Respironics Releases Alice® 5 Polysomnography System

Murrysville, PA - December 6, 2004

Respironics, Inc. announces the release of its Alice® 5 Polysomnography System which displays and prints physiological adult and infant patient information for clinicians or physicians. The system helps to simplify the integration of sleep lab devices through a high-tech consolidation requiring a maximum of two cables.  

"Alice® 5 is designed to operate a fully integrated sleep laboratory system with a maximum of two cables and has wireless Ethernet and remote access capabilities that help consolidate operations and facilitate easier installation and testing," said Ron Fligge, Product Manager, Sleep Diagnostics, Homecare Division. "The system sets new standards for sleep labs eager to customize powerful features today but interested in flexible architecture to enable additional future growth."

Alice® 5 features expanded channel capability to 55 total channels, high quality ECG with six channels, pulse transit time (PTT), and real time impedance display. Alice® 5 collects data from sensors placed on a patient and delivers the information to a computer running the Alice® Sleepware" application. Alice® Sleepware" is a Windows®-based software program designed to monitor, display, process and download polysomnographic data. The data is then presented graphically on a computer screen for diagnostic review, similar to traditional paper-based polygraph records. The system is compatible with and has full integration to all Respironics' lab therapy devices. New devices are added through software updates via convenient web download.

Mr. Fligge noted, "Alice® 5, not only simplifies the process of obtaining diagnostics in the laboratory setting, but helps advance sleep solutions by offering a wide range of parameters for patient evaluation."

Respironics' Homecare Division is recognized worldwide for its continuous stream of medical innovations and advancements in the management of sleep disorders, chronic respiratory problems, and neonatal and pediatric care. The Division integrates state-of-the-art technology in diagnostics, therapy and monitoring with strategic programs to help health care providers, sleep centers and pediatric units care for patients efficiently and cost-effectively.

Respironics is a leading developer, manufacturer and distributor of innovative products and programs that serve the global sleep and respiratory markets. Focusing on emerging market needs, the Company is committed to providing valued solutions to help improve outcomes for patients, clinicians and healthcare providers. Respironics markets its products in over 125 countries and employs more than 3,400 associates worldwide. Further information can be found on the Company's Web site: www.respironics.com.

This document contains forward-looking statements, including statements relating to, among other things, developments in the healthcare industry; the success of the Company's marketing, sales, and promotion programs; future sales and acceptance of the Company's products and programs; the timing and success of new product introductions; new product development; anticipated cost savings; FDA and other regulatory requirements and enforcement actions; future results from acquisitions; growth rates in foreign markets; regulations and other factors affecting operations and sales outside the United States (including potential future effects of the change in sovereignty of Hong Kong); foreign currency fluctuations; customer consolidation and concentration; increasing price competition and other competitive factors in the sale of products; interest rate fluctuations; expiration of intellectual property rights; intellectual property and related litigation; other litigation; future levels of earnings and revenues; and third party reimbursement, all of which are subject to change. Actual results may differ materially from those described in any forward-looking statements. Additional information on potential factors that could affect the Company's financial results are included in the reports filed with the SEC, including the reports on Form 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K.