Covidien Ltd. (NYSE: COV, BSX: COV), a leading supplier of
continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and other sleep therapy
devices and accessories, announced today 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(TM) 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(TM) 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. Please visit www.covidien.com to learn more about our
business.
