Covidien Introduces Sandman Intro(TM) CPAP Device

Main Category: Medical Devices
Also Included In: Sleep / Sleep Disorders / Insomnia;  Respiratory / Asthma
Article Date: 13 Feb 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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Covidien Ltd. (NYSE: COV, BSX: COV), a leading supplier of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and other sleep therapy devices and accessories, announced the introduction of an all-new CPAP device with a fully-integrated heated humidifier. The product is available throughout the United States and Europe and will be phased into other global markets over the next year.

The Sandman Intro™ CPAP device is a convenient device designed for a broad range of patients and provides continuous positive airway pressure and heated humidification. According to Andy Ray, Vice President and General Manager for Covidien's Sleep and Oxygen Division, "The goal in developing this product was to improve the nighttime breathing comfort of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) - which we know to be an increasingly common and serious condition - and to accomplish this with a device that is as easy to use as it is unobtrusive."

The Sandman Intro CPAP device is quiet, discreet and user-friendly for nightly use at home. At a mere 2.65 pounds, it is also lightweight, compact and robust enough for OSA patients who need to take their therapy with them when they travel. Travel-friendly features include the ability to run on AC/DC or external battery power and an altitude compensation feature that automatically adjusts pressure up to 9,000 feet of elevation, and compensates for changes in barometric pressure to preserve a patient's prescribed settings.

Humidification is a popular feature on many CPAP devices. It is used to warm and humidify the air delivered by sleep therapy devices to reduce upper airway dryness and improve patient comfort. However, no other device currently on the market offers integrated heated humidification in such a compact manner as the new Sandman Intro CPAP device.

In addition to a water chamber that is easy to clean and refill, and the water-resistant housing of the device, the Sandman Intro CPAP has a unique "HumidControl" feature. HumidControl works to ensure a consistent temperature difference between the water in the chamber and ambient air to minimize condensation in the tubing and to keep the humidification level constant throughout the night.

Covidien intends to market the Sandman Intro CPAP device in numerous countries where it does business, and added many features designed to have global appeal:

- Global internal universal power supply and external backup battery capability
- Unique small product footprint (6.9" x 7.5" x 4.7") and 2.65 lbs. for light weight portability
- Front facing, LCD backlit buttons and display screen to improve readability
- Rear-routed tubing and a single power cord at the rear for less intrusion at the bedside
- Built-in patient service and parts replacement reminders

Covidien has developed a Global Sleep Initiative to unite research, diagnosis and therapy resources to improve patient care to treat OSA and related sleep disordered breathing conditions. The Sandman Intro CPAP device provides a platform for future positive airway pressure devices to follow.

For customers familiar with Covidien's Sandman™ sleep diagnostic system that offers market-leading technology and innovative, advanced products for recording and scoring sleep studies, the Sandman Intro CPAP device represents a welcome addition.

About Covidien Ltd.

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 43,000 employees worldwide in 57 countries, and its products are sold in over 130 countries.

Covidien Ltd.