Covidien Introduces Sandman Info(TM) and Sandman Auto(TM) CPAP Devices

Covidien (NYSE: COV, BSX: COV), a leading global healthcare products

company, today introduced two new continuous positive airway pressure

(CPAP) devices, the Sandman InfoTM and the

Sandman AutoTM. They are the latest additions

to the Company´s Sandman portfolio of sleep

diagnostic and therapy devices that feature integrated heated

humidification and Adaptive Pressure Stability technology. The two new

devices are now available in selected European markets and will soon be

available in the United States as well as other international markets. The Sandman Family of CPAPs Covidien developed the Sandman family of CPAP devices based on input

from sleep professionals, patients and their families. The goal was to

better meet the needs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) patients.

Accordingly, the devices offer enhanced comfort, control and flow

accuracy. The Sandman IntroTM CPAP, launched earlier this

year, was the first all-in-one CPAP device from Covidien to feature

truly integrated heated humidification and Adaptive Pressure Stability.

Likewise, the Sandman Info and the Sandman Auto are designed to deliver

smooth, stable airflow in response to each patient´s

unique sleep breathing pattern. The Sandman family also is designed to

provide accurate pressure throughout changing environmental conditions

automatically adjusting to barometric pressure changes at altitudes up

to 9,000 feet. Plus, they automatically compensate for leaks. "One of the major hurdles in treating OSA is

getting patients to use their CPAP devices consistently," said Andy Ray, Vice President and Global General Manager for Covidien´s

Sleep and Oxygen Division. "We designed all of

our Sandman CPAPs to increase patients´ compliance by addressing their concerns about the devices fitting easily

into their lifestyles. Our customers and patients are Covidien´s

number one priority, and we´re committed to

providing them with the most comfortable, reliable treatment devices

possible." A study in the journal American Family Physician reported that up

to half of OSA patients don´t fully comply

with their CPAP treatment. That´s why

Covidien designed Sandman CPAP devices to improve comfort and

ease-of-use. For example, the unique integrated heated humidification

system improves comfort by minimizing tubing condensation, thus

decreasing air resistance in the tube and preventing water droplets from

flowing back into the patient´s mask. Sandman

CPAPs even automatically remind patients to perform routine service and

change disposable parts. Ergonomic and aesthetic enhancements include

forward-facing controls and a backlit display, which are simple

user-friendly and attractive"“more like a

consumer electronic product than a bulky medical device. Other Sandman CPAP features include an internal universal power supply

and a light weight of just 2.6 pounds. The devices are ideal for

patients who travel and require continued treatment. The rear-routed

tubing and power cord make the devices less obtrusive, as well. The Sandman Info CPAP builds on the feature-rich Sandman Intro CPAP. The

Sandman Info device detects and records respiratory events while the

patient is sleeping. This data can easily be downloaded to a memory

card, allowing sleep clinicians and home care providers to review and

provide indications of patient benefits from use of the CPAP device. The

premium Sandman Auto CPAP has the Sandman Info´s

capabilities, plus it optimizes pressure by increasing it during

obstructive events and decreasing pressure once the event has passed

(while still recording all critical data). Covidien is uniquely capable of offering comprehensive solutions to

better enhance diagnosis and treatment of OSA patients. Via the global "Unite

to treat Sleep Apnea" campaign, Covidien is

uniting patients, physicians, Sleep Labs and Home Medical Equipment

providers in an effort to simplify diagnosis and improve patient

compliance with therapy. Covidien´s new trio

of CPAP devices is united with Covidien´s

sleep diagnostic system under the Sandman line. 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.