Respironics Launches New Generation of Masks with the My Life™ Series;

Noted for its ease of use, OptiLife™ is first-to-market in the new series

Murrysville, PA - Jan. 23, 2007

Editor's Note: Please visit our online store for details on how to order the OptiLife™ Mask

Respironics, Inc. further proved its commitment to remain a leading provider of innovative solutions for the global sleep and respiratory markets with the launch of the My Life™ Series of Masks, a new generation of patient interface products designed to better fit the lives of homecare providers, sleep lab professionals and patients. OptiLife, the first mask in the new series, was designed to be the easiest-to-use mask from Respironics and perfect for side sleepers.

"Consumers today are demanding products that fit their unique profiles and lifestyles, and we designed the My Life series specifically with that in mind," said Stan Jankowski, U.S. marketing manager, sleep disordered breathing. "In trials and focus groups involving homecare providers, sleep lab professionals and patients, we listened to our customers to gain valuable feedback to develop and confidently bring this first mask of the new series to market. Customers and patients played an integral part in designing OptiLife." The result is an easy-to-fit, easy-to-assemble mask that is designed to enhance patient compliance.

OptiLife features a new comfortable headgear design with no buckles, and, unlike most pillows- or prong-style products that solely use the nose to support the seal, OptiLife uses a chin support band to provide a soft foundation for the seal and eliminate unnecessary nasal irritation, pressure or pulling. The flexible headgear and chin support band allow the mask to be put on and adjusted with little effort. In fact, patients and sleep lab technicians can put the mask on with one hand, making it a practical option for patients with limited mobility.

The mask also features pillows cushions that come in four sizes (petite, small, medium and large) to ensure an excellent seal for a wide range of patients. At only 2.4 ounces, OptiLife is one of the lightest patient interface products available. It offers effective therapy, while keeping the forehead and vision area open. The open design makes sleep studies easier by leaving the forehead open for polysomnographic leads and better accommodating side sleepers. A tube management clip helps secure the tube to the headgear or the patient's clothing and, along with the chin support band, provides a secure fit and ensures mask stability. The exhalation port offers quiet and diffused airflow, while two headgear slots allow additional options to improve mask seal and comfort.

"Participants in our trials were most impressed by the OptiLife interface for its comfort and simplicity. Our new mask has fewer parts than typical masks. Patients were pleased that the interface worked extremely well for sleeping on either side. They also gave positive feedback on the interface's exceptionally quiet performance, lightweight design and ease of use. With the introduction of the My Life series, and with OptiLife at the forefront, Respironics continues to redefine the sleep market," said Jankowski.

About Respironics

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 solutions 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 employ s more than 4,700 associates worldwide. Further information can be found on the Company's Web site: www.respironics.com or www.MyLife.respironics.com or www.OptiLife.respironics.com.

This document contains forward-looking statements, including statements relating to, among other things, developments in the health care 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.