Abstract: The systems and methods provide for novel a triggering mode that allows the patient to trigger or initiate the delivery of a breath during ventilation on a ventilator. Further, the systems and methods provide for triggering ventilation utilizing a statistical trigger mode. Additionally, the systems and methods provide for analyzing and/or displaying information related to a potential change in a triggering threshold for a currently utilized breath type.

Abstract: A respiratory component measurement system that includes an airway adapter adapted to be placed in fluid communication with an airway of a patient and a sensor element in physical communication with the airway adapter. The sensor element is adapted to detect an orientation related characteristic of the airway adapter, a motion related characteristic of the airway adapter, or both. A respiratory component sensor is also adapted to be disposed on the airway adapter so as to measure a characteristic associated with a flow of gas through the airway adapter.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a carbon dioxide inhalation treatment device for central sleep apnea comprising a blower, a gas cylinder filled with carbon dioxide (CO2), an airbag, a mask, and a detection mechanism for detecting the central apnea by measuring the electromyographic activity of the chest wall muscles. The mask is provided with multiple holes providing a communication between the inside and outside of the mask in order to prevent any sense of resistance of breathing and to provide greater control of inspired CO2. Inspired CO2 from a gas mixture containing also a minimum 20% O2 is driven by air using a blower into a mixing chamber. This carbon dioxide inhalation treatment device for central sleep apnea can provide a stable, mild level of carbon dioxide for patients with central sleep apnea, thus by preserving respiratory drive correcting central sleep apnea without increasing the arousal and microarousal frequency.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling a patient's body temperature and in particular for inducing therapeutic hypothermia. Various embodiments of the system are described. The system includes: a source of breathing gas, which may be in the form of a compressed breathing gas mixture; a heat exchanger or other heating and/or cooling device; and a breathing interface, such as a breathing mask or tracheal tube. Optionally, the system may include additional features, such as a mechanical respirator, a nebulizer for introducing medication into the breathing gas, a body temperature probe and a feedback controller. The system can use air or a specialized breathing gas mixture, such as He/O2 or SF/O2 to increase the heat transfer rate. In addition, the system may include an ice particle generator for introducing fine ice particles into the flow of breathing gas to further increase the heat transfer rate.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a diaper comprises a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core. The absorbent layer comprises at least a longitudinally-extending central portion, and a first and second side portions disposed transversally outward of the central portion. The absorbent core further comprises first and second folding guides between the central portion and the side portions. Each side portion comprises a plurality of winglets, each winglet having a proximal side relative to a folding guide and extending outward from this proximal side, and wherein neighboring winglets are separated by a gap between their neighboring sides. The central portion and the side portions form a three-dimensional basin when the absorbent core is folded along the folding guides. The article further may comprise at least one liquid management layer substantially free of superabsorbent polymer between the topsheet and the absorbent core. The absorbent core may be substantially free of cellulose fibers.

Abstract: Disposable absorbent diapers are provided with improved comfort, fit and liquid transportation. The absorbent core of the disposable absorbent diapers includes at least one absorbent structure having a substrate layer and an absorbent layer with channels.

Abstract: A blower includes a housing including a proximal opening and a distal opening that are co-axially aligned, a stator component) provided to the housing, an impeller positioned between the proximal opening of the housing and the stator component, and a motor adapted to drive the impeller. The impeller includes a plurality of impeller blades. The stator component includes a plurality of air directing grooves along its exterior surface. The leading edge of the air directing grooves extend tangentially outwards from the outer tips of the impeller blades and are configured to collect the air exiting the impeller blades and direct it from a generally tangential direction to a generally radial direction by dividing the air from the impeller and directing the air along a curved path towards the distal opening so that airflow becomes substantially laminar.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a diaper comprises a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core. The absorbent layer comprises at least a longitudinally-extending central portion, and a first and second side portions disposed transversally outward of the central portion. The absorbent core further comprises first and second curved folding guides between the central portion and the side portions. Each side portion comprises a plurality of winglets, each winglet having a proximal side relative to a folding guide and extending outward from this proximal side, and wherein neighboring winglets are separated by a gap between their neighboring sides. The central portion and the side portions form a three-dimensional basin when the absorbent core is folded along the folding guides. The absorbent core is substantially free of cellulose fibers. The article further may comprise at least one liquid management layer substantially free of superabsorbent polymer between the topsheet and the absorbent core.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an absorbent article includes a moisture-impervious outer layer, an inner layer substantially co-extensive with the outer layer, and an absorbent layer interposed between the outer layer and the inner layer. The inner layer is treated with at least one antimicrobial booster. The absorbent layer is treated with at least one antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: Absorbent cores for use in absorbent articles are presented. The absorbent cores include a low-density zone that is surrounded by zones having a higher density than that of the low-density zone. The low-density zone aids in fluid absorption, distribution and storage.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a compliance monitor for monitoring patient usage of a medicament inhaler, the medicament inhaler including a store of medicament, a first housing for housing the store of medicament, a medicament dispenser for delivering a dose of medicament, a mouthpiece for directing the dose of medicament into the mouth of the patient, and a removable and replaceable cap for the mouthpiece. The compliance monitor includes a cap detector, such as a switch, for determining when the cap is covering the mouthpiece and/or for determining that the cap is being removed or replaced, with respect to the mouthpiece. The compliance monitor may also include a dose detector, such as a switch, for determining that a dose of medicament has been dispensed. Furthermore the cap is attached to the first housing by a tether or hinge.

Abstract: A bite block (100) for use during endoscopic examination, comprising: —a bite block frame (101) sized and adapted to be fitted around a patient's mouth (401), —biting means (110) having a through hole (111) allowing a tube (301) to run through it, wherein the biting means protects the tube from the teeth of a patient (400) when in use, and —expanding means (122) connected to control means (200) for controlling the level of expansion of the expanding means, —wherein said expanding means are arranged onto holding means (120) being sized and adapted to be removably fitted into said trough hole of said biting means and wherein said holding means also comprise a through hole (121) allowing said tube to run through it. The bite block may be used without the holding means in the cases where no stopping function is needed.

Abstract: There is provided an exhaled breath moisture reduction system including a dryer mechanism and a connector adapted to connect the dryer mechanism proximate to a respiratory output device. There is also provided an exhaled breath sampling assembly including an airway adaptor and a moisture reduction sleeve comprising a material adapted to reduce moisture and a connector adapted to connect said sleeve substantially adjacent to a breath sampling inlet within the adaptor. Also provided, a method of sampling breath which includes attaching an exhaled breath moisture reduction sleeve substantially adjacent to a breath sampling inlet.

Abstract: A mask for use in delivering air at a therapeutic pressure to a patient in need of therapy receives air from an air tube into an inelastic cloth mask portion that is attached to an interface portion constructed of an elastic material. The interface portion is a three dimensional structure that is attached at its edges to the mask portion and has a nose hole for receiving the patient's nose. When air is delivered the elastic interface portion pillows out and forms a seal against the patient's face. To assist with the seal, a structural assistance member may optionally be disposed on the interface portion above the nose hole so that it can be adjusted in the area of the bridge of the patient's nose.

Abstract: The present invention provides a respiratory adapter for inhaled media deposition in the lungs and airways. The respiratory adapter provides an inspiratory arm and an expiratory arm, wherein the two arms are joined by a bypass flow bridge. A system of valves, such as one-way valves, directs the flow of gas and media through the respiratory adapter to improve media deposition efficiency and to prevent re-breathing of exhaled gas.

Abstract: A compact single-nostril atomizer for the inhalation of active ingredients is presented. The atomizer has an elastic U-shaped housing, a first end of which can be introduced into the nostril and a second end of which is formed as a clamping element. In the first end of the housing a cavity for receiving a reservoir is disposed. A reservoir containing an active ingredient can be inserted into the cavity.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article comprising a first waist region, a second waist region, a crotch region disposed between the first waist region and second waist region; a first waist edge and a second waist edge; and a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge; the disposable absorbent article comprising a waistband and a leg gasketing system, wherein the waistband has a first gather count and the leg gasketing system has a second gather count such that the ratio of the first gather count to the second gather count is from about 0.75 to about 1.25.

Abstract: An endoscopy device for facilitating the use of an endoscope, comprising at least one airway tube and a mask carried at one end of the at least one airway rube, the mask having a distal end and a proximal end and a peripheral formation capable of conforming to, and of fitting within, the actual and potential space behind the larynx of the patient so as to form a seal around the circumference of the laryngeal inlet, the peripheral formation surrounding a hollow interior space or lumen of the mask and the at least one airway tube opening into the lumen of the mask, the device further comprising a conduit adapted for passage of an endoscope into the oesophagus of a patient when the mask is in place.

Abstract: Devices disclosed herein relate to humidification systems for making humidified ventilator air. The humidification system provides an elongated air path that increases both the surface area and time for air-water interaction, and thus increases efficiency of humidification. The humidification system also enables even distribution of heat and inhibition of bacterial growth within the system, thus improves comfort and safety for patients receiving respiratory therapy. Device disclosed herein also relates to tubing for delivering humidified ventilator air. The tubing includes an air passage and a heat blanket that envelops and warms up the air passage. The tubing thus prevents or decreases water condensation and loss of humidity of humidified air.

Abstract: Provided herein is a portable air purifier. The portable air purifier includes: a body; first to third accommodation portions configured to have respective open top surfaces in order to separately accommodate a battery, an air compressor, and water; first to third covers configured to selectively open and close the respective open top surfaces of the first to third accommodation portions; an air inlet connected to the lower portion of the second accommodation portion, and configured to accommodate a pre-filter; a siphon pipe positioned upright inside the water of the third accommodation portion, and configured such that the top thereof is connected to the air outlet of the air compressor; a cannula installed on the top of the third accommodation portion, and configured to supply purified, humidified air to a user; and a power switch configured to control the amount of air to be supplied.