagnosis, therapy and ongoing clinical support.  Through CPAP-supplies.com Graymark Healthcare allows patients who know what machines or supplies they are looking for to benefit from Graymark's experience in providing care and its purchasing power.  We offer a wonderful opportunity for patients to acquire their treatment products at the lowest cost available regardless of where they live.

"Most obstructive sleep apnea patients have visited a doctor or sleep center and have used CPAP machines and masks before," says Timothy Lebens, Vice President for Marketing for CPAP-supplies.com.  "They don't need a lot of hand-holding or medical direction because they have already been instructed in the proper use of the equipment.  They will find they can order the exact same supplies online with a significant savings."

CPAP-supplies.com is staffed by certified respiratory therapists who are available to answer customer questions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Offering customer support from knowledgeable medical professionals sets the company apart from other online suppliers, according to Lebens.

"Our objective is to provide optimum solutions for patients at the lowest cost.  It is an easy, affordable and reliable sleep disorder solution," he said.  "We can provide the same products and services without having to provide the intensive level of care of a sleep center."

Lebens says CPAP-supplies.com carries the same high quality masks, supplies and machines as supplied by doctors or sleep centers, but the costs are much lower because they can provide the products more efficiently through the internet.  "People who already have a prescription and have visited a doctor or a sleep center are familiar with the mask and CPAP device options and they understand how to use the equipment.  CPAP-supplies.com allows patients to purchase the same equipment without going back to a clinic."

CPAP-supplies.com also reminds customers every three to six months that it is time to replace filters or tubes.  The reminder makes it easy for patients to re-order or remember when they need new supplies.

Lebens says CPAP-supplies.com was designed with patient input to make the process of ordering anything they need for OSA as comfortable an experience as possible.  "Graymark Healthcare, Inc. launched CPAP-supplies.com in an effort to increase patient compliance with the CPAP use and decrease the hassle of ordering supplies.  "We have created a reputable, professional and affordable solution for CPAP users," Lebens said.

For more information, visit www.CPAP-supplies.com.

For a great shopping experience, great value and knowledgeable care providers; visit us:  www.CPAP-supplies.com Rest Easy with Affordable, Reliable Sleep Solutions(SM).

Graymark Healthcare, Inc. is a diversified medical holding company that owns and operates diagnostic sleep centers that treat a wide range of sleep disorders; independent pharmacies that serve the needs of local markets; and a medical equipment company that provides both disposable and durable medical equipment. Graymark plans to continue its growth both internally and through strategic acquisitions within the medical industry.  (NASDAQ: GRMH)

SOURCE Graymark Healthcare, Inc.



May 26, 2010 / category: Products / link / comments (0)
Hollandia International, manufacturer of the world's most luxurious sleep systems and the leading bedding retailer in Israel, has formed a strategic alliance with global mattress brand Therapedic. Under terms of the deal, Hollandia will own the Therapedic license for Israel and Cyprus, and said it planned to open Therapedic retail stores in Israeli cities over the next year. Additionally, both companies have announced that they will form a joint research and development team that will create products leveraging Hollandia innovation, which would be sold throughout the world.

"Hollandia makes some of the most luxurious products in our industry, and on the retail side of their business, they understand the importance of selling the benefits of a good night's sleep," said Gerry Borreggine, Therapedic president and CEO. "Together, I think we make a powerful combination in the bedding industry."

Hollandia CEO Avi Barssessat said he had been looking for sometime to find the right U.S. sleep products brand to bring to Israel.

"Israelis love American brands, and Therapedic is an outstanding sleep products company that offers a full range of product choices. I think the brand will resonate well here in Israel," he said. "We have examined the growth of Therapedic internationally to benchmark what has worked outside of the United States, and we believe our strategy will make it the fastest growing brand in Israel."

Hollandia now operates in more than 120 locations throughout the world including two retail showrooms in Philadelphia and Short Hills, N.J. All its products are manufactured in Israel.

Hollandia draws upon more than 29 years of perfecting sleep systems, to create a unique customer experience combining superior service with the highest quality materials In addition to its innovative sleep systems, Hollandia manufactures a full range of complementary sleep essentials such as plush pillows, fitted sheets, blankets and mattress protectors.  Committed to innovation and technology, Hollandia also offers custom-made style essentials such as a daybed or ottoman that can easily transform into an extremely comfortable guest bed. For more information please go to www.hollandiainternational.com.

Therapedic International is a 53-year-old mattress and sleep products manufacturer, with over 50 licensees producing products under the Therapedic brand label throughout the world. 

May 14, 2010 / category: Mattresses / link / comments (0)
The U.S. market for sleep apnea diagnostic and therapeutic devices is rapidly expanding and attempts to address a patient population that is becoming increasingly diverse. Even with the economic challenges within the healthcare market over the past 18 months, this segment of the industry has remained resilient.

Multiple variables influence success in this market, and the competitive advantage has not always been centered on technology. New product designs are launched at a feverish pace, and success is based on possession of a broad product line and established sales channels. Competitive advantages based on technology have historically been quickly matched or overcome by competitors.

Frost & Sullivan (www.patientmonitoring.frost.com) finds U.S. revenues in the sleep apnea diagnostic and therapeutic devices market totaled approximately $1.35 billion in 2008, with a 16.2 percent growth rate. Revenues expect to increase within the next few years due to the expansion of the installed base and increased awareness in obstructive sleep apnea, after which growth is likely to moderately stabilize. Also included are further breakouts within the diagnostic and therapeutic markets containing revenues, units, and resulting growth rates forecasting through 2015.

The largest factors for growth in this market are the expanding number of sleep apnea product users, the evolving patient mix, increasing obesity trends, greater awareness and appreciation for the benefits of sleep apnea treatment, and a steady growth of sleep service providers.

"The patient population for this segment of the market is becoming more diverse as its use and acceptability expands," notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Gary Burk. "Preparation and proper planning to navigate the future landscape of this environment will directly compete with future cutting-edge technology."

The greatest restraints in this market include a high degree of competition, the ever-evolving competitive bidding and reimbursement process, the future of healthcare reform, and patient compliance.

"As with any rapidly expanding market, the ability to address and navigate these challenges will not ensure success or guarantee profitability," continues Burk.

If you are interested in more information on this study, please send an e-mail to Johanna Haynes, Corporate Communications, at johanna.haynes@frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company e-mail address, company website, city, state and country.

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company's Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO's Growth Team with disciplined research and best-practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from 40 offices on six continents. To join our Growth Partnership, please visit http://www.frost.com.

April 30, 2010 / category: Apnea / link / comments (0)
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