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.
