Respironics Introduces RUSleeping™ RTS New Real-Time Apneic Screening Device

Murrysville, PA - December 12, 2006

Respironics, Inc. announces the release of the RUSleeping™ RTS, a same-day, objective, in-home apneic event screener.

The device is a small, easy-to-use and unobtrusive method of screening for apneic events in persons who may be suspected of having obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).  Based upon a patient's at-home overnight score, physicians can easily interpret if the patient is a likely candidate for an immediate Polysomnogram (PSG). Sleep lab physicians can provide the RUSleeping RTS to patients to pre-screen at home for OSA before the patient is seen for an in-lab PSG. By being presented with objective data regarding their apneic events, patients may more readily accept the need for a complete PSG and then more willingly accept treatment if there is a diagnosis of OSA.

The RUSleeping RTS consists of a base unit and a nasal cannula. When the battery is installed into the base unit, respiratory airflow pressure is sensed via the cannula and the device starts to record apneic events. When breathing decreases 50 percent or more for 10 seconds or longer, it is considered an apneic event and is recorded on the LCD readout.

The RUSleeping RTS is convenient to operate and can be re-used. No accessory equipment, software or electrical outlet is needed. Patient instructions are short and simple.

According to Rich Herrle, product manager, "The RUSleeping RTS makes it very easy for clinicians to screen their patients for possible apneic events. The patient attaches the nasal cannula at night and in the morning presses one button to review the overnight scores on the LCD window of the base unit. The patients calls the physician with the results. It's that simple. The RUSleeping RTS device is much less cumbersome and expensive than many other screening devices. It is a quick and simple tool for busy clinicians who have patients presenting with subjective symptoms of OSA. This may help bring patients one step closer to diagnosis and treatment which is what good patient outcomes are all about."

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, acceptance, and quality 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, enforcement actions, product recalls or related field actions; future results from acquisitions and strategic investments; growth rates in foreign markets; regulations and other factors affecting operations and sales outside the United States; foreign currency fluctuations; the effects of a major earthquake, cyber-attack or other catastrophic event that results in the destruction or disruption of any critical business or information technology systems; customer consolidation and concentration; increasing price competition and other competitive factors in the manufacture, distribution, and sale of products; interest rate fluctuations; expiration of intellectual property rights; intellectual property and related litigation; other litigation; future levels of earnings and revenues; the number of equity awards granted to employees and changes in the Company's stock price; 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.