Covidien Announces Latest Advance In "Unite To Treat Sleep Apnea" Initiative

Main Category: Sleep / Sleep Disorders / Insomnia
Article Date: 22 Jun 2008 - 9:00 PDT

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Covidien (NYSE: COV, BSX: COV), a leading global healthcare products company, announced the latest advance in its "Unite to Treat Sleep Apnea" initiative, an integrated program connecting physicians, sleep labs, treatment providers and patients to improve the diagnosis and treatment of those afflicted with obstructive sleep apnea. The Company is now partnering with Sleep Pointe, an organization dedicated to providing sleep apnea management and wellness programs within the transportation industry.

Covidien created the "Unite to Treat Sleep Apnea" initiative in response to the increased demand for sleep apnea treatment. According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 12 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, and an additional 10 million remain undiagnosed.

"Undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea is an urgent issue, as it reduces productivity and shortens life spans. This partnership is designed to help keep drivers in the transportation industry safe by increasing the availability of diagnostic and therapeutic resources," said Scott Drake, President, Respiratory and Monitoring Solutions, Covidien. "Initiatives like 'Unite to Treat Sleep Apnea' are valuable because they further the diagnosis, treatment and compliance of this life-threatening disease."

The transportation industry is directly impacted by the serious potential consequences of drivers affected by untreated or undiagnosed sleep apnea. Approximately 28% of commercial truck drivers are affected by sleep apnea1, and without treatment, they are up to seven times more likely to be involved in an accident2. Proper treatment of sleep apnea may help reduce the risk of many other associated diseases, including hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

"Professional drivers are a difficult group of patients to reach," said Dr. Neale Lange, MD, FCCP, FASM, director of Sleep Services at St. Anthony Central Hospital, Denver. "Any intervention that removes or reduces barriers to diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea in anyone operating a vehicle should be strongly supported. It's not only about sleep quantity but also about sleep quality. Focusing on sleep as it relates to health should become a priority of our healthcare system."

Using Covidien's broad range of sleep products, Sleep Pointe has developed a comprehensive sleep management program dedicated exclusively to the health and safety of those in the transportation industry. Sleep Pointe's Mobile Sleep Solution Centers are built on 53-foot trailers, feature private bedrooms, bathrooms and a fully functional sleep technician room and will be available at many easily accessible locations across the country.

"Untreated sleep apnea in the transportation industry is known to contribute to serious accidents and severe health consequences," said Duke Naipohn, President and CEO, Sleep Pointe. "This alliance will help Sleep Pointe accomplish our mission of keeping drivers on the road, improving their health and wellness and reducing the incidence of fatigue-related accidents."

An inaugural event was held today at Covidien's Boulder, Colorado, campus to formally announce this partnership.

Covidien plans to expand its "Unite to Treat Sleep Apnea" initiative globally to support comprehensive solutions that better enhance diagnosis, treatment and compliance in the rapidly growing sleep care industry. For more information about the "Unite to Treat Sleep Apnea" program, please visit www.covidien.com/sleepapnea.

About Covidien

Covidien is a leading global healthcare products company that creates innovative medical solutions for better patient outcomes and delivers value through clinical leadership and excellence. Covidien manufactures, distributes and services a diverse range of industry-leading product lines in four segments: Medical Devices, Imaging Solutions, Pharmaceutical Products and Medical Supplies. With 2007 revenue of nearly $9 billion, Covidien has more than 42,000 employees worldwide in 57 countries, and its products are sold in over 130 countries. Please visit www.covidien.com to learn more about our business.

About Sleep Pointe

Sleep Pointe is a sister company of Somnograph Inc., a privately-held sleep diagnostic company headquartered in Wichita, KS. Somnograph has performed well over 100,000 sleep studies in its ten years of existence. Sleep Pointe intends to use this experience and expertise to provide obstructive sleep apnea education, screening, testing, and treatment for transportation companies throughout the U.S. To learn more, please visit http://www.sleeppointe.com.

Covidien Contacts

1 Pack, Allen I; Dinges, David F.; Maislin, Greg. A Study of Prevalence of Sleep Apnea Among Commercial Truck Drivers, FMCSA, Publication No. DOT-RT-02-030, Washington, DC, 20002.

2 Horstmann, S.; Hess, C.; Bassett, C.; Gusser, M.; and Mathis, J. (2000). Sleepiness-Related Accidents in Sleep Apnea Patients. Sleep, 23 (3), 383-389.

http://www.covidien.com