Respironics® Introduces Premium Headgear with EZ Peel™ Tabs Offering OSA Patients New Levels of Comfort, Ease-of-Use and Durability

Murrysville, PA - July 28, 2006

Respironics, Inc. announces the release of its new Premium Headgear with EZ Peel™ Tabs for use with the Company's Comfort Series™ masks. A simpler overall design gives patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) a new level of mask stability and comfort, plus easy-to-use features and increased durability.

"This new design represents a total improvement over any headgear we've previously offered," comments Laurie Scott, U.S. Marketing Manager, Patient Interface. "By making the Premium Headgear more comfortable, durable and simpler to use, we hope to increase patient comfort and satisfaction which helps lead to more successful clinical outcomes."

Lycra stretch fibers are used to weave thicker straps that feel soft and smooth against the skin. The straps are also wider to help improve stability and eliminate neck irritation that can occur with thin straps. EZ Peel™ tabs make the ends of the straps easy to locate and adjust to help users find the perfect fit. All materials of construction are tough and durable - at least twice as durable as other materials tested - so they'll stand up better to nightly use and repeated washing.

The new Premium Headgear comes standard with the ComfortGel™ and ComfortFull™ 2 masks, and can be ordered separately for use with most Comfort Series™ Masks.

Respironics' Sleep and Home Respiratory Group 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 Group 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 health care providers. Respironics markets its products in 131 countries and employs over 4,700 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; acquisition integration; 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.