Abstract: A system and method for delivering a flow of breathing gas to an airway of a patient. The system monitors a characteristic that varies based on variations of the flow of the breathing gas and determines a Target Flow for the gas to be delivered to the patient based on the monitored characteristic. The Target Flow is set to a level sufficient to treat Cheyne-Stokes respiration or a sleep disordered breathing event. The system also alters the Target Flow based on a determination that the patient is experiencing a sleep disordered breathing event. The system further determines a pressure relief component and controls the flow of gas delivered to the patient based on the Target Flow and the pressure relief component.

Abstract: A strap for use in a mask attachment assembly. The strap includes a hook pad provided on a first portion of a surface of the strap located and having a first width extending perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the strap. The hook pad includes a plurality of hooks. Loops are provided on a second portion of the surface of the strap. The second portion has a second width extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the strap. The plurality of loops extend entirely across the second width and are configured to engage the plurality of hooks in a releasable and engageable manner. The second width is greater than the first width, and an outer edge portion of the first portion of the surface surrounding at least a portion of the hook pad, wherein the outer edge portion does not include any hooks.

Abstract: A patient interface for communicating fluids to and/or from a patient's nasal cavity and/or oral cavity is disclosed. In addition, a patient interface for fluid and physiological function monitoring proximate to the patient's nasal cavity and/or oral cavity is disclosed. An apnea monitor and a method for monitoring apnea are also disclosed.

Abstract: A patient interface of the present invention includes a faceplate including a plurality of headgear attachment elements, a seal member operatively coupled to the faceplate; and an adjustment mechanism coupling the seal member to the faceplate. The adjustment mechanism controls the position of the seal member relative to the faceplate such that the seal member is moveable from a first position to a second position and is maintained in the second position during use of the patient interface after being moved to the second position.

Abstract: A patient interface includes a body portion configured to communicate with at least one fluid path, and at least one nostril interface extending from the body portion. The nostril interface includes an insertion portion configured to be inserted into a nostril of a patient and to be in communication with the at least one fluid path. In an embodiment, the insertion portion includes a plurality of laterally directed openings configured to communicate fluid between the fluid path and the nostril. The patient interface also includes a seal portion that is constructed and arranged to provide a seal between the patient interface and the nostril.

Abstract: A patient interface device that includes a support member sized and configured to span at least a portion of a patient's face while remaining below the patient's eyes responsive to the patient interface device being donned by such a patient and a sealing assembly operatively coupled to the support member such that the support member is moveable relative to the support member. The support member defines a gas carrying conduit adapted to carry a flow of gas to the sealing assembly. The support member is a single-piece unitary member and includes a conduit coupling portion adapted to be coupled to a patient circuit.

Abstract: A patient treatment system and method comprising a patient circuit, a pressurizing flow module disposed in the patient circuit, a humidifier disposed in the patient circuit, a monitor, sensors within the patient circuit, and a processor. The patient circuit delivers a flow of gas from a gas source to an airway of a patient. The pressurizing flow module elevates the pressure of the gas within the patient circuit. The humidifier elevates the humidity of the gas in the patient circuit to a circuit humidity level. The monitor monitors at least one parameter of the gas from the gas source. The sensors generate corresponding signals that can be processed to estimate a rate at which vapor is added to the gas in the patient circuit. The processor determines the humidity level of the gas in the patient circuit downstream from the humidifier based on the signals generated by the sensors and the at least one parameter of the gas in the gas source.

Abstract: A respiratory mask is provided having an outer shell coupled to a cushion for the delivery of a gas to a user. The cushion of the respiratory mask has at least one pleat disposed in the cushion in order to provide varying degrees of flexibility and support about the cushion.

Abstract: A patient interface for communicating fluids to and/or from a patient's nasal cavity and/or oral cavity is disclosed. In addition, a patient interface for fluid and physiological function monitoring proximate to the patient's nasal cavity and/or oral cavity is disclosed. An apnea monitor and a method for monitoring apnea are also disclosed.

Abstract: A prone positioning apparatus includes a support member for supporting an infant in a prone position. The support member has first and second ends, first and second sides having first and second opposing recesses, respectively, a top surface facing the infant, and a bottom surface. A first portion disposed at or about the first end, supports the infant's head or trunk. A second portion extends from the first portion and supports the other of the infant's head or trunk. The infant's head and trunk are, therefore, aligned and elevated with respect to at least a portion of the infant's arms and legs, in order that the infant's spine is substantially straight. The first and second recesses receive at least a portion of one of the infant's arms. A support system including at least one accessory for securing the infant in the prone position, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A patient interface assembly that includes a patient interface device, a headgear, and pivoting coupling member joining the interface device to a headgear assembly. In one embodiment, the patient interface device is a nasal cushion that includes a formable support mounted to the nasal cushion for providing support and adjustment of the nasal cushion to improve fit and comfort. In a further embodiment, a pair of rigid connecting members couple the patient interface device to the headgear.

Abstract: A patient interface of the present invention includes a faceplate including a plurality of headgear attachment elements, a seal member operatively coupled to the faceplate; and an adjustment mechanism coupling the seal member to the faceplate. The adjustment mechanism controls the position of the seal member relative to the faceplate such that the seal member is moveable from a first position to a second position and is maintained in the second position during use of the patient interface after being moved to the second position.

Abstract: A patient interface device that includes a support member sized and configured to span at least a portion of a patient's face while remaining below the patient's eyes responsive to the patient interface device being donned by such a patient and a sealing assembly operatively coupled to the support member such that the support member is moveable relative to the support member. The support member defines a gas carrying conduit adapted to carry a flow of gas to the sealing assembly. The support member is a single-piece unitary member and includes a conduit coupling portion adapted to be coupled to a patient circuit.

Abstract: A mask assembly (10) is provided for delivering gas to a patient that includes a mask body (12) and a breathing circuit interface (16). The mask body includes an opening (13) for reception of the gas and includes a seal structure (20) for sealingly engaging with the face of the patient and surrounding at least the nose and mouth of the patient. The breathing circuit interface includes a first portion (17) rotatably connected with the mask body and a second portion (19) that is constructed and arranged to releasably connect with a conduit (18) for delivering the gas to the patient through the opening.

Abstract: A magnetic coupling assembly for use in coupling portions of a gas deliver system. The magnetic coupling assembly includes a first member and a second member to be coupled together. The attractive forces between the first plurality of magnetic elements on the first member and a second plurality of magnetic elements on the second member join these member. The poles of magnetic elements in the first and second plurality of magnetic elements is opposite that of an adjacent magnetic element. The first and second members are easily detached from one another simply by rotating the first member relative to the second member such that the magnetic poles of the magnetic elements in each plurality of magnetic elements become unaligned, causing an weakening of the attractive forces.

Abstract: A seal and a mask using a seal that includes a first end portion adapted to be coupled to a seal support, a second end portion adapted for sealing engagement with a face of a user, and a sidewall extending between the first end portion and the second end portion. The first end portion, second end portion, sidewall, or any combination thereof is formed from an elastomeric material having an elongation of at least 1000%. The seal preferably formed from a unitary piece of elastomeric material.

Abstract: A pressure generating system and method for generating a flow of fluid at a pressure above atmospheric pressure. The system includes a pressure generator and a valve that controls the pressure/flow of gas delivered to the patient. The system monitors energy provided to the valve, a characteristics associated with movement of the valve, a position of the valve, or any combination thereof. In addition, the controller controls an operating speed of the pressure generator such that the valve operates over a majority of the range of positions during use of the pressure support system.

Abstract: A gas delivery system including a pressure generator, a pressure sensor, a control valve, and a processor. The pressure generator pressurizes breathable gas for delivery to a patient. The pressure sensor measures a pressure difference between the pressurized breathable gas and atmospheric pressure. The control valve is disposed downstream from the pressure generator and is constructed and arranged to control a flow rate of the pressurized breathable gas. The processor controls the control valve to bring the flow rate of the pressurized breathable gas to substantially zero while the pressure generator is operating and, when the flow rate is substantially zero, determines at least one of atmospheric pressure, an atmospheric air density, or a density correction factor based at least in part on the pressure difference between the pressurized breathable gas and the atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A respiratory mask is provided having cushion and a shell wherein the cushion has a frustum portion that extends towards the face of the user to provide a larger more stable and comfortable interface with a user which is better able to conform to the complex geometry of the user's face.

Abstract: The present system is an adsorption system for separating air into a concentrated gas component, which has an air supply, a compressor for receiving and compressing the air supply, providing a compressed air supply, and molecular sieve material for separating the compressed air supply into a concentrated gas component. The adsorption system delivers at least 5 liters per minute (LPM) of concentrated gas component from the molecular sieve material in which the system has a specific total weight per LPM <9 lbs/LPM. Additionally, an output quantity of the concentrated gas is delivered by the adsorption system and a purging quantity of the concentrated gas is dispensed into a sieve chamber of the adsorption system undergoing a purge cycle. The purging quantity has a value equal to or less than the difference between the maximum quantity and the output quantity, and the purging quantity is controlled based on the output quantity.