New store to offer range of services, treatment options for people suffering from sleep issues

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- It's something everyone needs, but far too many people have trouble getting. And the inability to get it is, quite literally, keeping nearly 80 million Americans up at night. That is why Highmark Inc. is opening a new, first-of-its-kind store that could help people finally find what may be eluding them: a good night's sleep.  

Construction is underway on REMWorks Sleep Store, a new retail location at The Waterfront in Homestead, Pa.  With a planned December opening, the store will feature a wide range of solutions and products for people dealing with sleeplessness, sleep apnea, snoring and insomnia.

"Having trouble sleeping is something that, unfortunately, most people will face at some point in their lives," said Amy Phillips, director of REMWorks Sleep Store. "But, fortunately, with this new store, we have the opportunity to provide guidance to assist people in getting a good night's sleep. Our highly trained, licensed sleep coaches will work with people to understand why they're having trouble sleeping and develop a plan so they can get better sleep.

"REMWorks Sleep Store is not a mattress store and it is not a sleep lab," Phillips further explained. "Rather, it is a sleep store unlike anything that's currently in the market. In a relaxing, comfortable retail environment, REMWorks will offer products to address various sleep problems and provide education about treatment options to help people get the sleep they need."

For those who have been tested and determined by their doctor to be suffering from sleep apnea, the sleep coaches at REMWorks Sleep Store will be able to provide CPAP machines as well as fit them for CPAP masks from many different manufacturers and other accessories used to treat sleep apnea. People who already have equipment will be able to visit the store to ensure it is properly fitted for maximum effectiveness. REMWorks Sleep Store will accept most health insurance – including regional and national insurance carriers – for services provided at the store that are clinical in nature.

In addition to leading brand-name CPAP devices, the store also will carry an assortment of treatment options ranging from sleep masks to music and lighting solutions, soothing bedding and pillows, teas and aromatherapy sleep aids as well as white noise machines and even a variety of sleep solutions for children.

REMWorks sleep coaches also will offer education, individualized sleep plans and over-the-counter treatments for the non-medical causes for a variety of sleep issues. That includes: Insomnia, Restless Leg Syndrome, teeth grinding, sleep terrors and sleep walking, and circadian rhythm problems.

REMWorks Sleep Store is the first bricks-and-mortar retail location conceived out of Highmark's Business Innovation and Development department. That group focuses on creating growth opportunities for Highmark by developing new and innovative products, services and business models beyond the company's traditional core businesses.

"We saw a market demand that was not being met, and that's what led to the development of the sleep store concept," said Paul Puopolo, Highmark vice president of business innovation and development. "Through collaboration and relationship-building, we are able to develop unique concepts that bring value to Highmark and, most importantly, our customers. The lack of a good night's sleep does not just affect your mood and productivity. It also can contribute to serious health conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and depression. That's why having a store like this is so important – and why the opening of REMWorks Sleep Store is a proud milestone for our department and the entire company."

About Highmark Inc.
Highmark Inc. is among the largest health insurers in the United States and the fourth-largest Blue Cross and Blue Shield-affiliated company. Highmark and its diversified businesses and affiliates operate health insurance plans in Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia that serve 5.2 million members. Its diversified health businesses serve group customer and individual health needs across the United States through dental insurance, vision care and other related health businesses. Highmark is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. For more information, visit www.highmark.com.

SOURCE Highmark Inc.

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