Respironics Launches Newest Noninvasive Ventilator

BiPAP ® AVAPS™ Home Ventilator Automatically Adapts to Patients' Changing Needs

Murrysville, PA - Sept. 19, 2007

Respironics continually pursues new ways to create medical innovations that do more than contribute to exceptional care; they are also easier and more natural for patients to use. Such is the case with Respironics' BiPAP® AVAPS™ noninvasive home ventilator. The new device features AVAPS (Average Volume Assured Pressure Support) technology - an algorithm that provides an average target tidal volume by automatically adapting pressure support to meet the patient's needs. With the BiPAP AVAPS home ventilator, clinicians no longer have to choose between pressure or volume ventilation because the device has the comfort of pressure ventilation and the consistent clinical efficacy of delivering a target tidal volume, all in one compact and lightweight machine.

"Patients deserve efficient and comfortable noninvasive ventilation, and we designed the BiPAP AVAPS ventilator specifically with that in mind," says Elaine Lesnak, US marketing manager, Respironics Home Respiratory Care group. "This device is ideal for treating respiratory insufficie ncy caused by progressive neuromuscular disorders. AVAPS combines the comfort and leak compensation of a pressure mode with the safety of a guaranteed volume."

Utilizing Digital Auto-Trak™ Sensitivity, AVAPS estimates the patient's target tidal volume with each breath and compares it to the desired target tidal volume. If the patient is not achieving the target tidal volume, AVAPS recognizes it and gradually changes the inspiratory pressure so that the patient can breathe more comfortably and achieve synchrony. Because the pressure increase is smooth, patient comfort and safety are never compromised.

Weighing only 4.2 pounds, the BiPAP AVAPS noninvasive home ventilator is simple to operate, offering a straightforward user interface and an integrated heated humidifier that allows for easier set-up and management. It also comes with built-in alarms and Respironics Encore SmartCard® technology.

"The BiPAP AVAPS ventilator is packed with features. It automatically adapts to the changing needs of patients, improves ventilation efficacy and patient comfort, guarantees a minimum ventilation and simplifies the titration process. Respironics is proud to bring this device to our domestic market to better suit the needs of patients suffering from restrictive lung diseases," says Lesnak.

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 employs more than 5,100 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 results of clinical trials; 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 natural disaster, 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.