1
                                                                      EXHIBIT 23


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Number
33-58789 on Form S-3 dated April 25, 1995, Registration Statement Number
33-82336 on Form S-8 dated August 3, 1994, Post Effective Amendment No. 1 on
Form S-3 dated August 12, 1994 to Registration Statement Number 33-67478 on Form
S-1 dated August 17, 1993, and Registration Statement Number 33-44786 on Form
S-8 dated December 30, 1991 pertaining to Novametrix Medical Systems Inc. 1990
Stock Option Plan of our report dated June 16, 1997, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of Novametrix Medical Systems Inc. included in
this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended April 27, 1997.


                                    /s/Ernst & Young, LLP


Hartford, Connecticut
July 22, 1997


                                      E-37