RespCare Introduces the Revolutionary Hybrid Sleep Therapy Device

COCONUT CREEK, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 19, 2006--RespCare, Inc. announced today that it has launched its revolutionary Hybrid(TM) Universal CPAP interface. The Hybrid(TM) interface has a unique combination of nasal pillows with an oral interface and is expected to become the interface of choice for the majority of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients.

The company has signed an exclusive global distribution agreement with the medical division of a Fortune 1000 company. RespCare expects revenues in the excess of $100 million over a five year period from the sale of this product. The company has filed over 10 patents globally related to this product. The company also states that there is a large and growing market for the new device for non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in critical care and long term care environments.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is used to treat sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), which is estimated to affect approximately 20 million Americans. The global market for CPAP interfaces exceeded $500 million in 2005 and is growing at 20 - 25% a year. Other companies in this space include ResMed Inc. (NYSE:RMD), Respironics, Inc. (Nasdaq:RESP), Fisher & Paykel Healthcare (NZSX: FPH, ASX: FPH) and Tyco Healthcare, a major business segment of Tyco International Ltd (NYSE:TYC).

Titration studies performed at Boca Raton Sleep Center in Boca Raton, FL have confirmed that this therapy will be an excellent interface of choice for sleep lab technicians and respiratory therapists.

"Being involved in the trial of a new interface was exciting for us, but the hybrid brings a new meaning to Full Face Interface options. Oral leaks are one of the most difficult side effects one can encounter during a therapeutic sleep study (as reported by many technologists) but an ongoing problem on follow up visits in the clinic for the life span of the patient. Humidification has been helpful in part battling this problem but not the complete picture", said Dr. Natalio J. Chediak, who is associated with Boca Raton Sleep Center.

"RespCare's new family line of Full Face masks has brought back the meaning of comfort and versatility in a universal interface. Our technologists and patients found fitting the Hybrid(TM) to be a simple task and with the different nasal insert and oral cushion sizes, this mask is versatile in its application and for use at home," Dr. Chediak added.

He went on to say, "Additionally, the Hybrid(TM) brings a totally new mask, with un-obstructive view so patients can read before bedtime and eliminate any of the fore-head or bridge of the nose abrasions that one sees with traditional Full Face masks. The quick trap release and hose disconnect are standard as with other FFM interfaces. In summary, the Hybrid(TM) is like a 'breath of fresh air' to the meaning of FFM options."

About RespCare, Inc.

RespCare, Inc., headquartered in Coconut Creek, Fl is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mergenet Solutions, Inc and is engaged in developing, commercializing, manufacturing and marketing products to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and other respiratory disorders. Its sister company, InnoMed Technologies, Inc. developed and launched the revolutionary Nasal-Aire CPAP interface in 2002 that captured 10% market share within 2 years and continues to be a widely accepted CPAP interface in the worldwide OSA and non-invasive ventilation (NIV) markets. More information on the Hybrid(TM) interface can be found at www.hybridmask.com

Contacts

RespCare, Inc.
Elizabeth Kelley Grace, 561-989-9855
cell: 561-702-7471
lizkgrace@aol.com