Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining water level in a humidifier chamber that is part of a humidified gases delivery apparatus and system. The method comprising the steps of delivering power to a heater plate, varying the power delivered to the heater plate, measuring the rate of change of temperature and determining the level of water based on the heating characteristics of the volume of water within the chamber, in particular determining the level of water within the chamber based on the rate of change of temperature and the supplied power.

Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus is designed for use with delivery of respiratory gases to a patient. The breathing assistance apparatus includes a patient interface, having a body section adapted to cover the nose, or nose and mouth of a patient and a sealing interface. The sealing interface includes at least an outer sealing member. The outer sealing member (201) is adapted to attach to the body section in a sealing manner and has a substantially thin section (203) in at least its nasal bridge region. The thin section is substantially thinner than the rest of the outer sealing member.

Abstract: A mask is disclosed that has a gas outlet which is quiet and provides for a diffused outlet flow of gases. The outlet is preferably a slot formed between a hollow body and cover over said hollow body. The mask also preferably extends and seals under a user's chin in use.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a nasal cannula is shaped to fit within a user's nares, where the nasal cannula includes at least one prong allowing high flow delivery of humidified gases and creates positive airway pressure in the patient's airway. The prongs have angled ends such that, in use, gases flowing through the prongs are directed to the user's nasal passages. The nasal cannula body is partially swivelling and preferably has a ball joint connector. In another embodiment the nasal cannula may have at least one flared end prong that preferably seals within a patient's nare.

Abstract: A mask is disclosed that has a gas outlet which is quiet and provides for a diffused outlet flow of gases. The outlet is preferably a slot formed between a hollow body and cover over said hollow body. The mask also preferably extends and seals under a user's chin in use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for delivering a supply of gases to a patient. The device includes a patient interface and connecting member. The connecting member is preferably a L-shaped swiveled connector that is capable of being fixed into one of two positions, a first position where the connector is freely rotatable within the patient interface, and a second position where an interference between the interface and connector prevents the free rotation of the connector within the patient interface. The present invention further relates to a connector that has outlet means, which includes at least one outlet vent and a funnel, which in use directs and passes a substantial portion gases expired from the patient through the outlet vent or vents.

Abstract: A sealing interface includes an inner cushion and an outer sheath. The outer sheath substantially seals against the facial contours of the user. The inner cushion and the outer sheath each have a nasal bridge region, left and right cheek regions and either one of an upper lip region or a chin region. In use these regions are aligned with the corresponding nasal bridge region, left and right cheek regions and either the upper lip region or the chin region of a user. The inner cushion includes a hinged region. The hinged region is adapted to flex substantially independently of the inner cushion cheek regions.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a nasal cannula is shaped to fit within a user's nares, where the nasal cannula includes at least one prong allowing high flow delivery of humidified gases and creates positive airway pressure in the patient's airway. The prongs have angled ends such that, in use, gases flowing through the prongs are directed to the user's nasal passages. The nasal cannula body is partially swivelling and preferably has a ball joint connector. In another embodiment the nasal cannula may have at least one flared end prong that preferably seals within a patient's nare.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a nasal cannula is shaped to fit within a user's nares, where the nasal cannula includes at least one prong allowing high flow delivery of humidified gases and creates positive airway pressure in the patient's airway. The prongs have angled ends such that, in use, gases flowing through the prongs are directed to the user's nasal passages. The nasal cannula body is partially swivelling and preferably has a ball joint connector. In another embodiment the nasal cannula may have at least one flared end prong that preferably seals within a patient's nare.

Abstract: A mask assembly for use as part of an apparatus for supplying a flow of respiratory gases to a user is disclosed. The mask assembly includes a mask body having an inlet through which said flow of respiratory gases are provided to the interior of said mask body. A mask seal assembly comprising a seal of flexible material and a clip of rigid material is attached to the body. The seal has a first side and a second side. The first side of the seal is shaped to approximately match the contours of a user's face and in use substantially seal against a user's face. The second side is attached to the clip. The clip provides an interface extending substantially the full perimeter or periphery of the mask seal assembly for releasably attaching the mask seal assembly to the mask body. The clip comprises a bridging portion spanning outwards from the perimeter or periphery of the mask body to space at least a portion of the second side of the seal outwards from the perimeter or periphery of the mask body.

Abstract: A sealing interface includes an inner cushion and an outer sheath. The outer sheath substantially seals against the facial contours of the user. The inner cushion and the outer sheath each have a nasal bridge region, left and right cheek regions and either one of an upper lip region or a chin region. In use these regions are aligned with the corresponding nasal bridge region, left and right cheek regions and either the upper lip region or the chin region of a user. The inner cushion includes a hinged region. The hinged region is adapted to flex substantially independently of the inner cushion cheek regions.

Abstract: A mask is disclosed that has a gas outlet which is quiet and provides for a diffused outlet flow of gases. The outlet is preferably a slot formed between a hollow body and cover over said hollow body. The mask also preferably extends and seals under a user's chin in use.

Abstract: A nasal cannula for use in a system for providing a flow of respiratory gases to a user is described. The nasal cannula comprises a body made from a pliable material. The body has an inlet and at least one nasal prong fluidly connected to the inlet. In use a conduit providing a flow of gases to the cannula is connected to the inlet, and the nasal prong is inserted into a user's nostril. The cannula is arranged to direct the flow of gases from the nasal prong towards the front wall of the user's nasal passage within the user's nose.

Abstract: A patient interface has a single loop headstrap and a mask for covering at least the nostrils of the user. The single loop headstrap extends from the mask at either end. A short length of supple conduit is coupled to the mask by a swivel or ball joint to allow rotation of the conduit relative to the mask through different angles and orientations.

Abstract: A patient interface that is comfortable for a user to wear is disclosed. The patient interface includes a forehead rest and cushion. In particular the cushion includes a deformable resilient member that when compressed creates a uniformly and gradually increasing force while evenly distributing the pressure on the forehead of the patient.

Abstract: A mask is disclosed that has a gas outlet which is quiet and provides for a diffused outlet flow of gases. The outlet is preferably a slot formed between a hollow body and cover over said hollow body. The mask also preferably extends and seals under a user's chin in use.

Abstract: Headgear for use with a respiratory mask is described. The headgear comprises a continuous and substantially curved elongate member extending in use below a user's nose and at least two headgear straps capable of attachment to the ends of the elongate member. A mask attachment on the elongate member is disposed to sit below or on one of said user's nose, mouth, upper lip and an inlet to the mask. The attachment is capable of receiving the mask.

Abstract: Headgear for use with a respiratory mask is described. The headgear comprises a continuous and substantially curved elongate member extending in use below a user's nose and at least two headgear straps capable of attachment to the ends of the elongate member. A mask attachment on the elongate member is disposed to sit below or on one of said user's nose, mouth, upper lip and an inlet to the mask. The attachment is capable of receiving the mask.

Abstract: A mask is disclosed that has a gas outlet which is quiet and provides for a diffused outlet flow of gases. The outlet is preferably a slot formed between a hollow body and cover over said hollow body. The mask also preferably extends and seals under a user's chin in use.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus for improved breathing is provided. The apparatus may include an improved oral appliance, an improved mask, an improved coupler to couple an oral appliance to a mask, and/or a combination of these improvements.