PITTSBURGH, April 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Respironics, Inc. (Nasdaq: RESP) announced today the U.S. and international market launch of its new, high-performance Stardust(TM) Sleep Diagnostic Device.

Stardust is a powerful, seven-channel, three sensor, portable sleep diagnostic tool. It was designed to be one of the smallest, lightest and most comfortable sleep recorders in the sleep diagnostic marketplace. The product can be used in both the home and sleep lab and it has a wide range of patient applications for screening and diagnosing sleep disordered breathing.

The Stardust Recorder is worn on the chest of the patient and records physiological data while the patient sleeps. Three sensors plug directly into the recorder, allowing patients more freedom of movement while they sleep compared to the more traditional, larger sleep diagnostic units. The sleep data is then downloaded and analyzed by StarDust's host software. The host software is based on Alice(R) 4 technology that is used in Respironics' more sophisticated sleep lab systems. This simplified Windows(R)-based application is easy to learn and use.

"Awareness and diagnosis are primary objectives in Respironics' recently introduced Sleep Management program. In a recent study, it was noted that 30 million Americans suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea; of those 30 million Americans approximately 28 million remain undiagnosed," commented John Miclot, Respironics' home care division president. "Statistics such as this substantiate the opportunity for Respironics to grow the business in the sleep disorders marketplace."

"The simplicity of Stardust allows the health care provider the flexibility to send the unit home with a patient for initial sleep studies or follow-up studies to ensure compliance," noted Mr. Miclot. "Our small, lightweight diagnostic equipment frees the patient from bulky large recorders, allowing a more natural sleep to take place while the study is being performed. The Stardust Sleep Diagnostic Device enhances Respironics' leadership in developing innovative technologies and programs," concluded Mr. Miclot.

You can book a screening with the Stardust here.

Respironics, a recognized resource in the medical device market, provides innovative products and unique programs to health care providers that are designed to help them to grow and manage their businesses efficiently. The company's focus is on home care, hospital and international markets, providing programs that manage sleep disordered breathing, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, infant care, and restrictive lung disorders. Globally positioned, the company employs approximately 1,800 individuals worldwide and has manufacturing facilities in several domestic and international locations.