Abstract: A pressure sensitive valve for a positive pressure airway system which allows bi-directional flow with low resistance. When positive pressure from the air generator of the positive pressure airway system is lost, a spring actuated disc moves away from its compressed position to block the outlet of the air generator. By blocking the outlet of the air generator, the path of entry for contaminants is significantly restricted in so doing, an alternate, low resistance path to atmosphere is exposed to allow contaminants to escape.

Abstract: A miniature nasal mask for supplying breathing gas to a human user through an interface with the user's nares, the interface being maintained by a contact seal which engages the user's face only within an area between the tip and immediately adjacent lateral flanks of the user's nose adjacent to the nares, and the user's upper lip.

Abstract: A self-regulating valve device adapted for use with respiratory equipment of a type which produces a pressurized flow of breathing gas. The valve device affords automatic access to the ambient atmosphere in the event of respiratory equipment malfunction and includes a primary inlet, a secondary inlet and an outlet. The primary inlet is adapted for connection to a ported exhalation valve which, in turn, is connected to one end of an elongated flexible tube, the opposite end of which is connected to a gas flow generator. The outlet, in turn, is connected to the inlet of an oral, nasal or oral/nasal respiratory mask respectively adapted to cover the patient's mouth, nose or mouth and nose. The valve device further comprises a pressure-responsive valve element for regulating gas flow into the inlet of the respiratory mask. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the valve device may be used in conjunction with a tracheotomy tube or an endotracheal tube or similar patient interface means.

Abstract: A flexible, resilient respiratory mask facial seal adapted for confronting engagement with the face of a user to form an annular sealed interface encompassing a predetermined portion of the user's face. The facial seal includes a peripheral wall and an inturned flap seal. The flap seal projects radially inwardly of the peripheral wall and defines a contoured sealing surface adapted for confronting and sealing engagement with the user's face. The flap seal includes a recessed area corresponding substantially in the shape to a human nose for continuously and matingly conforming to the front and side contours of the user's nose when the facial seal is brought into confronting engagement with the user's face. The facial seal may be adapted for attachment to a respiratory mask body or may be removably placeable over the facial seal of an existing respiratory mask.

Abstract: A quick release/connect mechanism used with nasal and/or oral gas delivery masks. The mechanism attaches to the mask and to the head gear, acting as a connection link. While under normal use the connection remains intact. However, when the release cord is pulled, the mechanism is inclined and becomes free from one of the head gear straps and the connection is broken, allowing the mask to fall quickly from the face. Upon reattachment, the still-adjusted strap simply slips back into place on the mechanism to allow continuation of therapy. Reattachment is accomplished without having to readjust the strap for proper fit.

Abstract: A self-regulating valve device adapted for use with respiratory equipment of a type which produces a pressurized flow of breathing gas. The valve device affords automatic access to the ambient atmosphere in the event of respiratory equipment malfunction and includes a primary inlet, a secondary inlet and an outlet. The primary inlet is adapted for connection to a ported exhalation valve which, in turn, is connected to one end of an elongated flexible tube, the opposite end of which is connected to a gas flow generator. The outlet, in turn, is connected to the inlet of an oral, nasal or oral/nasal respiratory mask respectively adapted to cover the patient's mouth, nose or mouth and nose. The valve device further comprises a pressure-responsive valve element for regulating gas flow into the inlet of the respiratory mask. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, there is additionally provided a diffuser element positioned generally at the valve outlet/mask inlet junction.