FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Product Challenge Results, Zzz-Mask vs. ComfortFull2

Marlboro, NJ, February 14, 2008

When we supplied 50 CPAP users that own Respironics ComfortFull 2 Full Face Masks with PMI Pro Basics Zzz-Mask Full Face Masks we were not sure what to expect. The ComfortFull 2 is the best selling full face mask on CPAP.com and the Zzz-Mask is a new mask from a new supplier. Once again the CPAPtalk.com CPAP users did a marvelous job. They want great products and are doing their part. The detailed responses of the 50 participants are excellent and we strongly encourage you to read them all. They are essential reading for all whose job it is to develop improved CPAP interface products.

The Respironics ComfortFull 2 won with 29 Votes (58%) versus 21 Votes (42%) for the Zzz-Mask Full Face Mask. While the ComfortFull 2 had more votes, a result this close would suggest that anyone considering a full face mask should take a good look at the CPAP user comments for specific details. Please note that while the ComfortFull 2 won in overall votes, the Zzz-Mask won in three categories.

Each product has good points. The ComfortFull 2 received fifteen generally positive comments (30% of the participants) on its seal. The Zzz-Mask full face mask had fourteen generally positive comments (28% of the participants) on the smaller feel it had on the face.

Yet not all is well. Challenge participant’s responses clearly indicate opportunities to improve each of these products with relatively small design modifications. Twenty people (40% of the participants) were generally dissatisfied with the Zzz-Mask headgear latches and seven (14% of the participants) mentioned the lack of a quick hose disconnect. Those simple changes could have put the Zzz in the winner’s circle. Likewise the ComfortFull 2 had thirteen less than complimentary comments (26% of the participants) relating to the headgear clips.
These are very high complaint rates on relatively simple and inexpensive aspects of the overall design. The participants also pointed out a host of problems related to overall design considerations. Serious concerns, ranging from waking bed partners with blasts of air to mask breakages, were reported.

Each product that has undergone the scrutiny of the Product Challenge has been shown to have excellent features and significant drawbacks. CPAP Users expect that the sleep treatment manufacturers will listen to their suggestions and make ever better products.

Until the next Product Challenge,
John Goodman, President, CPAPtalk.com

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

ProBasics™ by PMI opens new distribution center.

Marlboro, NJ, April 17, 2006 – ProBasics™ by PMI is excited to announce the opening of a distribution center in Pompano Beach, Florida. In an strategic effort to elevate their value position in the South Florida market, this new warehouse will improve service levels to existing customers and present ProBasics™ PMI as a more attractive option to potential new customers.

Besides this new expansion warehouse in Pompano Beach, Florida, ProBasics™ by PMI also has distribution centers in Calhoun, Georgia, Ambler, Pennsylvania and Corona, California.
For additional information on Probasics™ by PMI, contact Tom Pappas, Probasics by PMI’s National Sales Manager via phone at 609-488-0555 or via e-mail at thomasjpappas@comcast.net.

ProBasics™ by PMI, is a manufacturer and distributor of durable medical equipment into the HME industry.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Scott Hassel ProBasics™ by PMI 15 South Main Street Second Floor Marlboro, New Jersey 07746
Phone: 732-683-1900
Fax: 732-683-1945
http://www.pmiusa.biz
ProBasics™ and PMI are trademarks of Professional Medical Imports.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

ProBasics™ by PMI Adds Experienced Veteran to Sales Team.

Marlboro, NJ, April 21, 2006 – ProBasics™ by PMI is pleased to announce the addition of Jay Pronovost as Western Regional Sales Manager.

Most recently Mr. Provonost held the same position with Merits Health Products since 2000 Prior to Merits, Jay owned and operated Pacific Marketing Assoc., a rehab rep group for 22 years and has also spent significant time as Western Regional Sales Manager of Lumex Inc in the 1980’.
For additional information on Probasics™ by PMI, contact Tom Pappas, Probasics by PMI’s National Sales Manager via phone at 609-488-0555 or via e-mail at thomasjpappas@comcast.net.

ProBasics™ by PMI, is a manufacturer and distributor of durable medical equipment into the HME industry.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Scott Hassel ProBasics™ by PMI 15 South Main Street Second Floor Marlboro, New Jersey 07746
Phone: 732-683-1900
Fax: 732-683-1945
http://www.pmiusa.biz
ProBasics™ and PMI are trademarks of Professional Medical Imports.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

ProBasics™ by PMI expands respiratory product line with the introduction of three new products.

Marlboro, NJ, July 25, 2005 – ProBasics™ by PMI is leaping further into the homecare respiratory market, introducing a new Nebulizer, Suction Machine and Finger Pulse Oximeter.

Offering reliability, affordability and convenience make the new ProBasics™ Rite-Neb™ Nebulizer compressor the right nebulizer for both homecare dealers and end-users…thus the name “Rite-Neb”,. The new Model 7000 Suction Machine features a powerful, rock-solid compressor with mini suction cup feet, a convenient, easy-grip handle and a sturdy steel guard that protects the gauge and control valve. By combining the monitor and sensor in one unit, the ProBasics™ Digit-Ox™ Finger Pulse Oximeter delivers fast, reliable oximetry in an extremely handy, pocket size solution. The Model 7000 Suction Machine is in stock and available for immediate sale. The new Rite-Neb™ Nebulizer, and the Digit-Ox™ Finger Pulse Oximeter will be in stock and available for sale in August.

For additional information on these three new products, in the states of Michigan or Illinois, contact Lakecourt Medical Supplies toll-free at 800-860-3130. In the Southeastern states of Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, North and South Carolina, contact Pinnacle Medsource toll-free at 888-222-7310…or, in other states, contact Willis Gobely, ProBasics™ by PMI National Sales Manager via phone at 404-310-2132 or via e-mail at willisgobely@comcast.net.

These three new items fit our product offering like a glove", says Scott Hassel, President of Probasics by PMI. "With such a high percentage of the average homecare dealer's business focused on oxygen delivery and respiratory services in general, it makes perfect sense for PMI to strengthen our respiratory product offering.

ProBasics™ by PMI, is a manufacturer and distributor of durable medical equipment into the HME industry.
CONTACT INFORMATION:

Scott Hassel ProBasics™ by PMI 15 South Main Street Second Floor Marlboro, New Jersey 07746
Phone: 732-683-1900
Fax: 732-683-1945
http://www.pmiusa.biz

ProBasics™, Rite-Neb™, Digit-Ox™ and PMI are trademarks of Professional Medical Imports.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

ProBasics™ by PMI introduces new Flo-Rite™ Single Lumen, Pneumatic Oxygen Conserver.

Marlboro, NJ, November 24, 2004 – ProBasics™ by PMI’s new Flo-Rite™ Conserver Utilizes a Patent Pending Co-Axial Internal Direct Flow Path design and a Pulse Type Waveform to Further Advance Pneumatic Oxygen Conserver Technology.

The Co-Axial Internal Direct Flow Path Technology in the ProBasics by PMI’s new Flo-Rite™ Conserver promotes a more precise dynamic flow and a pulse type waveform to automatically adhere/adjust to a patient’s natural breathing cycle effectively adjusting its oxygen delivery rate to the patient’s actual breath rate and tidal volume. The net result is a pneumatic oxygen conserving device that optimizes patient comfort and maintains saturation level while at rest or during exercise (with minimal recovery time) while producing a conserving ratio as high as 4.3:1.

The Pulse Type Waveform of the Flo-Rite™ Conserver delivers oxygen at a substantial rate early in the inspiration and then scales the rate down throughout the remainder of the inspiration period to provide a comfortable delivery while ensuring maximum oxygen conservation. The net effect is a more comfortable delivery from a conserver that does not control the minute volume but rather allows the patient to dictate their own needs. A comfortable patient is a compliant patient and a compliant patient limits costly home visits by the dealer for equipment adjustments or change-outs. The Flo-Rite™ also gives off a quiet, but audible pulsing sound during inspiration. According to Scott Hassel, President of ProBasics™ by PMI, “We believe that the slight piston sound of the Flo-Rite™ is comforting to the patient…comforting to know that the unit is in fact delivering oxygen.” The results of a recent independent clinical study have shown that during exercise, the Flo-Rite™ was superior to competitive units in both limiting the drop in oxygen saturation during exercise and recovery time for saturation levels to climb back above 90%.

ProBasics™ feels that the optimum achievement is to provide a quality product that maximizes an oxygen provider’s profitability by supporting the delicate balance between patient comfort/compliance and oxygen conservation. With the combination of Flo-Rite™‘s manufacturing quality and patient comfort/compliance, the dealer will experience reduced costly home visits. Considering ProBasics’ focus on compliance and saturation recovery, the dealers will be pleased with the positive impact to their profitability that they will experience with the generous oxygen conserving ratio of the Flo-Rite™.

For additional information on the Flo-Rite™ Oxygen Conserver, in the states of Michigan or Illinois, contact Lakecourt Medical Supplies toll-free at 800-860-3130. In the Southeastern states of Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, North and South Carolina, contact Pinnacle Medsource toll-free at 888-222-7310…or, in other states, contact Dan Girard, ProBasics™ by PMI National Sales Manager via phone at 262-751-1586 or e-mail at pmiinc2@aol.com.

The Flo-Rite Conserver, which is manufactured in the USA, is available for immediate sale by calling ProBasics™ by PMI customer service toll free at 800-438-0503 or by faxing orders to 732-683-1945. Manufacturing is initiating a substantial sixty-day ramp-up to increase capacity but due to the overwhelming initial demand for the product, availability is limited and a brief lead-time may be experienced.

ProBasics™ by PMI, is a manufacturer and distributor of durable medical equipment into the HME industry.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Scott Hassel ProBasics™ by PMI
15 South Main Street Second Floor
Marlboro, New Jersey 07746
Phone: 732-683-1900
Fax: 732-683-1945
http://www.pmiusa.biz

JANUARY 2, 2004

MARLBORO, NJ and CALHOUN, GA - PMI is excited to announce that we have moved the manufacturing of our Homecare bed product line from Asia to the United States. The move will solidify PMI's quality control, reduce shipping costs and allow us to be more reactive to fluctuations in demand. PMI's Probasics Homecare Beds will feature American made electronics' and Von-Weise motors. PMI will continue to stock parts for its Asian bed products in its Calhoun Ga facility.

BW5264 OCT 08,2003 5:08 PACIFIC 08:08 EASTERN

BW)(OH-INVACARE)(IVC) Invacare Corporation Unveils Its Value Model Subsidiary, Professional Medical Imports -PMI- At Medtrade

    Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers
    Medtrade

    ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 8, 2003--Invacare Corporation (NYSE:IVC) is unveiling its value model subsidiary, Professional Medical Imports (PMI) at Medtrade(R), the home medical equipment (HME) industry's largest trade show, in Atlanta, Georgia, October 9-11.
    PMI, based in Marlboro, NJ, under the leadership of Scott Hassel, president, is a distributor of value products in which pricing plays the primary role in the purchase decision by the HME provider. These products are marketed and sold under the ProBasics(TM) brand. PMI has distribution centers in Calhoun, GA, and Edison, NJ with a third location in Southern California scheduled to open within the next 30 days. PMI began operations in 1999.
    "While a majority of the marketplace prefers the value-added model that the Invacare(R) brand represents, there exists a segment of the HME marketplace that is looking for value products where pricing is the primary driver in making the purchase decision," said Lou Slangen, senior vice president of sales and marketing.
    "In order for Invacare Corporation to participate in the value segment of the market, we launched PMI, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Invacare Corporation, which is competing head-to-head in the marketplace with great success against companies such as Medline, Drive Medical, Sunrise Medical and the like," said Slangen. "Providers looking for basic products where pricing is the primary driver can choose PMI knowing it is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Invacare Corporation, the largest, most financially stable company in the HME industry. PMI operates independently through a separate sales organization and makes its own product, sales, marketing and pricing decisions."
    For the value-added segment of the HME market, the Invacare brand provides the total lowest cost of doing business by offering the broadest product line; the industry's number one warehouse and distribution system; financing through Invacare Credit Corporation; a single customer service department; a single sales force; the best e-commerce program; the industry's leading co-op advertising program, MAP, featuring Arnold Palmer, Invacare spokesperson; and compelling and/or disruptive products. Invacare continues to lead the HME industry in investing heavily in Research & Development resulting in the industry's most durable and advanced products. By taking advantage of all of the Invacare products and programs offered through Invacare's Total One Stop Shopping program, the provider enjoys the benefits of the total lowest cost of doing business.
    Examples of compelling and/or disruptive Invacare(R) products featured at Medtrade, include the Invacare(R) HomeFill(TM) II Oxygen System; the Invacare(R) Buzz HMV(TM) (Highly Maneuverable Vehicle); Invacare(R) IVC(TM) Wheelchairs; Invacare(R) IVC(TM) Beds; the Invacare(R) Rollite(TM) Rollator; and the Storm(R) TDX(TM) Custom Power Wheelchairs.
    "The Invacare value-added brand strategy is to obsolete its own product line every three years," said Slangen. "Products introduced in 2001, 2002 and 2003 will account for 90-percent of the company's U.S. homecare sales in 2004."
    Joining Invacare at Medtrade (booth #1017), and PMI (booth #3275), are other Invacare subsidiaries: TAG - The Aftermarket Group, a supplier of aftermarket parts to the HME industry - (booth #1341); Dynamic Controls, a manufacturer and supplier of power chairs control systems (booth #2474); Motion Concepts, which Invacare acquired in August of this year, a manufacturer of tilt and recline seating systems for power wheelchairs (booth #2215); ASL, a manufacturer of specialty power chair control systems (booth#1035); and Invacare Supply Group, a distributor of medical soft goods and supplies (booth#1137).
    Invacare Corporation (NYSE:IVC), headquartered in Elyria, Ohio is the global leader in the manufacture and distribution of innovative home and long-term care medical products that promote recover and active lifestyles. The company has 5,300 associates and markets its products in 80 countries around the world. For more information about the company and its products, visit Invacare's website at www.invacare.com . PMI's website address is www.pmiusa.biz

--30--VS/cg*

CONTACT: Invacare Corporation
Susan A. Elder, 440-329-6549
KEYWORD: OHIO NEW JERSEY GEORGIA
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: MEDICAL DEVICES CONSUMER/HOUSEHOLD TRADESHOW
SOURCE: Invacare Corporation