Murrysville, Pa., USA - Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) has announced the introduction of the FitLife total face mask for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The mask, which covers the face from above the eyebrows to below the lower lip, is a solution for patients who have difficulty wearing conventional masks or who simply prefer a clear line of sight. The mask is being launched first in the U.S. and will be available globally in the third quarter of 2009.

Nasal bridge breakdown, facial irregularities, facial hair, dentures, and claustrophobia are patient challenges that impact the ability to establish effective therapy and comfort for patients. By establishing a robust seal around the less-pressure sensitive outer perimeter of the face, FitLife addresses these issues. The mask's unique geometry does not irritate the eyes and keeps air flow in the mouth and nose area, while enabling patients to maintain an unrestricted view. An over-molded cushion integrated into the mask frame improves patient comfort and reduces the number of parts. EZPeel tabs and snap clips simplify adjustment, removal, and re-application of the mask.

"With its revolutionary design, FitLife helps clinicians with their hard-to-fit patients," said Laurie Scott, U.S. marketing manager for patient interface, Philips Home Healthcare Solutions. "As a 'total solutions mask,' FitLife is easy to size, adjust, and seal, making it an effective solution for virtually any patient. In fact, our similar product, PerforMax, has been successful and well-received in critical care settings."
Reimbursable as a full-face mask, the FitLife total face mask is available in two sizes, small and large, with the large size fitting most patients. The mask is compatible with all therapy devices intended for the treatment of OSA from Respironics.

A common sleep disorder, OSA is a condition characterized by the repeated cessation of breathing during sleep. It is caused by the blockage of the upper airway due to such factors as a large tongue, extra tissue, or decreased muscle tone to hold the airway open. Each breathing stop can last from a few seconds to minutes and may occur five to 30 times or more each hour. OSA puts a strain on the heart and, if left untreated, can increase the risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, obesity, and diabetes. It also can increase the chance of having work-related or driving accidents. Symptoms include loud, disruptive snoring; gasping or choking during sleep; excessive daytime sleepiness; morning headaches; memory or learning problems; irritability; lack of concentration; mood swings, personality changes, or depression; dry throat when waking up; and frequent urination at night.

About Royal Philips Electronics

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified Health and Well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of "sense and simplicity". Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 116,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of $38 billion in 2008, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in flat TV, male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at http://www.philips.com/media.

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