Exhibit 99.2:  Press Release Dated August 19, 1999

Respironics Names James W. Liken Chief Executive Officer, To Succeed
Dennis S. Meteny

PITTSBURGH, Aug. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Respironics, Inc. (Nasdaq: RESP), a
Pittsburgh-based designer and manufacturer of advanced medical devices, today
named James W. Liken President and Chief Executive Officer to succeed Dennis S.
Meteny.

"Our company initiated a restructuring program in order to position the company
to be increasingly responsive to the changing health care environment and our
customers," said Gerald E. McGinnis, the company's founder and chairman. "Jim
Liken's appointment is an important step in completing the restructuring. We
believe his experience in the marketing, distribution and sales side of the
medical product business and his entrepreneurial spirit will generate the
greatest benefits for our customers, employees and shareholders."

McGinnis called Meteny a "builder" who, during his five-year tenure as chief
executive officer, created a company with the broadest and most complete product
line in the industry while increasing Respironics' revenue five-fold. In doing
so, "Dennis built a manufacturing capability and management team second to
none," McGinnis said.

Liken, 49, is a member of the Respironics board and has advised the company on a
number of marketing and sales strategies as a consultant. "The board knows Jim
very well and Jim knows Respironics," McGinnis said. "Under Jim, we will refocus
our attention on our customers and customer service as never before. "

In 1990, Jim Liken started Liken Home Medical and led his company to become one
of the largest providers of home oxygen, respiratory and medical equipment and
respiratory medications in Western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio and West Virginia.
In July of 1998 he sold that business to Lincare, Inc. of Clearwater, Fla., and
since then has been a private investor and consultant.

Liken has demonstrated leadership on the national level as a member of the Board
of Directors of the National Association for Medical Equipment Services since
1984. He served as Chairman of that Association from 1987 to 1989 and again from
1997 to 1998. He has served as a consultant to the Japanese Government on home
health care issues. He served as President of the Pennsylvania Association of
Medical Suppliers from 1981 to 1983. Liken is a member of the Business Advisory
Council of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland.

"In my role as a Respironics Director and consultant, I gained familiarity with
the management group and the organization. I look forward to working with the
strong Respironics team," added Liken.

Consistent with the previously announced organization structure, the operating
management team will be led by Craig B. Reynolds as executive vice president and
chief operating officer. Mr. Liken's other direct reports will consist of Daniel
J. Bevevino as chief financial officer, Richard A. Gruber in corporate quality
assurance, Dorita A. Pishko as corporate secretary, and Robert D. Crouch as
senior vice president of new ventures and corporate services.

Mr. Reynolds will be responsible for the day to day operations of all
businesses. Reporting to Craig will be four key officers in charge of the
operating divisions; John L. Miclot for homecare; Paul L. Woodring for hospital;
Susan A. Lloyd for asthma/allergy; and Geoffrey C. Waters for international.

"Jim's successful business career has been focused on marketing, selling and
distributing products and services through home health care organizations to end
users who range from hospitals to individuals," said McGinnis, noting that
almost 70 percent of Respironics' sales are channeled through Home Healthcare
Equipment


providers in the United States. "Jim understands our customers' needs and we
intend to use his experience to help them to further build their businesses,"
McGinnis said.

Respironics is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of technologically
advanced medical devices for use in the home, hospital and alternative clinical
care settings. The company employs almost 1,800 individuals worldwide and has
manufacturing facilities in several domestic and international locations. In
addition to therapy products for obstructive sleep apnea and portable
ventilation, the company's major product lines include monitoring devices for
newborns, sleep diagnostics and a variety of products for the treatment of
respiratory disorders, including asthma management devices.

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements
relating to developments in the healthcare industry, third-party reimbursement
policies and practices, future sales of the company's products, new product
development, anticipated cost savings and regulatory requirements, which are
subject to change. Actual results may differ materially from those described in
any forward-looking statements. Additional information on potential factors that
could affect the company's financial results are included in the reports filed
with the SEC, including the reports on Form 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K.