Exhibit 23.1

                        Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Post Effective Amendment No. 1 on Form S-8 to Form S-4 No. 333-43703)
pertaining to the Healthdyne Technologies, Inc. 1996 Stock Option Plan,
Healthdyne Technologies, Inc. Stock Option Plan, Healthdyne Technologies, Inc.
Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan, and Healthdyne Technologies, Inc. Stock
Option Plan II; (Form S-8 No. 333-22639) pertaining to the 1997 Employee Stock
Purchase Plan; (Form S-8 No. 333-16721) pertaining to the Respironics, Inc.
Retirement Savings Plan; (Form S-8 No. 33-89308) pertaining to the 1992 Stock
Incentive Plan; (Form S-8 No. 33-44716) pertaining to the 1991 Nonemployee
Directors' Stock Option Plan; and (Form S-8 No. 33-36459) pertaining to the
Amended and Restated Incentive Stock Option Plan of Respironics, Inc. and Gerald
E. McGinnis and the Consulting Agreement dated July 1, 1988 between Respironics,
Inc. and Mark H. Sanders M.D. of our report dated September 28, 1998, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Respironics,
Inc. and Subsidiaries included in the Annual Report Form 10-K for the year 
June 30, 1998.


                                          /s/Ernst & Young, LLP

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
September 28, 1998