1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.5
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-4) and related Prospectus of Nellcor Puritan
Bennett Incorporated and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report
dated June 12, 1996, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and
schedule of Aequitron Medical, Inc. incorporated by reference in its Annual
Report (Form 10-K/A) for the year ended April 30, 1996, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
                                          ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Minneapolis, Minnesota
October 23, 1996