Covidien Launches Sandman Info(TM) and Sandman Auto(TM) CPAP Devices in the United States.

Newest Additions to Covidien Family of Sleep Therapy Devices Offer Comfort, Control and Accuracy

BOULDER, Colo. -- Covidien (NYSE: COV, BSX: COV), a leading global healthcare products company, today announced that two new continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, the Sandman Info(TM) and the Sandman Auto(TM),are now available in the United States. 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 also available in selected European markets and will soon be available in 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 Intro(TM)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.